Glenorchy City Council, in collaboration with the Lions Club of Glenorchy City and the Red Rose Foundation, is proud to announce the unveiling of a red bench as part of the Red Bench Project.
Launched by the Red Rose Foundation in 2019, the Red Bench Project aims to serve as a lasting reminder that domestic violence affects communities everywhere.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said that Council is honoured to be the first council in Southern Tasmania to support this initiative, furthering Council’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive community for all.
“This red bench is more than just a seat, it’s a powerful reminder that domestic violence is a reality we must confront as a community,” she said.
“By placing this bench in a public space, we’re making a commitment to raise awareness, start conversations, and inspire action toward ending domestic violence.
“This dedication will not only serve as a statement of solidarity but also as an ongoing opportunity for community members to reflect on the steps needed to end domestic violence.”
The initiative began with the first Red Bench in Cleveland, Queensland, and has since grown to include over 300 benches across Australia.
The Red Rose Foundation, a national charity dedicated to ending domestic violence, highlights the need to address the high number of domestic violence-related deaths due to homicide and suicide, noting that many of these tragedies may be preventable.
Their motto, Change the Ending, serves as a call to action to break the cycle of violence.
Glenorchy’s new Red Bench now stands as a symbol of solidarity and a place for the community to take a stand by taking a seat.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 1800 RESPECT:
1800 737 732
This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for Police and Ambulance help.
For reports of family violence, if you do not wish to report the matter to police in the first instance, call the Family Violence Counselling Support Service on 1800 608 122 for advice, support and counselling.