ORGANISATIONS and groups are encouraged to turn orange and join the rest of the world in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence this week.
The global campaign will start on Friday with the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group’s annual White Ribbon breakfast at Frew Park.
Starting at 7.30am, the two-hour event is open to the public and free eggs, bacon, sausages, toast and barista-made coffee will be available.
Inspired by Mount Gambier North Primary School’s 16 day campaign held last year, action group chair Sonya Mezinec said the move to “go orange” sought to encourage community members to take an active role in ending violence.
“We really wanted to take it back to the elimination of violence against women and children,” she said.
“This year’s campaign is about being able to live safely and live free of violence, which are both human rights.
“We wanted to link our local goal in with the worldwide campaign, because stopping violence against women needs a global response.”
Following the breakfast, men of Mount Gambier will shout in unison to support an end to violence against women at the giant “No” event at The Rail.
The Natural Resources South East-hosted event will begin at 12.30pm, with community members encouraged to join the barbecue lunch.
“Natural Resources South East often shows support for important social campaigns like White Ribbon, the Big Morning Tea and NAIDOC Week,” event coordinator David New said.
“The more people involved means greater awareness and opens the door for further discussion.”
Observations will continue at Mount Gambier North Primary School, with student leaders coordinating a special White Ribbon Loudest Shout Out assembly.
Schools across the city will join the school participating in the event to break the silence around domestic violence.
On November 25, the official launch of the Clothesline Project, an art installation by domestic violence survivors, will officially be launched at the Main Corner.
The event will begin at 1pm and also feature the launch of the Family Safety Card, a new wallet-sized information pack released by the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group.
In addition to attending the events, Ms Mezinec encouraged community members to wear orange on November 30 and December 7 in support of action to end violence against women and girls.
