Strong stance on tackling gender-based violence

BASS Coast Shire was proud to join colleagues across Gippsland to mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. 

The annual event begins on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ending on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Supported by the United Nations globally through the Secretary General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative, locally Bass Coast Shire joined Let’s Chat Gippsland, a community campaign addressing the distinct issues in the area. 

Violence against women and girls remains the most pervasive human rights violation worldwide. 

Already heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, its prevalence is now further increased by the intersecting crises of climate change, global conflict and economic instability.

“Our gender-based violence levels are 25 per cent above the state average: that’s not acceptable,” said Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Michael Whelan. 

“Women and girls have the right to be safe in our community. These 16 Days of Activism will really focus us on that, to guide what we do throughout the year.”

“Violence against women can be prevented - the tools and the knowledge to do so already exist.” added Bass Coast Shire CEO, Ali Wastie. 

“The first step is having difficult but vital conversations about this issue and what we can do. The big focus of Let’s Chat Gippsland is to start those discussions. We must call out behaviours that are unacceptable, whether in our workplace, our community, or the family home.”

To enable action, Bass Coast Shire is fortunate to be successful recipients of Victorian State Government Free From Violence Local Government Program funding. 

This program will set the primary prevention actions for our organisation over the next 3 years. 

The shire now has a dedicated Project Officer, who will drive the program with the first 12 months focussing on building capacity of their team members through training and development initiatives, partnering with other local organisations and service providers, and building our communications in the prevention space.