A bench in the plaza outside Cleveland Library has been painted red in support of domestic and family violence awareness.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was pleased to be part of the Red Rose Foundation’s Red Bench Project during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, to remind everyone of the need to stand up against violence and abuse.
“Getting the message out about the awful toll that domestic and family violence has on our community is no easy task, so Redland City Council was eager to jump on board when the Red Rose Foundation asked us to be part of this project,” Cr Williams said.
“We hope this simple red bench in one of Cleveland’s busiest community areas will come to remind everyone who sees it that domestic and family violence and abuse are not acceptable.
“The truth is that the need to stand up and do something about family and domestic violence – and support those affected by it – has never been greater.
“Domestic and family violence thrives on anonymity and secrecy, which is why a very public reminder such as this bench is so important in ensuring we all remember the victims, and their pain and anguish, are real; and that we all can do something to help.
“As the plaque it will bear will remind us, it is up to all of us to ‘Change the Ending’.”
Cr Williams will launch the red bench on 15 May, just before the annual Dîner en Rouge fundraiser for domestic violence services on Saturday, 18 May.
“Now in its fifth year, Dîner en Rouge has come to symbolise Redlanders’ commitment to standing up and doing something to tackle this problem,” Cr Williams said.
Tickets to Dîner en Rouge, which is held at a secret location and has a red and white theme (red is for Redlands Coast and white is to acknowledge the national campaign to stop violence against women), are now available from the Redland Performing Arts Centre box office at www.rpac.com.au or by calling 3829 8131. Tickets are $175 each or $1700 for 10.
EVENT DETAILS:
Dîner en Rouge
Venue: Guests taken to a secret location
Saturday 18 May 2019
Information: redland.qld.gov.au/dinerenrouge
Tickets: Redland Performing Arts Centre Box Office