Leongatha to walk against family violence

SOUTH Gippsland residents are being asked to make orange flowers and join a walk through Leongatha as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

The annual campaign runs from November 25 to December 10, calling for action to prevent gender and family violence and to promote respect, equality and safety for all.

South Gippsland Shire Council will bring schools, service providers and the community together for a range of activities designed to spark conversations and promote respect.

A key feature this year is the Growing Respect Together community art initiative, which encourages people to create orange flowers as a symbol of respect, hope and a shared commitment to ending gender-based violence.

The flowers can be made using any craft medium and displayed at home, school or work, or added to community displays across South Gippsland.

Council’s Open Spaces team will also plant orange flowers in the planter boxes in front of Memorial Hall to mark the campaign.

Local artist Beatrice Imbert will run a community art workshop, Respect Is..., at Coal Creek in Korumburra on Friday November 20, from 10am to midday and again from 4pm to 6pm.

Participants will contribute to a collaborative art installation themed Planting Seeds of Hope, exploring respect, hope and positive change.

The Walk Against Family Violence will start from the front of Memorial Hall in McCartin Street, Leongatha, at 12.30pm on Wednesday November 25.

Schools, community members, service providers and local organisations are invited to walk to the Leongatha Railway Precinct to show a shared commitment to ending family violence and supporting victim survivors.

The council has partnered with Leongatha Secondary College, Leongatha Primary School and Leongatha Specialist School for the walk.

The campaign will wrap up with a Respect Is... closing morning tea at Coal Creek at 10.30am on Tuesday December 1, giving participants a chance to reflect on the installation and celebrate everyone’s contributions.

South Gippsland Shire Mayor Nathan Hersey said a community free from violence started with respect.

“Violence and abuse are never appropriate and should not be tolerated,” Cr Hersey said.

“There is simply no excuse. Violence and abuse can leave lasting scars.

“Choose kindness, respect and compassion with one another and be reminded that we are all human and deserve to be treated as such.”

Cr Hersey encouraged residents to attend events, create an orange flower and join conversations that promote respect, equality and the prevention of violence.

“Together, we can help create a South Gippsland where everyone is safe, respected and valued,” he said.

If you or anyone you know needs support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.