Respect is… ‘an equal and safe future’

THE four biggest employers of Bass Coast united with artist PollyannaR for the 16 days of activism campaign. PollyannaR propped up the white sheet for the pop-up photobooth in Apex Park and raised awareness against gender-based violence.

Employees of Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water and Bass Coast Health (BCH) assembled to participate in the campaign as a public show of support for women and children.

As part of the Active Bystander program, these major four employers have been training their people with the skills to act in our communities, homes, and workplaces. Training which has contributed to successes like equal paid parental leave for both parents; equal prize money for all genders; “put her name on it” campaign, and unforeseen flexible working arrangements.

Bass Coast has some of the worst statistics with family violence in Victoria and the shire are urgently trying to change that. The training within this program is a key practical way employers spark desire for change and support the campaign.

Spokesperson for the four organisations, Bass Coast Shire Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Jodi Kennedy said, “The people who work in these organisations mostly live locally, enabling this program to have a direct impact on the Bass Coast community through activities and relationships.

“This year’s campaign encourages all Victorians to work together to prevent violence against women. It is a tragic fact that, on average, a woman in Australia is killed by a man they know every 10 days.”

The pop-up photobooth was open to the public from 1pm until 4pm, where everyone was invited to support the cause by getting a picture taken by PollyannaR with a sign of what respect means to them…  

Each participant was then provided with an immediate printed copy of their photo along with local service information and detail on the United Nation’s international campaign - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, that takes place each year from November 25 (International Day for The Elimination of Violence Against Women) until December 10 (International Human Rights Day).

Joy Barnes, George Scott, Neil Barnes, and Georgi Phillips of the Wonthaggi Lions Club volunteered their time supporting the campaign, providing water and a free sausage sizzle.

The activism campaign is aimed to make women confident in identifying gender-based violence, reporting violent behaviour and accessing support in their local area.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, this campaign encourages you to contact any of the following support services or report family violence by calling Triple Zero (000).

Sexual Assault Crisis Line. Ph: 1800 806 292

1800 RESPECT National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Services. Ph: 1800 737 732

The Orange Door Gippsland. Ph: 1800 319 354

Victoria Police Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigative Teams (SOCIT) Morwell. Ph: 03 5120 0300

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (24 hr). Ph: 1800 015 188