The City of Stonnington is committed to making our city safe and enjoyable for everyone and is proud to announce the Salvation Army’s Pink Car Program has come to Stonnington.
The will operate on Friday and Saturday nights in the Chapel Street entertainment precinct and will check in with young women to see if they need any support and ensure that they get home safely.
City of Stonnington Mayor, Councillor Melina Sehr said, “No person, especially women, should ever have their safety jeopardised while simply enjoying time out with friends.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to see the Pink Car program operating in Stonnington. This initiative, run by women for women, is focused on ensuring the safety of women who are enjoying a night out, particularly in and around Chapel Street.”
The Launch of the Pink Car coincides with the which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until 10 December (Human Rights Day). The campaign calls on communities around the world to join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
The Pink Car, staffed by a female social worker and volunteer, complements the , a partnership funded by the City of Stonnington to support vulnerable young people.
The Street team connects with intoxicated young people who have become separated from their friends, and as a result, are vulnerable to potential assault, abuse or at risk of incurring some other form of injury.
Salvation Army Major, Brendan Nottle said, “We are deeply grateful to the City of Stonnington for their support in launching this vital initiative. Together, we hope to create a safer and more welcoming environment for women in the community.”
The Street team works closely with Victoria Police in the Chapel Street precinct offering information, practical support and assist young people to find safety until they can go home or are reconnected with their friends.
Victoria Police Inspector, Nigel McGuire White, from the Prahran Police Complex, stressed the importance of working together with the City of Stonnington and the Salvation Army towards reducing harm in the community.
“We are very proud to stand with Stonnington council and the Salvation Army. We support the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence against women and we are very happy to support any strategy which works to prevent and eliminate violence towards vulnerable communities”, said Inspector McGuire White.
The Pink Car service operates in the Chapel Street precinct on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 4am and public holiday eves.
Community safety is about reducing and preventing crime and creating environments where people feel safe and connected.
