Gannawarra Goes Orange campaign begins

Published on 25 November 2020

Landmarks throughout the Gannawarra Shire will turn orange during the next 16 day as Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health and other local agencies unite to promote the Gannawarra Goes Orange campaign.

First held in 2017, the campaign coincides with the statewide 16 Days of Activism Against Family Violence, which runs from Wednesday, 25 November to Thursday, 10 December.

“In previous years community leaders have gathered during the Gannawarra Goes Orange campaign to pledge to call out any form of family violence, be it physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Although a pledge ceremony cannot occur this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the promotion of the consistent message of Respect Women-Call it Out and our own local message of Gannawarra Says No to Family Violence will occur in unique ways.

As part of this year’s campaign, the Kerang Council Chambers will be lit up with orange lighting during the next 16 days, with a Gannawarra Says No to Family Violence banner to be displayed from the historic building’s balcony.

Street banners will also be on display along the Murray Valley Highway at Cohuna and Kerang.

“Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting representatives will also feature in a video to be promoted online, with a declaration that ‘Gannawarra says no to family violence’,” Northern District Community Health Chief Executive Officer, Mandy Hutchinson said.

“This promotion emphasises this year’s theme of ‘Respect is…’, which aims to support communities to engage in conversations about what respect means to us, what respect looks like and how to put respect into practice, especially in the context of gender equality.

“This campaign also encourages people to ‘call it out’ when they witness disrespect, sexism, harassment and abusive behaviours – drivers that can lead to violence against women.”

Meanwhile, a large fibreglass elephant that inspired conversations regarding family violence – which featured prominently in the 2019 campaign – will continue to spread the message, with the artwork to feature in Maryborough District Health Service’s campaign.

The Gannawarra Goes Orange campaign is supported by Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, Mallee Family Care and the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, please phone 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

ABOVE: A Gannawarra Says No to Family Violence banner is on display on the Kerang Council Chambers to promote the Gannawarra Goes Orange campaign.