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COUNCILLOR
McClelland To Move,
THAT Council:
1. Endorse
the installation of a Purple Bench in Hornsby Mall as part of the
international Purple Bench Project, a program dedicated to raising awareness
of domestic and family violence and providing publicly accessible support
information.
2. Identify
a prominent and suitable location within Hornsby Mall for the bench
installation, ensuring visibility, accessibility, and alignment with the
public domain design standards of the Hornsby Town Centre.
3. Include
crisis support information on the bench plaque, such as contact details for
1800RESPECT, Lifeline, and relevant local services, consistent with Purple
Bench Project guidelines.
4. Consult
with local community organisations, domestic violence support services,
police, and Hornsby Shire’s Community & Cultural Development team
to ensure the installation reflects community needs and best‑practice safety
messaging.
5. Promote
the installation through Council’s communication channels, outlining
the purpose of the Purple Bench Project, raising awareness of domestic and family
violence, and recognising external support organisations.
Note from Councillor
Domestic and family violence remains one of the most
significant social challenges facing communities across Australia. Every
week, lives are lost and countless more are traumatised. As a local
government, we have a responsibility to contribute to awareness, prevention,
and visible community support wherever possible.
The international Purple Bench Project was created to
honour victims of domestic and family violence and to ensure that support
information is accessible to those who may be in danger or uncertain where to
turn. Purple benches have been installed in communities across Australia,
serving as both memorials and vital public awareness tools.
Hornsby Mall is one of the most prominent and heavily used
public spaces in our Shire. Installing a Purple Bench here would send a
strong message that Hornsby Shire Council stands firmly with victims and
survivors, promotes community vigilance, and recognises the urgent need for
action and awareness.
I have worked these past 11 years in the Domestic and
Family Violence Sector - as Board Member, and subsequent Board Chair of
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter, Past Director of Development
for Women’s Community Shelters and current Advocate. I know how vital
it is for women to know they have avenues of support. At the time of
writing this Notice of Motion, we are 7 weeks into the year with 7 deaths
attributed to domestic and family violence.
Every action taken to raise awareness is an action that
will ensure that one day we have an Australia and a community where women and
children are safe, supported and equal.
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