Toowoomba’s newest red bench has gone hi-tech by incorporating a QR code offering direct access to vital state government domestic and family violence support resources.
Toowoomba Region Council Mayor, Geoff McDonald and Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff this week joined Toowoomba Police (Darling Downs Domestic Family Violence and Vulnerable Person’s Unit), the Red Rose Foundation, Mercy community services and other support agencies to launch the latest bench.
Mayor McDonald said the Region had around a dozen red benches that are designed to be a beacon in the campaign to end all forms of violence.
“Red benches are powerful visual symbols that serve as a reminder that we must keep working to change the ending and call out abusive behaviour in families, neighbourhoods and broader communities,” Mayor McDonald said.
“The Red Rose Foundation’s call to ‘Change the ending: let’s stop domestic violence’, needs repeating until we stamp out all forms of abuse and violence. Unfortunately, too many lives depend on us achieving this goal.
“My fellow male Councillors and I are determined to lead by example by pushing the message to end all violence. As a community, we must speak up and report abuse or violence to save innocent victims.”
The Mayor said violence will not stop until there is a cultural shift in attitudes to gender, power and violence.
“All violence is inexcusable and intolerable. It predominantly affects women’s and children’s health, especially their mental health. Doing nothing and saying nothing ensures the cycle continues unchallenged,” he said.
“Installing another red bench provides symbolic and practical support to people who are looking for help in times of distress or seeking information to help loved ones or friends.
“Council appreciates the work of the Queensland Police Service’s Darling Downs Domestic Family Violence and Vulnerable Person’s Unit and all other community support agencies who save and restore lives.”
Other benches in the Toowoomba Region are located at Clewley Park, off Water Street, at Webb Park in East Toowoomba, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Garden City Mosque, various Toowoomba schools and shopping centres and at Pittsworth, Oakey and Yarraman.
