By Daniel Hurst, Bayside Bulletin
November 28, 2006

EFFORTS to curb youth violence are gaining momentum following the launch of the Matthew Stanley Foundation at the weekend.
More than 1000 people converged on Thorneside’s Mooroondu sporting grounds on Saturday night to show their support for the foundation, which aims to teach young people how to be safe.
Matt, a 15-year-old sporting enthusiast, died after suffering injuries outside a party at Alexandra Hills two months ago and a 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder over the incident.
Matt’s sporting team-mates took to the field on Saturday to play soccer and touch football games in memory of the popular Redlands College student who they remembered as an “absolute true sportsman”.
The event raised nearly $5000 through the sale of arm bands, raffle tickets, sausages, drinks, snow cones and glow sticks, with local businesses donating various goods to support the foundation.
One teenage boy who did not know Matt came along to give people spray-on tattoos, raising hundreds of dollars for the foundation.
Matt’s father Paul Stanley — who has previously spoken of the need for cultural change to prevent youth violence — thanked people for their support.
The foundation will focus on teaching young people about safety and how to prevent themselves from falling into dangerous situations.
The approach may include school visits by young people who can relate to their peers.
Mooroondu Soccer Club coach Paul Branagan told the crowd it was important not to forget Matt, who he described as “the man”.
“The idea that anybody’s ever going to forget Matt is nonsense,” he said.
Police Minister Judy Spence has called for Queenslanders to make suggestions on how to improve safety via the youth violence taskforce link at www.police.qld.gov.au