Baw Baw Shire Council supports campaign against gender-based violence
Published on 18 November 2022
Baw Baw Shire Council has joined forces with Gippsland services, organisations and local governments to support the ‘Let’s Chat’ Gippsland 16 Days of Activism campaign to prevent gender-based violence.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that runs from 25 November to 10 December seeking to raise awareness of gender-based violence and put a stop to all forms of violence against Women and Children.
Gender-based violence is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms and stereotypes. Violence against Women and Children is particularly widespread across Gippsland.
“Let’s Chat Gippsland” is a regional approach to the campaign that seeks to remind people that social and attitudinal change can start with a simple conversation. As part of the regional approach, members of the community are encouraged to start a conversation with their family, friends, colleagues, students or neighbours about gender equality and respect.
Gippsland Women’s Health (GWH) is the lead organisation funded to address prevention of violence against Women in Gippsland and have been coordinating the work across the region.
Kate Graham, CEO of Gippsland Women’s Heath, says “[we] know that violence against Women can be prevented, and the first step is having important conversations about the issue and what we can all do.”
To reinforce the campaign’s messaging there will be a several, free events and activities happening across the Shire:
Myli in Real Life: 16 Days of Activism Event
A presentation from several culturally diverse members of the community sharing their stories discussions around respect.
Community BBQ at Bunnings Warragul
The BBQ is delivered in partnership with Baw Baw ‘Our Watch Our Issue’ Network who arranges activities and events to promote gender equity and reduce family violence and sexual assault. The network consists of representatives from a range of local organisations including Quantum, West Gippsland Health Care Group, and Council.
- Friday 2 December 2022
- 11:00am – 2:00pm
- 57 Hazel Drive, Warragul
Let’s Chat themed coffee conversations at participating local cafes
Quantum Support Services has partnered with local cafes to support the campaign by decorating their stores, wearing orange and handing out Let’s Chat cards and coffee cups to start conversations. The participating cafés in Baw Baw Shire include:
- Coco’s Café, Yarragon - Tuesday 29th November
- Frankie’s Warragul - Wednesday 30th November
- Little Red Duck Café, Noojee - Thursday 1st December
Throughout Baw Baw Shire there’ll be plenty of orange displayed across social media feeds in support of the campaign’s colour that symbolises a brighter future, free of violence. The West Gippsland Arts Centre will also be lit up each night in orange to keep the campaign front of mind for our community.
Quote attributable to Mayor Annemarie McCabe
"On behalf of the Shire, we support the 16 Days of Activism campaign against Gender-Based Violence and take a stand against gender-based violence across Baw Baw Shire, and everywhere else.
Everyone in our community should be allowed to feel safe whether this is in their homes, schools, workplaces, community centres or recreation clubs.
I encourage our community to take part in the activities and events happening across Gippsland to gain a greater understanding of the 16 Days of Activism campaign as a whole and how they can get involved in the conversations to create change.”