Father and son support equality for women

While athletes and celebrities are often the heroes of many people, it is certainly not the case for a 20-year-old Bankstown man.

David Miller, whose family is originally from the Philippines, said his ultimate ‘superman’ is his Dad, Noe, after seeing how he treats his mum.

"Gender doesn’t play a role in our house. Everyone is equal. While Dad’s hopeless in the kitchen, it doesn’t stop him from trying or doing all the chores Mum does," Mr Miller said.

"I think what I admire most about my Dad is actually the respect and affection he shows Mum and I. Most men in our culture think they have to be macho and not show emotion, but it’s because he shows his emotions, which make him the strongest to me."

Next Thursday (26 July), the father and son duo will perform an original song at Canterbury-Bankstown’s annual Break the Silence Youth Showcase. The showcase, now in its fourth year, is focused on the White Ribbon message, which is speaking up and out about domestic violence and treating women equally.

"Our song, Being a Father to Your Son, is about how a father needs to be a good role model to their son, so their son can be a good person in the future," Mr Miller said.

"I think a lot of chivalry has been lost these days with young men, so it’s important I try and teach my son that a woman deserves to be treated as if she is the most precious thing."

More than 80 youth, including participants from Bankstown Youth Development Service’s (BYDS) R.E.S.P.E.C.T program, will perform at Bankstown Central shopping centre, in the Centre Court (across from KMART) at 6pm. The show will include original songs, dances and other performances, all with the message of speaking up and out against violence against women.

The special event is an initiative of the Bankstown White Ribbon Working Party committee, with BYDS partnering with White Ribbon, The Smith Family, BaptistCare, Bulldogs, Muslim Women Association, CatholicCare, Bankstown Central and City of Canterbury Bankstown.

White Ribbon Ambassador, Mayor Khal Asfour, said it was inspiring to see the City’s youth understand the seriousness of domestic violence.

"It takes real courage to put your voice and talents to such a worthy but, at times, sensitive cause," Mayor Asfour said.

"It is initiatives, like the Break the Silence Youth Showcase, which are helping put a stop to this crime and reminding people that women should be treated equally.

"I am pleased the rate of domestic violence has fallen by 17% in Canterbury-Bankstown, but one assault is one too many, so we still have quite a way to go and these programs certainly help."