Ararat makes a stand against gender-based violence

Ararat Rural City is again proudly supporting the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign with a range of local initiatives aimed at raising awareness and motivating positive action to end violence against women.

During the 16 Days (from November 25 – December 10), residents will find colourful signs displayed in front of the Ararat Town Hall, a discussion panel on how men can advocate for women’s safety and equality, and local cafes helping to educate the community about gender-based violence and its impact.

Ararat Rural City Mayor Cr Bob Sanders noted these 16 Days is an opportunity for Council to renew its commitment to working towards a community free from violence. “Everyone has a role to play in advocating for gender-based violence prevention,” Cr Sanders said.

“As part of the campaign, Council is hosting a free community event on preventing gender-based violence, specifically recognising the role men can play in advocating for women’s safety and equality.

This provides a good opportunity for the community to band together to encourage conversations about preventing violence against women.” Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison added,

“By Council supporting the campaign, we hope to send a message that gender-based violence is not acceptable and it’s something we, as a community, can work against.”

Ararat Rural City has also partnered with local cafes - Foragers, SEDE, and Fred & Betts - providing campaign stickers for takeaway coffee cups as part of the campaign.

SEDE Café owner Bishal Khanal said they have received a positive response from the community on their takeaway coffee cups.

“SEDE is happy to again support the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign and appreciates the support from Council in helping to raise awareness for a great initiative.”

16 Days of Activism Display

Learn facts and statistics behind the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence displayed on colourful signs in a garden bed, directly in front of the Ararat Town Hall.

‘Men Speaking Up: Violence Against Women – A community crisis to fix, not a women’s problem to tolerate’

Attend the 16 Days of Activism panel discussion on 6 December at 6.30 pm at the Ararat Town Hall for canapes, followed by a panel discussion at 7pm. This year, Greg Little, CEO, Grampians Community Health, Conor Pall with the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, and Luke Baker, Gender Equality Advisor with Women’s Health Grampians, along with Lauren Dempsey, Northern Grampians Shire and Claire Evans, Women’s Health Grampians are coming together for a discussion panel.

Free Event, tickets are required for catering purposes – book via www.ararattownhall.com.au/event/men-speaking-up/ or visit the Ararat Visitor Information Centre.

Respect Victoria has once again partnered with the Municipal Association of Victoria to provide Councils across Victoria with grants to participate in this year’s campaign, including Ararat Rural City.