Media Call – Unveiling of Tasmania’s first Red Bench for domestic violence awareness.

Central Coast Council unveiled Tasmania’s first “Red Bench” to raise awareness of domestic violence. Media were invited to attend a media call, where representatives from Tasmania Police and Central Coast Council were available for interviews and photo opportunities.

When

Wednesday, 1 May 2024, 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Where

41 Reibey Street, Ulverstone Tasmania 7315 (outside Olivers Bakery)

Who

In attendance at the Media Call were the following official parties and representatives.

Tasmania Police: Anthea Maingay – Inspector Central Western Division – Western District (also a member of the Community Safety Partnership Committee), Detective Inspector Steve Jones, Detective Sergeant Adam Starr, Senior Constable Evan Bartush, Senior Constable Liesje Baker, Detective Senior Constable Tracey Roger, and Senior Constable Kathleen Parker.

Central Coast Council: Cr Kate Wylie – Councillor representing Mayor Cheryl Fuller and member of the Community Safety Partnership Committee. Daryl Connelly – Director Community, Growth and Development, Laura Wiggers – Coordinator Communication and Relationships, Louise Murphy – Open Space and Parks Officer.

Community Safety Partnership Committee representative: Lyn Norton-Smith, Gareth Johnson – Community Representatives, Sam van der Meulen – Housing Choices, and Simon Dent – Principal Ulverstone Secondary College.

What

Central Coast Council, in partnership with Tasmania Police and Red Rose Foundation, unveiled Tasmania’s first red bench on Reibey Street, outside Olivers Bakery in Ulverstone. The existing bench was painted red and now has a plaque positioned on the side, where people can learn more about the Red Rose Foundation’s key messages on domestic violence awareness and prevention.

The unveiling of the Red Bench coincided with Domestic Violence Prevention Month, which was a timely opportunity to highlight how important it is to continue having these conversations surrounding domestic violence.

Councillor Cheryl Fuller, Mayor Central Coast said:

“This is a topic close to many of our hearts and Council hopes that through the Red Bench project, it will lead to our community having these conversations more. Domestic violence has such a huge impact on victims, victim survivors and their families. It also has an ongoing impact on so many sections of our community.”

The concept behind the Red Bench initiative is to “Take A Seat, To Take A Stand, To End Domestic Violence”. The benches are installed in public locations and act as conversation starters for members in the community.

“It was important that the Council positioned the first Red Bench in an iconic location to ensure the campaign could gain as much attention as possible. The bench seat outside Olivers in Reibey Street was a perfect fit, as many community members pass by there on a daily basis.” Said Cr Cheryl Fuller, Mayor Central Coast. “However, there will also be another three red benches throughout our municipal area – one in Leith, Sulphur Creek and Penguin.” “Council would like to commend the family violence unit of Tasmania Police, who approached us to participate in the project, as well as the Red Rose Foundation for the great work they are doing in the domestic violence awareness space.” – she said.

END

More information on Red Rose Foundation:

The Red Rose Foundation launched the Red Bench Project in 2019 to build a permanent reminder that domestic violence occurs within all our communities. The first red bench was unveiled on 15th May 2019 in Cleveland, Queensland, by Redlands Mayor Karen Williams. 

Click here to find out more: https://www.redrosefoundation.com.au/

Zonta Club Candlelight Vigil Event:

Following the launch of the Red Bench, Central Coast Council and the Zonta Club of Central Coast, will be supporting the Zonta Club of Devonport’s Candlelight Vigil later in the evening. This event is designed to commemorate and remember the Australian women who have lost their lives due to male violence.

When: Wednesday, 1st May, 6pm

Where: Gnomon Pavilion, Wharf Road, Ulverstone

Wear something purple. Contact 0417 561 124 or [email protected] for more information.