On October 5, 2020 the Lismore App ran a story about local business owner Hayley Brown and her goal to open a free boxing gym in Goonellabah to get kids off the street and into a disciplined sport that can also shape their future.

That goal is now a reality with the official opening of Gospel Gloves on Friday afternoon thanks to the financial support of the Northern Co-operative Meat Company (NCMC) and Mountain Blue Farms.

(Gospel Gloves venue in the old Church of Christ building on Rous Road, Goonellabah. Photo: Simon Mumford)

The biggest cost for Hayley was raising over $5,500 for the boxing ring, punching bags and appropriate gear. That was where Simon Stahl Chief Executive Officer at NCMC stepped into the ring along with Andrew Bell from Mountain Blue Farms donating the required funds that allowed Hayley's dream to come to fruition.

"This project does two things for us," Simon Stahl said, "firstly, it is a damn good project that deserves the support from business and secondly, we'd like to think that out of this we can find some employees for some of our local businesses in particular our Booyong abattoir."

"We're short of workers and this is a great opportunity to get among the youth and see what happens."

"I am under no illusion that this is going to be easy and it is not going to happen tomorrow but I think the more people get around the table and play a bit of a different role and help mentor through this process I reckon we have a great opportunity in the next few years."

Other sponsors include Bunnings who donated a whole lot of flooring, Rekindle The Spirit donated the shirts and boxing equipment while Coles in Goonellabah will help with food for the sessions when the kitchen starts operating.

(A session on the bags is part of the regular weekly work out. Photo: Simon Mumford)

Hayley offers two sessions a week, on a Wednesday and Friday afternoon between 4:30 and 5:30 which regularly attracts 15-17 kids each session. Gospel Gloves Boxing Gym is in the old Church of Christ building on Rous Road opposite the Rous Road shops.

Unfortunately Hayley has had to drop the sessions for the little kids because the volunteer dropped out.

"If anyone is a personal trainer with the appropriate children checks and can have fun and relate with young kids please get in touch," Hayley asked, "in particular a man because there are a lot of kids lacking that male role model in their lives as families don't have their dad's around."

The gym has been well received by the community at large with a lot of positive affirmation.

"We did a walk around the street before we opened approaching known trouble makers in the area to try and get them to come in but some are a little embarrassed about boxing in front of other people with the girls not wanting the boys to see them and the tough boys in front of anyone," Hayley laughed.

"The kids love it. It's a hard workout and at the end of the session they get to have a minute in the ring with me. They are supposed to practice their combinations but they like to go all out, the smile on their faces makes it worthwhile."

(Michael Bushby sparring with Hayley Brown in the brand new $5,500 boxing ring. Photo: Simon Mumford)

For those that are worried about Hayley's health, don't be. Hayley is registered with the NSW Amateur Boxing Association and has five bouts under her belt a the Workers Club, Evans Head, Kingscliff and two in Brisbane.

One of the newcomers to Gospel Gloves is 15 year old local Michael Bushby. Michael has been going to Gospel Gloves for a month now.

"I wasn't really doing anything at home and friends mentioned it and I wanted to do some exercise," Michael said, "I get more stamina, better hand eye coordination and better health in general basically."

"Before that I was sitting at home playing video games not really doing that much."

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan was at the opening but not in an official capacity.

"These grass roots activities without government are usually the things that work, "Kevin said, "look at Hayley, lives here, saw a need and is making it happen. I am here to show my moral support."

We all need to stand up and applaud Hayley for her insight, motivation and commitment to not only get Gospel Gloves off the ground but to help out those troubled youths that are looking to get out of a rut and give themselves a chance at a better life.