Benalla Rural City residents are invited to register their interest in the free Active Bystander training provided by Benalla Rural City Council. This training aims to empower community members to stand up against discrimination and disrespectful behaviour.
The free training, held from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025 at Benalla Town Hall, 82-86 Nunn St, Benalla, will provide valuable skills and knowledge to help create a safer and more supportive community for everyone.
This training will explore ways to effectively demonstrate bystander action, respond to backlash and resistance, and examine real-life scenarios to better understand different types of discrimination. The course will also unpack the Bystander Theory, offering participants the tools needed to navigate challenging situations and advocate for positive change.
The importance of this training cannot be overstated, especially in light of the ongoing issue of family violence in our community. Through this initiative, supported by the Victorian Government's Free from Violence funding and Benalla Rural City Council's Gender Equality Project Plan, we aim to provide community members with the skills to actively challenge harmful behaviours, contributing to a culture of respect and inclusion.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn, highlighted the importance of equipping the community with tools to foster respect, dignity, and safety for all.
"This is an important opportunity for our community to come together and take action in a way that promotes respect, dignity, and safety for all," Cr Hearn said.
"By training individuals to be active bystanders, we can help create a community where harmful behaviours are not tolerated and where everyone feels supported.
"Family violence and discrimination remain critical issues, and it is crucial that we all take responsibility in addressing these challenges. This training empowers people to step up and make a positive difference in their community."
Community members aged 18 and over are invited to register for the Active Bystander training before the closing date on Friday, 7 February 2025. To secure a spot, please complete the Expression of Interest form here: https://forms.office.com/r/Pn76iujSgE
Together, we can take the next step towards building a more inclusive and respectful Benalla.
