A Field of Remembrance commemorating those who lost their lives to domestic violence has served a poignant tribute at the opening of Blacktown City Council's Knit Bomb Project 2025.
Each flower represented a Blacktown City resident lost to domestic violence (based on records since 1987) as part of thought-provoking displays at the Village Green, Blacktown, on Thursday.
Trees, poles and public property in Blacktown and Mount Druitt were wrapped with colourful knitting after Blacktown Library Knitting and Craft Group and community members led stitching efforts for the seventh annual event.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said support was growing for the Knit Bomb Project and showed community resolve.
"The Knit Bomb Project is as much led by community as it is Council, and our message is clear: there is no place for violence against women and children in Blacktown City," he said.
"I especially urge men to talk to their friends and make sure they understand respectful relationships.
"We all have a role to play in changing community attitudes so we can keep our partners, mothers, sisters and children safe."
Guest speaker, Blacktown Area Community Centres Executive Officer Nafiye Mind, told of other initiatives in Blacktown City such as the Purple Chair Project honouring domestic violence victims and promoting support services.
Residents and representatives of community groups, service providers, the police and more pledged their commitment to end domestic violence as part of interactive displays.
The Knit Bomb Project launch coincides with a global campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The Blacktown City community has joined the campaign and organised a series of events.
These include:
The Purple Chair Project Launch at Doonside Cottage
Tuesday 25 November
Organised by Blacktown Area Community Centres
Community Vigil at Memorial Grove, Blacktown Showground
Friday 28 November, 5 pm to 6 pm
Community Walk Against Family Violence at The Ponds Parkrun
Saturday 29 November, 8 am
Meet at The Ponds Community Hub
Organised by Rotary Club of The Ponds
Domestic Violence Walk from Cleeve Close, Mount Druitt
Wednesday 10 December at 9.30 am
Organised by Courageous Pasifika Voices
Council has a multi-faceted approach to preventing domestic violence which includes supporting police, health professionals, state and federal agencies, refuges and community organisations.
The Womens Advisory Committee and the Community Safety Advisory Committee inform consultation, planning and decision-making to prevent abusive relationships.
Council also works with organisations collectively known as the Outer West Domestic Violence Network to share knowledge and combine resources.
