Poignant reminders of the impact of domestic violence will soon appear across Redlands Coast after Councillors today supported a call from Mayor Karen Williams to install 10 Red Benches across the city.
Mayor Williams said the Red Benches would cement the city’s reputation as a leader against domestic violence.
“Redlands Coast became home to Queensland’s first red bench last year, providing a visible reminder of the city’s commitment to supporting those impacted by domestic and family violence,” Cr Williams said.
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“Today’s decision will now see benches in every Council Division, continuing the momentum we began with the bench outside the Cleveland Library.”
Cr Williams said today’s decision would also recognise a group of locals who have worked diligently to support victims of violence.
“The Red Bench program is an initiative of the Red Rose Foundation, an organisation led by Redlands Coast’s own Betty Taylor who is doing so much to shine a light on domestic and family violence,” Cr Williams said.
“All 10 new Red Benches will include a plaque recognising the generosity of those who have supported our annual domestic violence fundraiser Diner en Rouge, including the committee who help deliver it.
“They will also recognise local philanthropist Dan Holzapfel who has donated $200,000 to the cause, helping put a roof over the heads of victims by supporting new domestic violence units opened at the beginning of the year.”
Cr Williams thanked everyone who had helped drive change and support victims across the city.
“We have so many amazing domestic violence service organisations who are out there every day helping those who need it most and anything we as a community can do to support them is worth it,” Cr Williams said.
“I would also like to thank Councillors for supporting my request today, as community leaders we need to be the change we want to see and today’s decision shows that as a team we are taking a stand against domestic and family violence.”
