Ku-ring-gai says no to gender-based violence

Published on 19 November 2024

Ku-ring-gai Council is encouraging community members to discover a new online information resource, and attend a series of events and activities, as part of a campaign against gender-based violence.

The campaign coincides with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism to end violence against women. This activation begins on 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and finishes on 10 December (Human Rights Day).

The campaign is also consistent with Council’s 2024/25 Prevention of Violence Against Women Action Plan, which was endorsed at its August 2024 meeting.

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay encouraged community members to look at a new section of Council’s website which has a specific focus on domestic and family violence.

“Recent statistics show that family and domestic violence is becoming more prevalent in Australian society, including in the Ku-ring-gai area,” Mayor Kay said.

“While many associate this problem with physical violence, it can also include many other behaviours which threaten, frighten, intimidate or humiliate another person, such as financial and online abuse.

“Council’s new website section lists a wide range of local and Sydney family and domestic violence hotlines, resources and services, and provides more information about how Council is tackling this issue.

“It also lists information about a series of events happening during the 16 Days activation, and a social media tile which can be downloaded and distributed by community members.

“We are calling on Ku-ring-gai community members to get involved, learn more and spread the word so we can work towards an area which does not tolerate family and domestic violence.”

Events and activities taking place include:

• 22 November: NextGen Forum – An invite-only event for Year 7-10 students from local high schools, focusing on respectful relationships, consent, and the impact of social media.
• 27 November: Walk the Talk – A domestic and family violence awareness walk at Waitara PCYC, hosted by the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Domestic Violence Network.
• 27 November: Status of Women’s Advisory Committee – The inaugural meeting of Council's new advisory committee focused on the status of women.
• 30 November: Lindara Markets – A community market at Lindfield Uniting Church, with proceeds supporting a social worker for families at risk of domestic violence or homelessness.
• 5 December: Jess Hill Talk – A free public talk by renowned author and journalist Jess Hill at Gordon Library, discussing gendered violence.

A banner has also been placed outside the Council Chambers at Gordon, which makes it clear Ku-ring-gai says no to gender-based violence.

In October, Council invited community organisations to apply for part of $100,000 in new funding to help tackle violence against women.

Also in October, Council supported a community training event on family and domestic violence by Lifeline at Gordon Library. This event was sold out.

To access the new Council website section, and details of the events, go to www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Community/Domestic-and-family-violence

To learn more about the Ku-ring-gai says NO to gender-based violence campaign, go to www.krg.nsw.gov.au/16days