Gannawarra Goes Orange to call out gender-based violence

Published on 10 November 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health (NDCH), the Rotary Club of Kerang and other agencies are uniting during late November and early December as part of the annual global campaign to call-out gender-based violence and encourage a future where everyone is safe, respected, and equal.

Sixteen days of events are planned between Saturday, 25 November and Sunday, 10 December as part of the Gannawarra Goes Orange campaign, which coincides with the International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

“We may think of Gannawarra as a safe community for all, but the reality is that gender-based violence has a real impact on lives here in the Gannawarra as it does across Australia and globally.” Mayor Ross Stanton said.

“Between July 2022 and June 2023 there were 189 reported incidents of family violence in the Gannawarra, with close to 78 per cent of those affected by these violent incidents being female and often children and young people are involved*.”

*Data for Gannawarra Shire for year ending June 2023: www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/latest-crime-data-by-area

The highlight of the upcoming Gannawarra campaign will be the Rotary Club of Kerang-organised Walk Against Family Violence, occurring from 10am on Saturday, 25 November. Starting at the steps of the Kerang Council Building, residents are encouraged to wear orange and join community leaders in walking through Kerang’s central business district to the Kerang Community Market, occurring at Atkinson Park, to hear from a special guest speaker.

“The Rotary Club of Kerang is pleased to be a part of and support Gannawarra's 16 Days of Activism campaign against family and gender-based violence and are excited to be launching the walk against family violence on the first day of the campaign,” the club said.

“Our club’s aim is to encourage awareness of and say NO to domestic violence and help build a safer community where everyone can thrive.

“We invite everyone including families, sporting and community clubs, and those in our community to walk with us in solidarity on 25 November.”

Celebrations will also occur at Cohuna on Friday, 8 December from 10am, with Jen’s On George hosting the free Empower Her morning tea. Hosted by NDCH Chief Executive Officer, Mandy Hutchinson, Empower Her founders, Jo Bear and Meg Last will share their heart-warming story of volunteering overseas to spread the joy of netball and teamwork with rural women in India.

“Northern District Community Health is proud to be supporting the Gannawarra Goes Orange campaign,” Ms Hutchinson said.

“We all have a part to play in creating a safer future, supporting those who are affected by family violence, and encouraging those who are using violence to seek out help and to make changes to their behaviour.”

Other highlights occurring during the 16-day campaign include:

• An Affirmative Consent webinar on 10am Tuesday, 28 November, featuring Teach Us Consent founder, Chanel Contos;
• A special Gannawarra Library Service Story Time session, featuring Jayneen Saunders’ book, No Difference Between Us, occurring at Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library on Wednesday, 29 November at 10.30am;
• The Gendered Drivers of Violence in Everyday Life online lunch and learn series, occurring on Thursday, 30 November at 12.30pm and Thursday, 7 December at 12.30pm;
• Incorporating the Gannawarra Goes Orange campaign into Gannawarra Shire Children’s Services’ programs, including encouraging children to wear orange and distributing resources to families;
• Lighting up key Council and community assets orange during the campaign; and
• Refreshing the Dunny Door 1800 RESPECT messaging on high-use toilet facilities throughout Gannawarra Shire, and installing posters at these facilities with key contacts for seeking help and support for community members being impacted by violence.

Businesses are also encouraged to participate in the campaign by decorating their shops and offices in orange. If your business would like to take up this opportunity, please contact NDCH on (03) 5451 0200 or Council on (03) 5450 9333.

Respect Victoria chair, Kate Fitz-Gibbon said that less than half of all Australian known that violence against women is an issue in their local communities.

“Violence against women and family violence happens in every suburb and town in Victoria. We have to face that uncomfortable reality to move forward together in preventing violence in our communities,” Dr Fitz-Gibbon said.

“Violence against women can be prevented if we choose to change the culture that allows it to happen. Respect Victoria is proud to walk with victim-survivors and the Victorian community towards a future where all women are safe, respected, and equal.”

For more information, including how to book your spot for the Empower Her morning tea and webinars, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/orange

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, and Rotary Club of Kerang, supported by funding from Respect Victoria and Safe and Equal, Victoria’s peak body for specialist family violence services.

If you think you or your friend, partner, colleague, family member is at risk of using violence, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 and experienced counsellors will help you take the next steps. If you are experiencing violence please call 1800RESPECT or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).