Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting has called on all levels of government and the community to step up and end domestic violence after the 2024 Blacktown City Knit Bomb Project heralded a new campaign.
Mayor Bunting called for more funding for domestic violence services as Council wrapped sculptures, trees and power poles in knitting at the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
"The Blacktown City Knit Bomb Project is part of Council's efforts calling on everyone to work together to eliminate violence against women and children," he said.
"Having a 'yarn' about respectful relationships is the first step in changing attitudes towards women and girls.
"Council is working with community groups that promote healthy relationships and support survivors, and we know that together we can achieve much more if we have greater resources."
Mayor Bunting called for:
- urgent funding to strengthen overstretched frontline services
- greater investment in housing for families escaping violence
- more resources to educate and engage diverse communities
Council and the Blacktown City Womens Advisory Committee unveiled the sixth Blacktown City Knit Bomb Project on Tuesday with supporters including the Blacktown Library Knitting Group.
Committee Chair Cr Julie Griffiths AM said the range of people and community organisations that contributed showed a united stand to eliminate violence against women and children.
"The Blacktown City Knit Bomb Project is a conversation starter to challenge harmful attitudes towards women," she said.
"Whether it's checking on the wellbeing of someone you know or talking to friends about their views on relationships, we all have a role to play in stopping domestic violence."
Council is supporting a series of community gatherings inspired by the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
These events are:
- Saturday 16 November, Community Walk against Family Violence, Riverstone Police Station
- Wednesday 27 November, 16 Days of Activism - Walk with us, Village Green at Blacktown
- Friday 29 November, Community Vigil and Walk, Memorial Grove at Blacktown Showground
- Tuesday 10 December, DV Walk, Dawson Mall at Mount Druitt
- Tuesday 10 December, Let's Chalk about Domestic Violence, Dawson Mall at Mount Druitt
The campaign runs from 25 November 2024 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December 2024 (Human Rights Day).
Council has a multi-faceted approach to preventing domestic violence which includes supporting police, health professionals, state and federal agencies, refuges and community organisations.
Council's Womens and Community Safety Advisory Committees inform consultation, planning and decision-making to prevent abusive relationships.
Council also works with organisations collectively known as the Outer West Domestic Violence Network to share knowledge and combine resources.
