New Red Bench Unveiled In Coolum

Coolum Police, Coolum Men's Shed and Sunshine Coast Council have unveiled a new Red Bench in Coolum in collaboration with the Red Rose Foundation.

The Red Bench initiative aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and serves as a visible and enduring symbol of the community's shared commitment to preventing domestic and family violence on the Sunshine Coast.

The project has been in the works for almost a year with the bench crafted by volunteers at the Coolum Men's Shed.

The launch of the new bench in Tickle Park coincides with the start of Queensland's Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, with this year's theme of "Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence."

$500 was also donated to the Red Rose Foundation at the completion of the project.

Coolum Men's Shed President Charles Thomson said the Men's Shed being involved in the project has sparked important conversations among its members about preventing domestic and family violence.

"We proud to not only have built a physical symbol that domestic violence won't be tolerated, but to contribute to the foundation that reaches out those impacted in the community."

Acting Officer in Charge of Coolum Police Station Senior Sergeant Joel Bryant said police play a critical role in responding to domestic and family violence, with new DV safe spaces recently unveiled at both Coolum and Noosa stations.

"These purpose-built spaces are aimed at ensuring victims, survivors and vulnerable persons feel safe, supported and heard," Snr Sgt Bryant said. "They are set apart from the operational areas of the station and include features for children, like toys and activities, along with IT access so victim-survivors can safely go online and connect with support services."

Red Rose Foundation CEO Lucy Lord said the bench creates a space where victim-survivors feel seen, heard and supported, and community members are encouraged to reflect on their role in the collective response to domestic and family violence.

"Importantly, today's launch also opens new opportunities for meaningful conversations between community leaders, organisations supporting victim survivors, and local service groups about what more can be done locally to strengthen prevention and early intervention efforts," she said.

Sunshine Coast Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag thanked the community and government stakeholders for their contributions to the project.

"It demonstrates a strong community response to the prevention of domestic and family violence," Cr Bunnag said. "Continuing to raise awareness and have open discussions about domestic and family violence through projects such as this Red Bench is incredibly important."