Nillumbik Shire Council is offering grants of up to $500 for community led projects to help end violence against women as part of the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.
The campaign starts on 25 November to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Mayor Karen Egan encouraged all community groups to apply for a grant.
“Community led campaigns have great potential to raise awareness of gender-based violence and promote equality,” Cr Egan said.
“Violence against women is unacceptable and as a community, we need to show that we will not tolerate it happening on our streets and in our homes.”
Last year, seven recipients from across the Shire were awarded grants to run projects.
Initiatives included 16 hours of cycling at the Eltham Leisure Centre, the Eltham Men’s Shed wearing orange wigs, walking groups in Diamond Creek wearing orange in support of the campaign and Diamond Creek Primary and Yarra Plenty libraries running story times with books that modelled positive ideas around gender and respect.
Chair of Community Services Cr Grant Brooker said gender-based violence was a serious issue that affects all communities.
“Violence against women is an insidious and under-reported community problem and most cases are not high profile but they all have lasting effects,” Cr Brooker said.
“As a community, we play a vital role in standing up and speaking out and one way we can do this is by creating widespread awareness of the issue.”
Applications for the grants open on 29 July and close on 20 September 2019. Organisations interested in applying for a grant can do so by visiting: https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/16daysofactivism
Successful recipients will host their events during the 16 Days of Activism, from 25 November to 10 December.
Council recognises the important role that local government plays in promoting gender equity and preventing violence against women and children.
Nillumbik’s Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021 and the Gender Equity Policy 2018 provide a framework for Council to deliver actions to improve gender equity and prevent violence against women.
