Detective Senior Sergeant Jenny Parker was a speaker at the launch of Benalla Rotary's 'Say no to domestic and family violence and yes to respectful relationships' project.
The Rotary Club of Benalla brought the community together on Thursday, September 18 to address one of the biggest ongoing issues in the Rose City.
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That being the rates of family and domestic violence.
While things are moving in the right direction, with Benalla dropping from the highest rates of family violence per capita in Victoria in recent years, to ninth place based on figures released this year, it is still a top 10 list the Rose City should not be on.
The meeting on Thursday was the launch of Rotary’s ‘Say no to domestic and family violence and yes to respectful relationships’ program.
In a show of community solidarity, the event included guest speakers including Detective Senior Sergeant Jenny Parker from Benalla Police, Lucy Lee, intake and therapeutic services manager from the Centre Against Violence and Lee Little, whose daughter Alicia died as a result of family violence.
There were also members of several local groups and organisations in attendance, including:
Benalla Rural City Councillors (Mayor) Bernie Hearn, David Blore, Puna Gunaratne, Jillian Merkal and Nathan Tolliday
Representatives from Benalla Lions, the Benalla Hockey Club, and Mansfield Rotary
FCJ College principal Jo Mount, deputy principal Renae Hughes, director of catholic identity Donna Wilcock and Year 10 learning leader Gemma Hunter
Kelly Wallace from Bendigo Bank, and
Representatived from the Benalla Homelessness Response Group.
It was a full-house at Benalla Rotary's recent meeting as it launched its 'Say no to domestic and family violence and yes to respectful relationships' project.
Benalla Rotary Secretary Kellee Middleton said there were 68 people in attendance.
“We became aware of the project when a few Rotarians went to a district conference,” she said.
“We decided that because of the rates of family violence in Benalla, that it was something that was needed.
“We created a committee and decided we would pursue awareness this year, where we are encouraging local businesses to assist with a visual awareness, by purchasing a wearable advocacy against domestic violence.”
The club is doing that by selling purple t-shirts with a message of support on it.
It is also arranging a community walk, where participants will be encouraged to wear one of those t-shirts.
“That will be held on November 28, during the 16 days of activism campaign,” Ms Middleton said.
“And Thursday’s meeting was about getting the community involved.
“The Lions club are on board, as are local schools, clubs, businesses and council.
“We’re hoping to have a community barbecue on the day, and we’ll have some speakers, possibly at the end of the walk.”
If you would like to purchase a T-shirt to support the program and show your support, or to register to be part of the community walk, you can email Kellee via secretary@benallarotaryclub.com
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