TRC, Empire Theatres unveil red bench; to collect red shoes for charity auction in aid of family vio…

Toowoomba’s newest red bench that symbolises the campaign to raise awareness and stamp out all forms of violence was today (Friday, 13 September, 2024) unveiled at the heart of the city’s cultural precinct, The Empire.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) joined theatre representatives to unveil the bright red bench outside The Empire Theatre and has called for donations of red shoes ahead of a charity auction in aid of Toowoomba Together on 25 November, 2024.

TRC People, Culture and Engagement portfolio spokesperson Cr Melissa Taylor said the latest red bench joined more than a dozen benches across the Region designed to be a beacon in the campaign to end all forms of violence.

“Red benches, a project devised by the Red Rose Foundation, are powerful visual symbols that serve as a reminder that we must keep working to change the ending and call out abusive behaviour in families, neighbourhoods and broader communities,” Cr Taylor said.

“This bench has been beautifully painted by Council’s Property Services Team and is a collaboration between Council and The Empire. It will serve as a permanent reminder that we cannot turn away from the scourge of domestic violence that affects so many lives.

“Violence will not stop until we have a cultural shift in our attitudes to gender, power and violence. All violence is inexcusable and intolerable. It predominantly affects women’s and children’s health, especially their mental health. Doing nothing and saying nothing ensures the cycle continues unchallenged.

“Installing another red bench in a busy location provides symbolic and practical support to people who are looking for help in times of distress or seeking information to help loved ones or friends.

“Council appreciates the work of the Queensland Police Service’s Darling Downs Domestic Family Violence and Vulnerable Person’s Unit and all other community support agencies who save and restore lives.

“We are also inviting residents to donate their red shoes in a project that mirrors efforts by the Red Shoes Australia charity and a wider global movement ‘to ensure women across the country who have disappeared due to violence become visible again’.

“This is a chance for us to stand together, raise awareness, and inspire change. We must be united in ensuring this issue stays at the forefront of our community’s attention.

“The Red Shoe Project is a global movement that lays bare the heartbreaking reality of gender-based violence.

“As part of the movement, hundreds of red shoes will be laid out in November, each one representing women who have lost their lives to violence.

“The shoes stand as both a tribute to their memory and a call to action for all of us.”

The Empire General Manager, Giuliana Bonel expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with Toowoomba Regional Council on both the Red Bench Project and Red Shoe Project, with The Empire proudly showcasing the newest red bench.

“We are fully committed to supporting both initiatives, and it is an honour to have a red bench located on our lawn in such a prominent, visible location for the community,” Ms Bonel said.

"The arts have the power to inspire change, offering a unique platform to address difficult topics and ignite conversations that might otherwise remain unspoken.

"We are proud to play a role, both on and off stage, in helping to advance these conversations and raise awareness as we unite as a community to change the narrative."

Red shoes can be donated at The Empire Ticket Office at 56 Neil Street, Toowoomba from 9am to 3pm on weekdays or at Council’s Customer Service office in Little Street, Toowoomba from 8.30am-5pm on weekdays.

The shoes will be auctioned in aid of Toowoomba Together’s fundraising efforts to help various support services recognise, respond, and refer to domestic violence in the community.

The auction will be held on 25 November, which is White Ribbon Day or also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Other red benches in the Toowoomba Region are located at Clewley Park, off Water Street, at Webb Park in East Toowoomba, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Garden City Mosque, various Toowoomba schools and shopping centres and at Pittsworth, Oakey and Yarraman.

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Caption: (Top) Cr Trevor Manteufel (back left), Cr James O’Shea, Cr Kerry Shine, Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton; (front from left) Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald, TRC Finance and Business Strategy General Manager Ann-Marie Johnston, Toowoomba Region Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff, TRC People, Culture and Engagement portfolio spokesperson Cr Melissa Taylor, Empire Theatre General Manager Giuliana Bonel and Cr Carol Taylor at the launch of the Empire Theatre’s red bench.