On Sunday 11 October, 30 Queensland councils hosted simultaneous events to send a strong message against family violence.
The theme for the day was “Safer Families, Better Communities”, and involved representatives from all levels of government, along with a significant turnout from the Queensland Police Service.
In the Logan City Council area, more than 450 people dressed in white walked through Logan Central, which Mayor Pam Parker described as a ‘moving display of solidarity from our community’.
“We all have a responsibility to help prevent this blight from claiming any more victims, and by bringing this issue out into the light, by walking, by talking, by caring, we can make a difference.”
Council has also launched a pledge system via social media, in which particpants publically declare, “I swear to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women or families. This is my pledge.” Hundreds of people have already taken the pledge.
In Isaac Regional Council, around 90 people marched and made noise in Moranbah.
Mayor Anne Baker and Moranbah Senior Sergeant Michael Bailey spoke at the event encouraging the community to support those people and organisations helping victims and working to protect families.
Lead by the Moranbah Police and Peter Panther and his drummers, participants ‘made noise’ by blowing whistles, wore white armbands and stickers swearing to ‘never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women’.
Proceeds will go to ELAM (Emergency and Long-Term Accommodation in Moranbah) to support emergency housing of domestic violence victims.
Burdekin Shire Council encouraged people to don white armbands and dedicated the last lap of the Relay for Life – which raises funds for cancer research – to domestic violence awareness.
Mayor Bill Lowis opened the event and joined the Relay for the last lap.
Whitsunday Regional Council showed its support throughout the entire month of October by promoting Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Mayor, Councillor Jenny Whitney, said numerous Council vehicles are displaying a teal ribbon, the internationally recognised colour symbolising sexual violence awareness.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) president Councillor Margaret de Wit said it is important for local government to show leadership on the issue.
“As community leaders, we have a special role in all of this. We need to take a public stand against this all-too-common blight in our communities.
“Domestic violence touches all parts of society and all levels of income.
“More and more of us now know it is happening in our communities and now is the time to take positive and decisive steps to
reduce it.”
