In January we reported on the Red Bench that was newly-installed at St Joseph's Catholic parish in Stanthorpe. The endeavour was the collaboration of parish priest, Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran and the school's administrative assistant, Angie Sims.
"In March of last year, Fr Gonzo spoke to me about the possibility of getting a red bench to sit near the church," Mrs Sims said. "I did some research, made some calls and secured a generous donation that would cover the cost of the bench."
Mrs Sims said she sees it as "a blessing" for the bench to be as prominent as it is, adding that it "sends out a message of hope and support against domestic violence".
Southern Downs Regional Council has also been calling on the community "to take a seat to take a stand" during this month of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, conscious it is a year-round conversation.
In support, Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said she is proud to shine the light on the region’s participation in the Red Bench Project, launched in 2019 by the Red Rose Foundation.
“May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and I am proud to take a seat to take a stand,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“The Red Bench Project is a simple concept to raise awareness, start conversations and join with people at red benches across Australia to call for an end to domestic violence-related deaths.
“It is so important to learn how to be a proactive bystander, without judgment, so that we can help people to reach out for the help that they need and by doing so to change the ending."
There are also red benches at St Mark’s Church and Federation Park in Warwick and Kilpa Park in Stanthorpe and Mayor Hamilton "would love to see more across all of our towns to send a message of support to survivors and advocates".
Mrs Sims said the Red Bench is "a place to sit and have a chat about how we as a community can change the ending to domestic violence".
The wording of the St Joseph's plaque reads: “Domestic Violence: Let’s Change the Ending”.
