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White Ribbon Day in Cootamundra

Numbers of women being killed to intimate partner violence is on the rise and statistics indicate that domestic violence rates are higher in rural and regional NSW.

Today, local schools and community groups were part of a Mission Australia organised White Ribbon Day main street walk from the Olympic Hotel to the post office.

 

Due to COVID restrictions of 20 people or less, groups went in staggered timings with students and teaching staff going at 10am.

Then at 12pm was the community walk, this involved local police, staff members from the Department of Communities and Justice, Mission Australia members and the local Mens Shed.

NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice staff members. Photo: Christopher Tan.
Locals Shannon Wilson and Belinda Mannix. Photo: Christopher Tan.

In build up to the event, shop owners helped distribute flyers and put out balloons to help spread the word.

It was the first time local schools and children have participated in the walk and this involved Cootamundra High School, Sacred Heart Central School, Cootamundra Public School and EA Southee Public School.

Savannah Francis, Skyla Douglas-Smith and Tiger-Honey Foster. Photo: Supplied.

White Ribbon Day’s slogan today is “Community by community, workplace by workplace, school by school.”

Domestic Violence officer and Senior Constable Heidi Clancy was having a chat with the kids prior to the walk, explaining the importance of the cause.

Mission Australia staff member wearing “Stand up Speak out” shirt. Photo: Christopher Tan.

When speaking to The Times, Senior Constable Clancy said the cause was about raising awareness and reminding victims there is a community available to support.

“We can all do our little bit and raise awareness for the community. White Ribbon day is about assisting people and reminding them there are a lot of agencies and a lot of people in the community that can help if anyone needs it,” she said.

EA Southee Year 6 school captains Hapeta Slade and Priaya Rakkid leading the way. Photo: Supplied.

Programs Facilitator Mission Australia Jayne Halls has been in her role for over 13 years and over those years, her team has been working to build community awareness on this issue.

Jayne said she was really happy with the turnout today and is looking forward to the 2021 event with food and COVID-free restrictions for the walk.

There is a possibility for the event to return with activities at the park if restrictions are further eased.

Ribbon and wristband to support the cause. Photo: Christopher Tan.

Christopher Tan

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