Dokic hopes others learn from bad experience

FORMER Australian tennis champion Jelena Dokic will share her story with the audience at a Geelong breakfast event that celebrates positive male role models.

Dokic, who has detailed the years of abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, Damir, is the guest speaker at the 2018 Geelong Father of the Year Award.

For some, the former world No.4, pictured, may not be the obvious choice of guest speaker for an event that cele- brates positive father figures.

However, event organiser Bethany Community Support believes Dokic can provide a perspective on the role that men play in family and community life.

The former player said that starting conversations was key to helping to keep children safe from violence, and she hoped her story highlighted the need to openly discuss the impacts on young people.

“I’m happy to be able to talk about my own bad experiences if it can help raise awareness about family violence and make a positive impact,’ she said.

The Geelong Father of the Year Award, now in its 19th year, is a partnership between Bethany Community Support, the Rotary Club of Geelong and the Geelong Advertiser.

It celebrates the importance of positive male role models, as seen through the eyes of children.

Joining Dokic onstage will be MC Ian Cover from ABC Radio’s Coodabeen Champions and a special interview panel of primary school students from Northern Bay College.

The event will be held on Friday at GMHBA Stadium.