BLACKTOWN INDEPENDENT BCI 61 April 2026 | Page 24

Gracie Barra Blacktown marks International

Women’ s Day with self-defence classes

with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
Gracie Barra Blacktown City has a way of making everyone feel welcome- a safe and supportive environment where people can learn, build friendships and grow through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and selfdefence.
To celebrate International Women’ s Day, the team once again hosted their free Women’ s Self-Defence class, an initiative now in its seventh year. Speaking with Sheryll Lazaro at the event, it was clear just how impactful the day was. Aside from three instructors, every woman attending was new to martial arts and Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu.
“ Strength is powerful, but confidence is even more powerful,” Sheryll said.
The session was about far more than learning techniques. It was about
Girls celebrating after class. building courage, confidence and a sense of empowerment.“ Every woman deserves to feel safe, and every woman deserves to know she has options. Learning self-defence isn’ t about
living in fear- it’ s about living with confidence,” she explained.
Sheryll emphasised that self-defence is about awareness, mindset and having the skills to respond if a situation becomes unsafe. In today’ s world, where distractions like mobile phones can take attention away from surroundings, she is passionate about helping women stay alert and prepared.
Throughout the session, participants stepped out of their comfort zones, supported one another and embraced the experience with enthusiasm. The mats were filled with determination, laughter and a strong sense of community a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when women support each other.
Sheryll’ s own journey into martial arts began after watching her husband
Gracie Barra Self Defence Class.
David and son Isaiah take up kickboxing before transitioning into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Inspired by their journey, she joined in and has since become a strong advocate for encouraging women to be fit, confident and empowered to make positive choices.
The event attracted around 20 women, representing a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds. Many were supported by friends and family, highlighting the strong community connection Gracie Barra
Blacktown City continues to build.
As a family-oriented martial arts centre, Gracie Barra Blacktown City welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to learn self-defence and experience the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
If you’ d like to get involved, visit Gracie Barra Blacktown City at Unit 1 / 1 Melissa Place, Kings Park, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Friends With Dignity sharing the love with Football Fives

The Sikh community recently came together at Blacktown Football Park and the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Fives arena to take a stand against domestic violence, helping to break down stigma and spark important conversations.
Domestic violence affects every community, and this event used the universal language of football to raise awareness while supporting the vital work of Friends with Dignity. Over the past decade, the organisation has helped more than 900 people rebuild their lives by providing safe housing, furniture, clothing
Friends with Dignity Football 5s organisers.
and essential household items.
Held on a warm Saturday in Rooty Hill, the Football Fives tournament was a fantastic showcase of talent and community spirit. Among those involved were former Women’ s NPL players from Blacktown Spartans and Football NSW stars, including Priya Sardana-Gakhar, who encouraged attendance at the event. While Priya is humble about her contributions, she has had an impressive football career, including time with Blacktown Spartans in the Women’ s NPL1 competition and Sutherland Strikers. Having previously battled a pulmonary embolism, she is now a passionate advocate for physical and mental wellbeing and hopes to continue playing football well into her 50s a goal well within reach given her determination.
The event brought together a number of community organisations, including Glenwood Athletics and Sports, Kaur Sports, SCSAS and Western Sydney United, delivering a full day of competitive matches. Support services and sponsors also played a key role, with physiotherapy provided by Clutch Physio, and contributions from Hydration Supps 247, Laing + Simmons Marigold Group, Cross IT Pro, Slade Co Awaken, and catering
Friends with Dignity Football Fives teams.
supplied by Glenwood Gurudwara. All funds raised from the event will support Friends with Dignity, founded in Australia by Manuela and Darrell Whitford. As parents and grandparents, they are deeply committed to helping individuals and families escape domestic violence and rebuild their lives with dignity. What began as a simple act of providing furniture and household essentials has grown into a national organisation supporting people to establish safe, stable homes.
Their mission is to ease the impact of domestic violence on individuals and the broader community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexuality. The statistics remain confronting- one in four women and one in 14 men are affected by
domestic violence, with male figures likely underreported. Alarmingly, two in five children are also impacted.
Darrell highlighted the growing concern around coercive control, where perpetrators manipulate every aspect of a victim’ s life from finances and movements to social connections leaving people feeling trapped and unable to escape.
Events like the Football Fives tournament play an important role in raising awareness, encouraging open conversations, and bringing communities together in a safe and supportive environment.
If you would like to support the work of Friends with Dignity, donations can be made via their website- https:// friendswithdignity. org. au /
24 ISSUE 61 // APRIL 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT