By ANEEKA SIMONIS
AN OUTSPOKEN columnist with a strong stance on family violence issues will speak at a fund-raising event to help vulnerable women and children experiencing violence in Pakenham and throughout the outer south-east.
Herald Sun columnist Susie O’Brien will be the keynote speaker at Windermere’s Afternoon of Wellness event hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne from 1pm – 4pm on Sunday 9 October.
Ms O’Brien frequently touches on the issue of family violence and the community’s shifting attitude toward gendered violence and inequality while exploring the more broader impacts on people’s lives.
She is expected to talk about how determinedness to speak out on such issues, a value evidenced in her work time and time again including recently when she said “violence against women just isn’t taken seriously enough” when reflecting on the perceived light sentencing of an offender.
Guests will also have the opportunity to hear from Windermere expert Fiona Link-Freeman who has been through difficult times but was able to turn her life around through coaching.
“When you have strategies in place, it makes achieving your dreams that much easier. It’s all about taking that first step,” Ms Link-Freeman said.
All proceeds from the event will support Windermere’s early intervention and prevention programs.
The theme of the event is ‘BE your best YOU.”
It was said that for many of those accessing Windermere’s services, this can mean breaking away from the cycle of family violence.
Tickets are $65. To book, visit windermere.org.au.
