TRC signs Qld Govt pledge denouncing inequality; domestic & family violence
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In a timely gesture in the season of goodwill, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) this week (Tuesday, December 19, 2023) signed the Queensland Government’s Not Now, Not Ever. Together. pledge denouncing inequality and domestic and family violence.
Councillors and TRC CEO Brian Pidgeon signed the pledge at the December Ordinary Meeting, which commits the organisation to working toward a Queensland where everyone is equal and free from violence.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said Councillors were united in their commitment to the cause and would play an active role to ensure the ambitious goal was promoted and realised in the community.
“This pledge commits Council to playing our role as leaders across the community and working wherever possible to raise awareness of inequality and all forms of domestic and family violence,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Violence in any form is unacceptable and Councillors and our organisation will work with other community groups to raise awareness, improve prevention and provide practical assistance to end domestic and family violence.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe community and be an equal participant in community life.”
Donaldson Law Director Adair Donaldson told the meeting he was pleased to see Council, as one of the Region’s largest employers, sign the pledge to end all forms of violence and set the scene for other employers to follow.
Mr Donaldson, a member of the Queensland Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, said signing the pledge showed employers were serious about playing their part in supporting people in difficult circumstances.
“Workplaces can play a vital role in identifying people suffering from various forms of abuse. They can say, ‘We can see you, and we are here to help’,” Mr Donaldson said.
“People in these situations feel shame, fear, isolation and can be invisible. They need to know that they are not alone and that support is all around them.
“I want to see Toowoomba leading the way in preventing all forms of violence and part of this is ensuring that people feel safe and supported at work. This is in line with the new Federal laws where employees are entitled to 10 days’ paid domestic violence leave. What I would love to see is private enterprise following Council’s lead.”
People in immediate danger are advised to call 000 or to speak with a counsellor, please call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or DV Connect 1800 811 811.
Support is available via Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis line: 13 11 14.
Caption: Toowoomba Region Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff (front left) and Mayor Geoff McDonald holding the pledge, which was signed by fellow Councillors (middle from left) Cr Bill Cahill, Cr Carol Taylor, Cr Edwina Farquhar, Cr Nancy Sommerfield, Cr Melissa Taylor, (back from left) Cr James O’Shea, TRC CEO Brian Pidgeon, Cr Tim McMahon, Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan and Cr Kerry Shine.