ARARAT local government, business and community leaders have been challenged to lead the charge against family violence and violence against women.
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Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, North Melbourne assistant coach Darren Crocker and Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge instigated the call to arms at a ‘Leading Change’ breakfast at Ararat Performing Arts Centre yesterday.
The forum aimed to motivate and educate residents about challenging sexism, discrimination and violence against women, both within workplaces and the wider community.
About 150 people attended the Women’s Health Grampians initiative, which was supported by Ararat Rural City Council, Ararat Regional Business Association and Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership.
Program organiser Jaclyn Reriti labelled the event as groundbreaking.
“It’s the first time we’ve run anything like this in Ararat,” she said.
“We had representatives from local government, police, community groups and businesses – including large employers Gason and AME,” she said.
“We’re overwhelmed by the support and encouraged so many people are willing to be educated about this important issue.”
Ms Reriti said Ararat Rural City continued to record a high number of family violence incidents.
“Recent data shows it has jumped from 10th position to sixth in the state,” she said.
People who attended the Leading Change breakfast were given information about what they could do to change attitudes that supported violence and gender inequality.
Ms Reriti said people were highly engaged.
“We were very fortunate to have three diverse, high-profile speakers,” she said.
“They all presented the same strong message – that this is a big issue and we need to take action.”
Ms Reriti said Ms Wooldridge pinpointed the need to educate people about family violence at a young age in order to change community attitudes.
“Darren Crocker spoke specifically about footy culture and the need to educate players about violence against women,” she said.
“He wants to encourage them to become strong leaders and role models against violence in the community.”
Ms Reriti said Mr Lay used statistics to highlight the extent of the problem.
“Last year 44 deaths in Victoria were directly linked to family violence and violence against women,” she said.
“His speech was quite powerful. He said not only was there a need for community leaders to stand up and lead the charge, it was up to all of us to take some action.
“He challenged people to examine their personal and professional responsibilities in order to change our culture.
“We all need to change if the issue is to be addressed.”
Ms Reriti said people could call Women’s Health Grampians on 5322 4100 for more information about tackling family violence and violence against women.