Flinders University, Adelaide United and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) have aligned in support of the #BookThemOut campaign.

The #BookThemOut campaign is focusing on encouraging tourists from overseas, interstate, and people from within South Australia to visit Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide Hills.

This follows the devastating bushfires that ravaged Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island, causing losses in life, family homes and businesses, and wildlife.

To aid the campaign in reaching a broader audience, Adelaide United will wear the #BookThemOut logo on the front of their away shirt for its upcoming match against Brisbane Roar on Saturday 8 February 2020, and for select away matches for the remainder of the regular Hyundai A-League season.

In conjunction with this, Flinders University will further support the initiative, which will see the Reds wear the #BookThemOut logo on the front of the shirt for the Round 22 home match at Coopers Stadium against Western United.

Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says the university supports this excellent initiative which encourages everyone to visit communities on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills impacted by the recent devastating bush fires.

“The University has pledged to pay special leave entitlements to staff who are CFS volunteers for up to four weeks because they shouldn’t have to worry about a pay cheque while responding to the tragic bush fires that have swept across SA, and during the recovery effort.

“Special leave has also been offered to staff who have lost their homes and properties. The University is actively supporting students and staff to deal with difficult circumstances.”

South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, praised the initiative by Adelaide United and Flinders University.

“This is such a great initiative from Adelaide United, and a massive show of support for the communities on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills.

“We’ve already seen the cricket and AFL communities come together to back the #BookThemOut campaign, so to now have our premier football team proudly wearing this message for their remaining away games, and a home match, is a substantial way of getting the message out loud and clear, right across the nation – SA is open for business.”

“Full credit to both the club, and to Flinders University for supporting this initiative – it shows how everyone is working together on the important job we have at hand, and that is the recovery of these hurting communities.”

Adelaide United Advisory Board Chair and Director, Ian Smith, says the generosity of Flinders will allow the club to use the power of football to encourage people in Adelaide, as well as in Brisbane, Wellington, and Sydney to visit the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island as part of the State’s ongoing bush fire recovery.

“Furthermore, as a truly global sport, we hope to pick up new visitors through those who watch A-League from overseas.

“It is a small, but hopefully effective way the club and its supporters can complement the inspiring work of those communities affected by the fires and the efforts led by the State Government.”