The City of Mount Gambier has provided in‑principle support to the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group's (LCFVAG) Place of Courage - Ripples project, recognising the significant and ongoing impact of domestic, family and sexual violence on individuals, families and the wider community.
The decision followed consideration of a Motion with Notice presented by Councillor Sonya Mezinec at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday 17 February 2026.
In supporting the motion, Council confirmed its in‑principle support for the proposed public memorial and authorised Council officers to investigate options for a Place of Courage - Ripples installation within the City of Mount Gambier.
LCFVAG is a collective of community members, government and non‑government organisations working to raise awareness, support victim survivors and advocate for change to reduce the impact of domestic, family and sexual violence across the Limestone Coast.
The proposed Place of Courage - Ripples installation is intended to provide a public place of reflection, healing, connection and hope, while also offering a dedicated space for the community to gather for key events, including the annual Candlelight Vigil.
At the meeting, Cr Mezinec acknowledged the scale and seriousness of domestic and family violence in Australia.
"Last year, 51 women were killed by a current or former partner, and in January alone this year, six women lost their lives to domestic violence," Cr Mezinec said.
"Many more people have fled violent relationships and sought support from domestic and family violence services in our region and across the country. This is a very serious issue in our community."
Cr Mezinec also acknowledged the findings of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, which delivered its report With Courage - South Australia's Vision Beyond Violence in 2024, including 136 recommendations aimed at addressing the issue.
"The Place of Courage - Ripples project uses art as a powerful way to honour victims and survivors, educate the community and raise awareness."
"The artworks are known as 'ripples' because, like a stone dropped into water, they spread a message outward, encouraging reflection, conversation and change."
Cr Mezinec said the memorial would provide a more appropriate and permanent setting for remembrance and reflection.
"It would be a place of solace and healing for victims, survivors, their families and friends, and a respectful space for the community to come together for events such as the Candlelight Vigil. At present, we do not have a dedicated place that truly serves that purpose."
The public memorial may take the form of a sculpture or mural with landscaped surrounds. Similar Ripples installations have already been established in Christies Beach, Seaford, St Clair and Gawler, with others proposed for Burnside, Murray Bridge and Port Adelaide Enfield.
"I attended the unveiling of the Ripples project at Adelaide City Council in 2023, and since then I have been advocating for a memorial like this," City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.
"I want to congratulate Councillor Mezinec and the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group for bringing this matter forward and for their ongoing advocacy."
The Ripples artworks form part of a broader initiative led by Spirit of Women, founded by Helen Oxenham OAM, with Place of Courage installations established across South Australia to honour victims and survivors, raise awareness and encourage community reflection.
As part of the resolution, Council officers will now assess potential locations, along with infrastructure and landscaping requirements, indicative costs, funding sources and sponsorship opportunities. A report on these matters will be presented back to Council by June 2026.
