Macksville Bridge lights up in support of campaign to end gender-based violence

THE old Macksville Bridge is glowing orange at night as a bold statement of support for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign running from 25 November to 10 December.

The campaign begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on Human Rights Day.

The initiative has been embraced by Nambucca Valley Council, following a motion from Councillor Ljubov Simson at the 15 October Ordinary Meeting, calling for greater community awareness and advocacy to state and federal governments for improved support services.

Cr Simson said she was proud to see the Macksville Bridge illuminated and a striking window display featured at Council Chambers.

“Supporting women and children, or any other person who has been the victim of gender-based violence, is a priority of mine,” Cr Simson told News Of The Area.

“While it is not within Council’s jurisdiction to provide support services, we can, as Councillors and community members, support the 16 Days of Activism and join in community events.”

Council’s General Manager, Bede Spannagle, added that this campaign is an essential opportunity for conversation and reflection within the organisation and the wider community.

“I am supporting my Council staff to have practical conversations about calling out a colleague or mate if he or she is being disrespectful or violent to a person due to their gender or for any other reason,” Mr Spannagle said.

In the lead-up to the campaign, Council invited Clinical Nurse Specialists from Macksville Hospital to host a workplace session on 18 November, training staff to spot early warning signs of domestic violence and how to respectfully support people impacted by it.

“All of these conversations help to build our team and our community,” Mr Spannagle told NOTA.

“This is about changing the culture through awareness, education and respectful intervention.”

By Mick BIRTLES