Ararat Rural City Council goes orange to make a stand against gender-based violence

Ararat Rural City Council is again proudly supporting the ‘Respect Is’ state-wide campaign this year, encouraging the community to stand against gender-based violence across the municipality.

Respect Victoria’s Respect Women: ‘Call it Out’ (Respect Is) campaign runs as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence initiative, running from 25 November – 10 December.  

Respect Victoria has once again partnered with the Municipal Association of Victoria to provide Councils across Victoria with grants to participate in this year’s campaign, including Ararat Rural City.

The campaign ‘Respect is…’ will be used to guide our discussions and activities this year; council will feature ‘Respect is’ displays at the Ararat Library, Fitness Centre, Municipal Offices, and Depot along with footpath decals along Barkly Street encouraging the community to ‘Walk Against Violence’.  

Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison hopes Council’s commitment to ‘call it out’ will encourage others within the community to make a stand for gender equality and prevent gender-based violence.

“Everyone has a role to play in improving equality for women and preventing gender-based violence in our community, including Council,” Dr Harrison said.

“There’s been great work to raise awareness about the impact of violence, particularly towards women but there is still a lot of progress to be made.

“Residents may also notice the #whywewalk footprint stickers along Barkly Street, encouraging residents to participate in the virtual ‘Walk Against Family Violence’ on 25 November.”

As part of this campaign, residents are encouraged to discuss the drivers of gender-based violence and take action towards creating a safe and equal future through engaging with the ‘Respect Is…’ statements.

Council has also partnered with local cafes - Foragers, Sede, and Fred & Betts - providing ‘Respect is’ stickers for coffee cups during the campaign.

“Individuals, businesses and community groups are also encouraged to reflect on how we can come together to show their support for the campaign by sharing their statement via social media platforms or by wearing orange,” he said.

“By supporting this campaign, we hope to send a message that abuse in any form is simply not acceptable and it’s something we, as a community, can work against.

“Together, we can make a difference to ensure our communities are a safer place for all.”

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence commences on Wednesday, 25 November and will launch with the virtual Walk Against Family Violence (WAFV) organised by Safe Steps.

For more information on the 16 Days of Activism campaign and a comprehensive list of support services, visit: https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/16-days-activism-2021