This week Bass Coast Shire Council have partnered with four of the region’s biggest employers including Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water and Bass Coast Health on a community campaign where we have been training staff with the skills to act in our communities, homes and workplaces.
This program is part of the United Nation’s international campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, takes place each year from 25 November (International Day for The Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
On Tuesday 5 December we held a public event at Apex Park, Wonthaggi, called the Big Respect Pop-up featuring the artist PollyannaR.
The event is part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. We are proud to be supporting a community campaign to prevent violence again women.
On average, a woman in Australia is killed by a man they know every ten days. Bass Coast has some of the worst statistics with family violence in Victoria and we are urgently trying to change that.
The idea is to support the cause by getting your picture taken with PollyannaR’s sign, along with a message about what respect means to you.
Active Bystander training which has been running through the organisations listed above has contributed to successes like equal paid parental leave for both parents; equal prize money for all genders; “put her name on it” campaign, unforeseen flexible working arrangements.’
The training within this program is a key practical way employers spark desire for change and support the National 16 Days of Activism campaign.
A big thanks to South Gippsland Water and Wonthaggi Lions Club who supported the day with water and a free sausage sizzle.
