Support for the 16 Days of Activism campaign

Council is proud to have supported the 16 Days of Activism campaign once again. This global movement promotes gender equality and encourages communities to take action to prevent gender-based violence.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign began on 25 November and concluded on 10 December. It aimed to raise awareness about issues in our community including gender inequality, family and gender-based violence, respectful relationships and community safety.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane, said everyone needs to play a part in preventing gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence can happen to anyone, of any age, culture, ability or socioeconomic background, so it’s important that we all build systems, cultures, organisations and communities that are safe and inclusive and that promote equal and respectful relationships between people of all genders,” Cr Steane said.

“We can also help support those around us by being ‘active bystanders’ and calling out inappropriate or disrespectful language and behaviour, either in the moment or following an incident.”

You may have seen our billboards across Maroondah expressing messages of safety, non-violence, respect and gender equality. These messages were developed with local partner organisations and reached out to members of our Indigenous community, two Burmese communities and women with disabilities.

In support of the campaign, Council also:

Partnered in the 16 Steps to Respect Project with Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service, Victoria Police and Eastern Community Legal Centre.

This mosaic art project brought men, women, elders and younger people together to talk about what respect looks like. The mosaic tiles will be gifted to Victoria Police and installed in Croydon and Ringwood police stations.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is impacted by gender-based violence, partner violence, elder abuse or sexual assault, contact:

1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732 for 24/7 confidential counselling, support and safety planning by trained counsellors 1800 015 188 Safe Steps - Victoria’s 24/7 family violence support service 1800 542 847 WithRespect - a specialist LGBTIQ+ family violence service 13YARN / 13 92 76 - a national crisis support line for mob, with Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters available 24/7 InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence - call the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 131 450 and ask them to call 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732

In an emergency, you should always call 000.

Further information

For more information, visit the Safe and Equal website and .