Community members are invited to take part in Cardinia Shire’s annual White Ribbon event this July.
This year’s event will be hosted by Outlook in partnership with Cardinia Shire Council and Aligned Leisure and follows the theme ‘Contribute to change, make a difference”.
The keynote speaker at the event will be family violence survivor Simone O’Brien who will share her story of strength, determination and survival.
The event will also include an award ceremony for the 2022 Garry McQuillan and Tony Fitzgerald Awards, which recognise contributions and continued efforts in raising awareness and preventing men’s violence against women.
Cardinia Shire mayor Jeff Springfield is encouraging the community to come along to the annual White Ribbon event.
“Cardinia Shire has one of the highest reported incidents of family violence in Victoria – this is a statistic we are working hard to change through the collective efforts of the community led Together We Can initiative,” councillor Springfield said.
“Council’s position on the issue of family violence is clear: silence is no longer acceptable, and we ask the whole community to build healthier and respectful relationships with one another.
“Through events like these we can improve men’s understanding of what constitutes family violence and how we can stand up and speak out.”
This year’s event will showcase a range of Cardinia Shire’s local community services with stalls set up for attendees to explore.
Stallholders will include The Orange Door, Wayss Housing Support Services, Trudi’s Angels, Pets of the Homeless Australia and Purton Place Pre-loved Op Shop.
Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for these community organisations.
Cardinia Shire Council has provided new donation bins at Outlook’s function centre, Cardinia Shire Council and Cardinia Life to store material donations at the event.
The White Ribbon event will run on Wednesday 20 July from 1pm to 3pm at Outlook’s function centre on Toomuc Valley Road in Pakenham.
Entry is by gold coin donation with proceeds going to White Ribbon Australia.
For booking and event information visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/events
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any form of family violence contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or safesteps@safesteps.org.au
