Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is set to literally stand shoulder to shoulder with the community to mark the beginning of May’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
The annual initiative aims to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and will be launched with the Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day March and Candle Lighting Ceremony this Wednesday, May 1, in the Toowoomba CBD.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said residents were being encouraged to attend the march and get involved with other initiatives across the month of May for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
“I look forward to joining my fellow Councillors and the community for the Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day March and Candle Lighting Ceremony this week where we will come together to send a powerful message of support, hope and resilience to those affected.
“Council will light up CBD landmarks such as The Annex and the Victoria Street Bridge in purple to further mark the occasion.
“TRC Councillors and our CEO also signed up to the Not Now, Not Ever, Together. pledge a short four months ago in December 2023.
“Tragically, so far in 2024, there have been 27 violent deaths of women in Australia.
“I stand alongside my elected colleagues in doing what we can locally to raise awareness, make a difference, create change and support our CEO and the organisation to be a leading employer for others to follow,” Mayor McDonald said.
TRC was also encouraging the community to engage with the Red Bench Project during the month of May to raise further awareness for the cause.
“The Red Rose Foundation launched the Red Bench Project to build a permanent reminder that domestic violence occurs within all of our communities.
“The presence of a Red Bench in a public location aims to raise community awareness and provide an opportunity for this important issue to remain visible.
“There are several Red Bench locations in the Toowoomba Region and you can check theRed Rose Foundation websitefor the list.
“You can show your support and help raise awareness of domestic violence by uploading a photo to social media with “#ChangeTheEnding”,” Mayor McDonald said.
People in immediate danger are advised to call 000 or to speak with a counsellor, please call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)or DV Connect1800 811 811.
Support is available via Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis line: 13 11 14.
Domestic & Family Violence Remembrance Day – March and Candle Lighting Ceremony hosted by Toowoomba Together Inc.
Event details:
📅 Event Date: Wednesday, 1 May, 2024
⏰ Time: 4.30 to 7pm
📍 Location: Village Green, beside City Hall
