MEDIA RELEASE
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29 November 2017
Blacktown’s Village Green was transformed into a sea of white on Tuesday in support of this year’s White Ribbon Day.
This week visitors to Blacktown CBD are invited to write a message on a ribbon and personally plant it on the Green to form a giant white ribbon.
The installation was organised by Blacktown City Council’s White Ribbon Committee - part of a program of Council events to highlight White Ribbon Day.
Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP said it was important the community stands together and sends the message that violence in any form is wrong.
“We’re all aware of society’s problem of physical violence against women. Tragically, one woman is killed at the hands of a partner every week in Australia,” Mayor Bali said.
“But there are many other forms of violence: it can be emotional, psychological or financial.
“It is incumbent on all of us that if we know or sense someone is in this situation we make contact with them and ask ‘are you OK’?
“As a tolerant, caring community, we need to stand together and support each other to break this cycle of violence.
“I thank everyone for being part of this White Ribbon installation.
“Together, we are saying no to domestic violence.
“Together, we are sending a message that domestic violence has no place in our community.”
Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre Chairperson, Olayidei Ogunsiji, is one of hundreds of people who has signed her name to a white ribbon in the Village Green.
Ms Ogunsiji said up to 400 women a week visited the centre seeking help with issues relating to domestic violence.
“On a yearly basis we see as many as 6,000 women,” she said.
“This is a huge statistic and one we need to work together to reverse.
“It’s important that we say as a community there is no excuse for domestic violence.”
The white ribbon installation will be in place in the Village Green until Friday morning.
Anyone wanting to take part is invited to pick up a white ribbon from the Civic Centre to sign and plant in the Green.
A birds-eye view of the white ribbon installation at the Blacktown Village Green.
Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali and Council Community Access Worker James Ansumana plant white ribbons in the Village Green.
Blacktown City Council General Manager Kerry Robinson, Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre Chairperson Olayidei Ogunsiji, Councillor Moninder Singh and Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali at the white ribbon installation in the Village Green.
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