Kingston Council is putting equality and respect in the spotlight as part of the global 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
Kingston will be sharing the message of support for a community free of gender-based violence through a range of channels including in-person, online, stencilling key messages on our sporting fields and even lighting up our City Hall clock tower orange to support the campaign.
Kingston Mayor Hadi Saab said actively supporting this vital campaign helps bring about Council's vision for a safe, respectful and supportive community that is free from all forms of inequality and violence.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe, equal and respected. However, gender-based violence is unfortunately still perpetrated against women and girls at overwhelming and disproportionate rates, including in the home," Cr Saab said.
"We all have a role to play in creating a future that is free from violence. Kingston is proud to be supporting the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence through ongoing advocacy and taking practical steps to make a real difference."
Activities for the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence include:
- The community is invited to attend a free, family-friendly event Roll for Respect with activities for all ages. These include a Roller Derby exhibition match between Kingston City Rollers and Westside, free food trucks and more. The event is 2.00pm – 5.30pm on Saturday 3 December at Springers Leisure Centre.
- Join a webinar discussion on Equality and Respect in Sport to hear from AFL player Ben Brown, gender equality advocate Hester Brown, roller derby world champion Lauren Foote, and cricket commentator and former Australian Test and One Day International cricketer Mel Jones OAM on promoting equality and respect 'on and off the field'. The webinar is at 7.00pm on Wednesday 7 December.
- 'Respect Women: Call it Out' stencils on local sportsgrounds at Beazley Reserve (Chelsea Heights), Ben Kavanagh Reserve (Mordialloc) and Highett Reserve.
- The clock tower at the Kingston Arts Centre in Moorabbin will be lit up in orange.
- For the kids, virtual and in person story times will be held at Kingston Libraries, featuring books that highlight the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help is available through contacting Safe Steps (Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service) on 1800 015 188.
