Korumburra ready to mark 16 days of activism against gender violence

A VIBRANT splash of orange is about to arrive in Korumburra, with a bed of artificial flowers set to spark awareness of the impact of gender-based violence and the help available to those experiencing it.

Belinda Nicholls of Milpara Community House is in charge of organising the display, with people encouraged to help out by popping into the community centre to grab some orange plastic so they can create flowers for the display.

“The only requirement is that they put it together in a way that it will last 16 days outdoors,” Belinda said, adding there will be maintenance efforts made throughout that period to keep the flowers looking their best.

The display, to be located across the road from Korumburra’s RSL, will highlight the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 until December 10.

Belinda said the colour orange is intended to provide hope, and that flowers are an appropriate symbol of the desire to see the community bloom.

The reality is that gender-based violence remains a major issue throughout Australia, with the 16 Days of Activism designed to achieve real benefits, not just rely on symbolism and positive vibes.

Statistics in the ‘Orange the World’ resource booklet, available for download from Milpara’s website, say that one in four Australian women have experienced physical or sexual violence. 

“Milpara’s Orange the World campaign is about bringing the issue to community attention, reducing stigma, increasing awareness of support services available, but also about challenging our ‘That’s just the way it is’ belief and empowering our community to ‘change the story’ by building a community that values respect and equality,” it is stated.

November 25 is a symbolic starting date for the 16 Days of Activism campaign in Korumburra and elsewhere around the world, being both the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and White Ribbon Day.

The choice of orange was made as part of the UN secretary-general’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, being perceived as “a bright and optimistic colour”.

Belinda said the campaign helps create awareness for those experiencing gender-based violence that they are not alone and support exists.

A few support services are Safe Steps, 1800RESPECT, and Lifeline.

Men’s Referral Service is a valuable resource for men concerned about their own behaviour.

The resource booklet provides guidance for family and friends of those who disclose they are experiencing gender-based violence, and details available help services.

Cards outlining available assistance and information packs will be supplied to shops around town, ensuring people have easy access to these valuable resources.

Those making flowers for the Korumburra campaign are encouraged to do so by November 24 in order for them to be ready for the start of the 16-day campaign.

However, Korumburra Library will add to the floral collection, running ‘Orange the World’ workshops on November 24 and December 1, between 10.30am and 12pm.