Mildura Rural City Council will enlist the support of prominent community leaders and key figures in the prevention of family violence as part of its support for White Ribbon Day 2020 next month.
Council’s ongoing support for White Ribbon follows the relaunch of White Ribbon Australia in June this year under new custodians – Western Australia-based community care services organisation Communicare Inc.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, Council’s annual community walk to mark White Ribbon Day, which this year falls on Friday November 20, will be replaced with a series of powerful video messages posted to social media in coming weeks.
The posts will highlight the key themes and messages behind White Ribbon and its goal to prevent family violence.
Council’s White Ribbon Committee Chair, General Manager Development Mandy Whelan, said while the interruption to the annual White Ribbon Walk was disappointing, it was more important than ever to maintain awareness about family violence and how to prevent it.
“Now more than ever, with many in our community spending more time at home, and reports of increased calls to domestic violence helplines nationally, we must continue to raise awareness about family violence in our community,” Ms Whelan said.
“By doing so it will help remind our community that family violence continues to occur in our region, and that a change in residents’ mindsets towards gender equality and other key factors associated with preventing family violence is needed.”
In addition to social media videos, Council will fly White Ribbon flags at prominent locations across the city in the weeks leading up to White Ribbon Day as well as encouraging local residents and workplaces to become involved by wearing or displaying White Ribbon-themed colours.
