Starting the conversation around family and domestic violence can be challenging, but one the Port Macquarie-Hastings Domestic and Family Violence Monitoring Committee supports.
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The committee, in collaboration with violence prevention services, is committed to promoting the conversation about zero tolerance in the community and workplace. The conversation starter begins with making stars.
The One Millions Stars to End Violence Project, partnering with the Queensland Government for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, encourages people to be the light and kindness they want to see in the world.
Domestic violence prevention educator Renee Bell said a similar project would be great in the Hastings.
“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,” Ms Bell said.
“So I approached the Port Macquarie Domestic and Family Violence Monitoring Committee to work together and collaborate to help fund an ongoing project of 1000 stars to be displayed in Port Macquarie in April.
“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.”
Kylie Naylor from the Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, and Helen Cook from Interrelate, said that it is important the conversation about family and domestic violence is had all year round.
“We need to have the conversation about zero tolerance for family and domestic violence all year round. It is not something that can be tokenistic for one month of the year. Some people live with, and experience violence, all year round and that is something that we need to keep talking about,” Ms Naylor said.
“We are wanting to raise awareness through conversations in workplaces and in community groups around the Hastings by talking and also making these stars which are symbols of hope because even in the darkest of situations there is always hope,” Ms Cooke said.
Ms Inki-Gilabert coordinator of the Domestic and Family Violence Monitoring Committee said the kits contain information about the services people can access if they find themselves in need of help.
“As well as the ribbons to make the stars, the kits contain information of available services people impacted by family domestic violence can access if they find themselves in need of support,” she said.
“Family and domestic violence is everyone’s business. It can happen to anyone, at anytime and it is important that the conversations are held and people know support is available.”
Read More: Start the conversation today
The project began in 2017, and so far more than 500 of the 1000 stars have been made for the installation in April.
Ahlia Westaway-Griffiths, program and community education officer, for the Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, said the star making program has a great community focus.
“We have kits to make 10 stars available for people and groups to use and to have these much needed conversations in a gentle way, but it is also for those who may be experiencing violence to see that people care,” Ms Westaway-Griffiths said.
“Just like the White Ribbon Coastal Walk and the Reclaim the Night march that was held late last year the stars are another way we can promote these conversation in the community.”
Kits are available all over town including at the Port Macquarie library, Mission Australia, Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, headspace and lifeline.