Toowoomba's newest red bench that symbolises the campaign to raise awareness and stamp out all forms of violence was today (Friday, 13 September, 2024) unveiled at the heart of the city's cultural precinct, The Empire.
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) joined theatre representatives to unveil the bright red bench outside The Empire Theatre and has called for donations of red shoes ahead of a charity auction in aid of Toowoomba Together on 25 November, 2024.
TRC People, Culture and Engagement portfolio spokesperson Cr Melissa Taylor said the latest red bench joined more than a dozen benches across the Region designed to be a beacon in the campaign to end all forms of violence.
"Red benches, a project devised by the Red Rose Foundation, are powerful visual symbols that serve as a reminder that we must keep working to change the ending and call out abusive behaviour in families, neighbourhoods and broader communities," Cr Taylor said.
"This bench has been beautifully painted by Council's Property Services Team and is a collaboration between Council and The Empire. It will serve as a permanent reminder that we cannot turn away from the scourge of domestic violence that affects so many lives.
"Violence will not stop until we have a cultural shift in our attitudes to gender, power and violence. All violence is inexcusable and intolerable. It predominantly affects women's and children's health, especially their mental health. Doing nothing and saying nothing ensures the cycle continues unchallenged.
