STANDING UNITED – North Sydney Bears X Mary’s House Services
The North Sydney Bears are proud to announce the continuation of Mary’s House Services as our official community partner for the season 2026 and beyond. This exciting partnership sees the Bears and Mary’s House Services come together to support women and children escaping domestic violence, raising awareness and contributing to positive change in the local community.
Mary’s House Services provides a range of support, including crisis accommodation, case management, and counselling for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse. The organisation’s commitment to safety, empowerment, and community aligns perfectly with the North Sydney Bears’ values, making this partnership a natural fit.
As part of the collaboration, the Bears will undertake various initiatives throughout the season to help spread awareness, fundraise, and promote the important work of Mary’s House Services. This includes special events, fundraising campaigns at home games, and community engagement activities that aim to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.
North Sydney Bears Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Club Captain, Coby Thomas, has taken the role as club liaison and spokesperson, championing the club’s commitment to the cause.
Mary’s House Services CEO, Yvette Vignando, also shared her enthusiasm for the partnership: “Having the support of such an iconic club like the North Sydney Bears means a great deal to us. The North Sydney Bears have demonstrated real, values-driven leadership by choosing to stand united with Mary’s House Services against domestic and family violence. With the full strength of their club behind this partnership, together we are making a difference, saving lives, and saying yes to safety and hope for women and children across our community.”
The North Sydney Bears and Mary’s House Services are united in the belief that communities thrive when their members are supported and safe. Through this partnership, both organisations hope to inspire action and provide meaningful support to those in need.
Captain’s Pledge
In a first for a NSWRL team, the North Sydney Bears stand united with community partner, Mary’s House Services, to engage Bears players and staff in a Captain’s Code pledge against domestic and family violence.
Delivered by our 2026 Captain Coby Thomas, the pledge reads:
“As a player and captain of the North Sydney Bears, I stand with my teammates united against domestic and family violence
We do not condone abuse in any form – physical, emotional, or psychological
We will not stand aside. We will stand up. Silence is not an option
I commit to showing respect to women, children and others around me on and off the field and if I see or hear anything that isn’t right, I will not stand aside.
I will not be silent but seek help and advice to create a Club where everyone feels safe and valued. I am committed to being part of the solution.”
The pledge was taken by senior Bears players after a training session on domestic and family violence, facilitated by Mary’s House Services, and the impact it can have on individuals and teams.
It has been communicated to players, members, sponsors and fans via a dedicated page on the Bears website where all community members have been encouraged to say no to domestic family violence.
“This pledge demonstrates our partnership with Mary’s House Services is more than a collaboration, it is a commitment to protect, empower, and advocate for women and families facing unimaginable circumstances. We are proud to stand united with an organisation creating real, life-saving change,” says Gareth Holmes, CEO, North Sydney Bears
Mary’s House Services CEO, Yvette Vignando, also shared her enthusiasm for the partnership: “Having the support of such an iconic community ingrained Club like the North Sydney Bears means a great deal to us.
“The pledge demonstrates real, values-driven leadership by choosing to stand united. With the full strength of their Club behind this partnership, together we are making a difference, saving lives, and saying yes to safety and hope for women and children across our community.”
“Domestic violence has no place in our community, and the North Sydney Bears are unwavering in that stance. Our partnership with Mary’s House Services is more than a collaboration — it is a commitment to protect, empower, and advocate for women and families facing unimaginable circumstances. We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with an organisation creating real, life-saving change.” — Gareth Holmes, CEO, North Sydney Bears
“Domestic violence is a national issue, and as the Bears continue to grow our footprint across Australia, we’re determined to amplify our impact. Continuing our partnership with Mary’s House Services ensures we can support more women and families, raise greater awareness, and stand firm in our commitment to a safer community. This is a cause bigger than sport, and one we are proud to champion.” — Daniel Dickson, Chairman, North Sydney Bears
