Community can work together to HALT domestic and family violence

Redland City Council strongly supports Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month that is held each May in Queensland to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) and to send a clear message that DFV will not be tolerated.

Two major local events will be held during this important month in the Redlands Coast calendar.

On Wednesday 3 May, a candle lighting vigil will be held from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Raby Bay Harbour Park, while on Saturday 27 May, the eighth annual Dîner en Rouge, which raises awareness and funds to help prevent DFV, will be held in Sheldon.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said individuals, community groups and the private sector needed to work together to help prevent DFV and support those affected.

“Domestic violence statistics can be confronting. On average, one person is killed by a current or former partner each week in Australia,” Cr Williams said.

“Closer to home, Redlands Coast accounts for around four per cent of all domestic and family violence protection orders applied for across Queensland – that’s more than 600 a year and about 12 each week.

“However, there are some amazing local organisations that are delivering assistance when and where it is needed most, including The Centre for Women & Co, Redland Community Centre, and Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Service.”

Cr Williams said the candle lighting vigil on 3 May was part of a nationwide event. One minute’s silence will be held across the country at 6pm.

She said Council was honoured that Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation founders and directors Sue and Lloyd Clarke, parents of Hannah Clarke and grandparents to Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, were supporting the local event again this year and would be guest speakers at the vigil.

“This annual event is a respectful and moving way to remember the women, men and children who have been killed in domestic and family violence situations,” Cr Williams said.

“Continuing that mark of respect and to raise awareness of DFV, the Cleveland Lighthouse will be lit up in purple to mark the candle lighting vigil and pink for Dîner en Rouge. It will be a beacon to remind us that we all need to lookout for each other.

“The reason for it being pink is to tie-in with the new colour theme for our traditionally red and white annual Dîner en Rouge, in honour of our partnership this year with the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation.

“This foundation, which uses pink as its colour, was established in memory of Hannah and her children who died in February 2020, the victims of domestic violence.

“Their initials – H.A.L.T. – form the name of a new domestic violence awareness and education program that will be introduced in Redlands Coast schools as a Queensland-first.

“The Redlands Coast says HALT program will educate high school students about respectful relationships and foster positive behavioural change.

“The decision to roll out this new program in Redlands Coast schools with the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation continues Council’s commitment to supporting those impacted by domestic and family violence.”

Cr Williams said Council was proud to again be working with Zonta clubs, Soroptimist International, Rotary Club of Cleveland, Redland Foundation and local DFV service advocates on this year’s Dîner en Rouge Goes Pink event.

Hosted by radio personality and Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation ambassador Abby Coleman, this year’s event will return to a dinner format, following two years as a live stage show, and will include special guest speakers from the foundation, live entertainment from the Steele Syndicate and Daniel J Lewis, a silent auction and raffles.

“I encourage you to put a table together and come along to show your support for this incredibly important cause,” Cr Williams said.

“By supporting Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month our community can work together to HALT the spread of domestic and family violence now and in future generations.”

3 May: Candle Lighting Vigil: 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Wednesday 3 May, 2023, at Raby Bay Harbour Park Shore Street West, Cleveland. There is an optional Zonta Walk the Talk walk starting from 4.45pm at Kyling Corner, cnr Waterloo and Middle streets, Cleveland. Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation directors Sue and Lloyd Clarke will attend the walk and be guest speakers at the vigil along with leaders from several local community organisations.

27 May: Dîner en Rouge: Saturday 27 May, 2023, Sheldon Event Centre, Sheldon. Tickets are $175 each or $1700 for a table of 10 (including GST). Visit redland.qld.gov.au/dinerenrouge