Red Bench Relay Walk putting domestic violence under the spotlight during United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism

Livingstone Shire Council is once again showing its support for raising awareness around violence against women with two special relay walks next week on Thursday, 26 November. 

From 6am, residents are invited to participate in either of the two Red Bench relays during this year’s United Nations 16 Days of Activism, starting from both Yeppoon and Emu Park.

Portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, Councillor Pat Eastwood said as the world retreated inside homes due to the lockdown measures introduced to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, reports showed an alarming increase in the incidence of violence against women.

“The Red Rose Foundation has launched the Red Bench Project to build a permanent reminder that domestic violence occurs within all of our communities,” Cr Eastwood said.

“The presence of a Red Bench in a public location aims to raise public awareness and provide an opportunity for this important issue to remain visible. 

“Livingstone Shire Council is proud to have two red benches installed in its Shire – one is located at the Respect Tree on Farnborough Road and the other can be found at the Singing Ship in Emu Park.

“Local governments can play a very significant role in combatting this community challenge through their role as an employer but also as community leaders in setting the standards and creating zero tolerance environments which support broader social care and wellbeing.

“I encourage residents to come along and be a part of these walks to show support for this important cause that affects many members of our community.

“Domestic violence is a scourge on our society and as a local government we take our commitment to trying to tackle this issue very seriously.”

Event Info 

WHEN: Thursday, 26 November, from 6am 

WHERE: Walks start from Yeppoon Lagoon and Bell Park, Emu Park 

To register for either of the walks, visit http://livingstoneshire.eventbrite.com/
*Please note, registration check in is at 6.00am with the walk starting from 6.30am*

We encourage all participates to wear something red and please remember to stay sun safe by bringing a water bottle, wearing a hat and applying sunscreen.

Red Rose Foundation

The Red Rose Foundation is a national not for profit charity which works to end Domestic and Family Violence. It was established in response to the many victims who lose their lives each year in communities across the nation.

To provide a visual reminder of the devastating effects of Domestic and Family Violence in our communities they launched the Red Bench Project. 

The presence of a Red Bench in a communal location aims to raise public awareness and provides an opportunity for this important issue to remain visible and act as a symbol of broader support.