Annual fundraiser benefits domestic violence support services

Time is running out to purchase a ticket for a great night of entertainment and to help make a difference for people affected by domestic and family violence on Redlands Coast.

The annual Dîner en Rouge event, a live theatre production themed Musique en Rouge, will be held on Saturday 6 November 2021 at Redland Performing Arts Centre.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Coast community was a very giving one, and it was important for people to come together to help those in need.

“Domestic violence is a terrible reality for too many local families,” she said.

“In 2020-21, there were 598 applications for domestic violence protection orders lodged with Cleveland Magistrates Court.

“Disturbingly, there were 430 charges of contravening a protection order in the same period.

“Domestic and family violence has no place in our community and this annual fundraiser is one small way the community can come together to make a real difference for people whose lives have been torn apart.”

Dîner en Rouge, now in its seventh year, has raised almost $400,000 for Redlands Coast domestic and family violence support services.

Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Service President Jacky Burkett said the $250,000 received had made a huge difference to the organisation and its clients.

“We have been able to fit out the new units which were commissioned early in 2020, revitalise the other units, set up a social outdoor undercover area and, most excitingly, completely renovate the children’s playground,” Ms Burkett said.

The Centre for Women & Co CEO Stacey Ross said they received $100,000 which would allow them to employ a Domestic and Family Violence Integration Worker over the next 12 months.

“The difference we hope to make is that organisations and businesses are better equipped to recognise, respond to and support people who may be experiencing domestic and family violence, therefore keeping people safe,” Ms Ross said.

The Redland Community Centre also received $30,000 for their DFV Assist program to provide case management and address gaps in service and for people experiencing domestic and family violence.

This year’s Musique en Rouge fundraiser will feature entertainment by Australian recording artist Luke Kennedy, this year’s The Voice Australia singing sensation Irena Lysiuk, Australia’s premier pop-opera trio Belladiva and special guests from Phluxus2 Dance Collective.

There are also two special guest speakers:

The night also includes a silent auction and a major raffle with prizes including a diamond pendant valued at $2880 and an island getaway holiday valued at $740.

The pendant has been provided by Stephen Dibb Jewellery, which has been donating fine jewellery to Dîner en Rouge since the event’s inception in 2015.

For more information on Musique en Rouge, go to redland.qld.gov.au/dinerenrouge

Supporters of Diner en Rouge include:

Sponsors: Karreman Bros, Redland City Bulletin, Walker Group, Renaissance Retirement Living, Darwalla Group, Alex Gow Funerals, National Concrete Systems, Peak Services, Rotary Club of Cleveland, Southern Cross Protection, Villawood Properties.

Supporters: JJ Richards and Sons, Stephen Dibb Jewellery, Minjerribah Camping, Sealink, Capalaba Carnations, Koala Graphix.