By Jessica Anstice
In a changed format of Pakenham’s annual White Ribbon luncheon, the Cardinia Shire community will unite online to recognise the organisation’s commitment to ending violence against women.
The charity event is traditionally held at Outlook Community Centre in Pakenham around the same time each year, however due to the coronavirus restrictions the upcoming event will take place virtually.
Cardinia Shire Council, Outlook Victoria and Aligned Leisure will be relaunching White Ribbon in Cardinia Shire via a Microsoft Teams livestream from 10am to 11am on Thursday 13 August.
May this year saw CommuniCare take over White Ribbon, with the vision of creating a “nation that respects women, in which every woman lives in safety, free from all forms of men’s abuse”.
“We’re labelling it a relaunch as Cardinia’s White Ribbon is obviously under new governance as it has been taken over by CommuniCare,” Aligned Leisure’s Cardinia leisure manager Paige Kristalyn explained.
“CommuniCare has a higher vision for grassroots movements which is great for Cardinia and it means that they’ll be looking into local initiatives as well which is cool.
“The fact that we’re relaunching lets people in the community, who are maybe going through family violence situations, know that there is support out there.”
White Ribbon Australia’s new executive director Brad Chilcot and Outlook Victoria CEO Sam Sondhi will feature as guest speakers during the event.
WAYSS family violence service coordinator specialist Angela Temba is set to talk about the impact that Covid-19 has had on family violence and the response for service providers.
Cardinia Shire Council mayor Jeff Springfield will discuss how the relaunch of White Ribbon is connected with the council’s Together We Can initiative.
Together We Can allows the council to work with the community and its leaders, Victoria Police and University of Melbourne to stop, prevent and end family violence in the Cardinia Shire.
Cr Springfield said the council was proud to partner with Aligned Leisure and Outlook Victoria for the event.
“While our event may look a little different this year due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, it’s wonderful that we’re still able to come together for this important event,” Cr Springfield said.
“I’m very passionate about working together to create a community that is safe and peaceful, and where we take a united stand against violence.
“Attitudes and behaviours need to keep changing in our community and we need to ensure that we listen to, and support, those who experience violence.”
The event will hear the announcement of the 2020 Garry McQuillian and Tony Fitzgerald Award recipients.
The two prestigious awards recognise men for their continued efforts in raising awareness and preventing men’s violence against women.
“Anyone can join the event and we’re encouraging everyone to do so,” Ms Kristalyn said.
“It’s really just an awareness piece and to acknowledge our service providers.”
To attend the event, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/2760574157379740/
