POSITIVE behavioural change and respectful relationships were the key themes at this year’s White Ribbon Day events.
More than 50 people descended on the Mount Gambier Rail Lands last Friday to demonstrate their opposition to violence against women for the Giant No event.
The Natural Resources South East-hosted event saw attendees treated to a barbecue lunch cooked by members of Pangula Mannamurna’s Strong Fathers, Strong Families group before coordinating into a “no” formation.
Staff from the state’s Environmental Department, the South East Aboriginal Focus Group, Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation and clients, health workers and carers from ac.care, Minda, Focus One Health and Headspace were in attendance, along with Mount Gambier City Councillor Kate Amoroso.
Just over 40 people participated in the “no”, doubling last year’s numbers.
Natural Resources South East Aboriginal engagement officer David New commended the strong turn-out.
“I was really pleased we had a lot of our community attend the event and it was good to see some of our health organisations and support services turn up,” he said.
“It is always good to see things like this grow and spread the awareness.”
Pangula Mannamurna Strong Fathers, Strong Families coordinator John Watson said the event was an opportunity for group members to stand in solidarity against gender-based violence.
“Our group did the loudest shout when it was still on and when David New asked if we wanted to come down and get involved, the group jumped at the chance,” he said.
“We all talk about violence against women and how it is not on and the giant ‘no’ is a good way for us to get out in the public and say it.”
Following the giant “no”, community members made their way to Mount Gambier North Primary School for the annual White Ribbon Day assembly.
The assembly featured poetry, a rap and work students had undertaken regarding respectful relationships and “being nice”.
In front of an audience including Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin, students presented Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group chair Sonya Mezinec with bags filled with basic and essential items for children escaping domestic violence situations.
Following the formalities, the students were joined by schools across the city and beyond for their giant shout event, with students shouting in unison against violence.
Mount Gambier North Primary School student well-being coordinator Simone Badenoch said the school and students had received overwhelming and positive feedback on the day.
“It was really great to have the other schools attend our assembly because it is a great way to spread awareness and keep breaking the silence,” she said.
“Our children had a lot of positive comments and support, which is great.
“They really took up this year’s ‘Choose Kind’ theme and were really keen to be involved in the community challenge of the bear bags.”
