Published on Friday, 30 June 2023 at 11:58:32 AM
The Coolgardie Community Recreation Centre and gratefully the wider community of the Shire of Coolgardie are now proud owners of a Purple Bench.
The bench, nestled near the gardens and in front of the Coolgardie Community Recreation Centre joins a long list of community centres installing the striking seats not only to honour domestic violence (DV) victims but to raise awareness of DV.
Purple Benches are part of the Purple Bench Project which supports the installation of purple benches in public spaces to honour all victims of killed because of domestic and family violence (DFV).
The Purple Bench Project was brought to Western Australia (WA) by the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services WA with the first being installed in the City of Fremantle in 2018.
The Coolgardie bench was unveiled by Shire President Malcolm Cullen and Chair of the Goldfields Family and Domestic Violence Working Group, Gloria Moyle. Mr Cullen opened the unveiling by honouring past victims of domestic homicide with Gloria Moyle echoing his sentiment and hoping one day that we wouldn’t need the benches.
Mr Cullen said, “The Purple Bench project not only honours victims of DV but also provides a hotline visitors can call who are in need of support. The Shire is proud to support the Purple Bench initiative and offer a private space for sufferers to use the phone and access services if ever needed”
Coolgardie Place Manager, Terri Angel found the grant via Linkwest and immediately jumped at the opportunity. Terri said; “It is important to recognize the victims of DV but to also shine a light on the taboo subject and say hey it’s ok to talk about and we’re here for you”. Terri hopes the bench will spark conversation about DV and let people know that the Coolgardie Community Recreation Centre is a safe space for those needing help and offers free use of a phone to access DV services.
The Shire of Coolgardie would like to thank Linkwest, the Loftus Community Centre and EEO Equal Opportunity Specialists along with Tara Davis, Mel Norris, Meg Kent, Sydney Jenner, Jethro Kerchermer and Hannah Thomas for painting the bench.
If you need advice and support please phone: Women’s DV helpline on 9223 1188 or 1800 007 339
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