Sparking from the one millions stars to end violence project, which was a partnership with the Queensland Government for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, that encourages people to be the light and kindness they want to see in the world, government and non government organisations came together in the Hastings to fund the stars project locally.

Domestic violence prevention educator Renee Bell said that the project is a great way to begin talking about hard topics such as community violence.

“The idea came from the one million stars project, where we actually sent 160 stars to be included in the Commonwealth Games installation, and we wanted to keep the idea going on a local basis.

“So I approached the Port Macquarie domestic violence committee to work together and collaborate to help fund the ongoing project,” Ms Bell said.

Anyone can get involved, individuals, groups and communities will be encouraged to gather friends, family, neighbours and colleagues in your home, studio or workplace and weave together.

“We will be holding star making workshops for the community, in workplaces and at schools in 2018 and trying to have relevant conversations with people,” she said.

The stars that are made will go into a local installation in Port Macquarie later in 2018 and will serve as an ongoing reminder to the community to stand up in the face of family and domestic violence and support those who are victims.

“At this stage our aim is to make 1000 stars locally to display in Port Macquarie but we will see how we go.

“As much as it is about the stars and taking visible steps saying no to violence it is also about creating positive spaces to have sometimes difficult conversations in a supportive environment.”