By Gabriella Payne
Two outstanding and highly deserving community leaders were recognised for their efforts in preventing family violence at this year’s White Ribbon Fundraiser and Awards ceremony.
Held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Thursday 25 November, the annual event raises awareness about this prevalent issue and recognises the incredible work done by people and organisations in the local family violence prevention sector.
The 2021 Tony Fitzgerald Award (given to a community group in recognition of their continued efforts in raising awareness and preventing men’s violence against women) was awarded to WHISE (Women’s Health in the South East).
WHISE provides health information, health promotion and education to the female community and health professionals while also assisting women, particularly those who are significantly disadvantaged, to access services they need.
The 2021 Gary McQuillan Award (to the Cardinia Shire Council employee in recognition of their continued efforts in raising awareness and preventing men’s violence against women) was awarded to Michael Casey for his efforts in driving the council’s White Ribbon re-accreditation and ’Together We Can’ initiative.
Both Mr Casey and Deb Pugsley (WHISE’s operations manager) said that they were incredibly grateful to have been recognised in this way and would continue to raise awareness and advocate for victims impacted by family violence into the future.
“It’s been a real pleasure and an honour,“ Ms Pugsley said.
“I’m speaking on behalf of my CEO Kit McMahon and the staff at WHISE, but it’s just been an amazing day and we are so honoured to receive this award.
“I’ve been with WHISE 11 years now and we’ve done all this hard work – so this has given me a real lift,“ she said.
Mr Casey shared similar sentiments to Ms Pugsley and both awardees said that they had big plans to continue their advocacy moving forward, especially now that Covid restrictions had eased.
“There was lots of good conversation and information shared [at the event] to keep the ball rolling,“ Mr Casey said.
“There’s always work happening, but its great to hear new ideas and have these discussions for how we can further that.“
“It’s good to get back on the scene with everyone, we have worked amazingly and I take my hat off to the staff at WHISE for all that they’ve done,“ Ms Pugsley said.
“We all have to work together as a community to be safe and happy, but I’m so glad we could get together today after Covid and hear from all these amazing guest speakers.“
