Mayor honoured for support of domestic and family violence prevention

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams was recognised by fellow Councillors this morning after being named on Queensland’s inaugural Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Honour Roll.

Cr Williams is one of the individual inductees on the roll, which also includes Redland City Council in the Corporates category.

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty acknowledged the Mayor at today’s general council meeting.

“Domestic and family violence is a scourge in our community and it is important that we acknowledge those who are working, often in the background, to support people and families who are affected by it and who are taking actions to end it,” Cr Talty said.

“The Honour Roll celebrates individuals and champions of the cause who are making a difference by raising awareness and working to change community attitudes, directly supporting or raising funds to help victims and those affected, and educating others on ways they can help.

“This city is gaining a reputation for leading the charge against domestic and family violence and it is due to the leadership of our local Honour Roll recipients and others.”

Cr Talty said Cr Williams would be joined on the Honour Roll by other local residents who had also shown their commitment to supporting those impacted by domestic and family violence.

“Philanthropists Dan Holzapfel and Ros Kinder, Red Rose Foundation CEO Betty Taylor and long-time domestic violence advocate Rosemary Skelly were also added to the Honour Role thanks to their incredible generosity,” Cr Talty said.

“Committee members of the Mayor’s Redlands Coast Diner en Rouge were also included on the Honour Roll for helping to organise the annual event, which has so far raised more than $330,000 to support those impacted by domestic and family violence.

“The funds have helped Redlands secure its own domestic violence counselling service and expanded accommodation, and the event has become an important reminder of the city’s commitment to the cause.”

Council has been a strong advocate for more crisis accommodation and a supporter of local domestic and family violence support services.

It is heavily involved in organising and supporting events such as the annual Diner en Rouge fundraiser and candlelight vigils.

Other Honour Roll recipients include:

Philanthropist Dan Holzapfel, who has donated $200,000 to the Diner en Rouge fundraiser. Ros Kinder, a committee member of Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Service, who has donated $50,000 to the fundraiser. Betty Taylor, who is CEO and founder of the Red Rose Foundation (which coordinates the Red Bench project) and is involved with Council’s candlelight vigils. Rosemary Skelly, who has been raising awareness of domestic and family violence on Redlands Coast for more than 30 years and was involved in the formation of the association now known as Maybanke. Redlands Coast Diner en Rouge Organising Committee members Judith Trevan-Hawke (Zonta Club of Wynnum Redland), Ros Kinder (Brisbane East Zonta Club), Shirley Mahon (Rotary Club of Cleveland), and Jacky Burkett (Soroptimist International Bayside). Stacey Ross, CEO – The Centre for Women and Co. is a not for profit organisation that educates, supports and empowers women and their families across Redland City and Logan region. They provide a range of services, including individual and community education, crisis support and counselling, to achieve social justice for all women.

For a full list of honour roll inductees, visit the website.