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United front for White Ribbon Day

25 November 2010 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

By Latrobe City - 6th December 2010 - Back to News

Businesses and agencies across Latrobe City formed a strong united front for White Ribbon Day in a quest to eliminate violence against women. The international campaign, started in Canada in 1991, has been sanctioned by the United Nations and is marked across the world with various fundraising events.

In Latrobe City, a number of organisations asked their employees to sign the oath never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. In the lead up to the day itself, workers were encouraged to purchase and wear a white ribbon or wristband to raise awareness for the campaign.

Latrobe City mayor, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan, said that it was encouraging to see that so many workplaces were committing to the cause.

"We know of many organisations that were hosting special functions to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women. Here at Latrobe City, there was a barbecue at the Latrobe City Depot in Morwell with more than 100 staff members in attendance. At 12.30 the oath was recited by all in attendance and signed oaths were placed in the ‘Swear Jar’. .

"The day is not just about trying to eradicate violence against women, but to encourage men not to ignore or excuse any such violent acts. It is an opportunity to think about the impact that such violence has not just on the victim’s physical health, but on her mental and emotional wellbeing too.

"Marking this occasion is a reminder that the responsibility to end violence lays with all of us not just the perpetrators of such acts," Cr O’Callaghan said.

Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) marked White Ribbon Day with a morning tea attended by over 70 staff. LCHS CEO, Ben Leigh, said that LCHS was committed to providing services to those affected by family violence.

"Family violence in is a significant issue in our local community with more than 600 incidents of violence referred to LCHS by Police in the past year.

"LCHS provides support and services such as Women’s and Children’s Family Violence Counselling, Case Management for Indigenous Men who use Violence and the Men’s Behaviour Change Program. Each of these programs promotes the safety and wellbeing of women and children as paramount," Mr Leigh concluded.

For more information on these programs, please contact LCHS on 1800 242 696 or visit www.lchs.com.au.

Photo: LCHS CEO Ben Leigh addresses staff about White Ribbon Day issues.

In other functions around the municipality, Quantum Support Services had a luncheon.

Photo: Quantum Support Services Staff proudly display the company’s signed oath.

Gippsland Trades and Labour Council held an afternoon tea and signing of the oath.

Photo: from L – R: John Parker, Secretary GTLC, Howard Williams, GTLC, Tony Flynn, ALP Candidate for Narracan, Steve Dodd, Assistant Secretary, GTLC and Graeme Middlemiss, ALP Candidate for Morwell District & Latrobe City Councillor.

TRUenergy Yallourn hosted a morning tea and male staff signed the oath.

Photo: General Manager, Mark Pearson (right), and HR Manager, David Burt, signing the White Ribbon Day oath.

Latrobe Valley Bus Lines drivers wore their ribbons or wristbands.

Media Enquiries:

Media Relations Team

Telephone: 5128 5458 or 0407 862 977

Jacinta Kennedy, Manager Community Relations

Telephone: 5128 5421 or 0401 824 195

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com