A Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins

It was a privilege to be at Shingley Beach in Cannonvale on Tuesday to officially unveil one of four Red Benches in the Whitsunday region as part of the Red Rose Foundation – LGAQ Walk Against Domestic Violence campaign.
 
Council is installing four red benches across our region—in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Proserpine, and Collinsville—as a visible commitment to ending domestic violence. These benches will be placed at Lions Park, Collinsville; Case Park in Bowen, Shingley Beach, Cannonvale and Ken McPherson Park, Proserpine.
 
A massive shout out to Whitsunday Zonta for their dedication to supporting victims and survivors of domestic and family violence within our Whitsunday region.
 
Their tireless efforts have brought hope and courage to those in need, emphasising the vital role that community groups play in creating a safer and more compassionate environment.
 
Each Red Bench will include a plaque engraved with a powerful message: “Change the ending – Let’s Stop Domestic Violence,” accompanied by the logos of Council, Red Rose Foundation and Zonta Club of the Whitsundays.
 
These benches are a powerful symbol of hope, remembrance, and resilience and Tuesday’s unveiling brought people together to recognise an issue that affects every community, and these benches serve as a public reminder of lives tragically lost and our collective commitment to ending this devastating issue.
 
Tuesday’s unveiling of the Shingley Beach Red Bench aligned with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that ran from November 25 to December 10.
 
This initiative underscored the community's commitment to raising awareness and fostering action with activities such as the ‘Walk Against Violence’.
 
The benches are intended to be more than a symbol, they represent a space for reflection and a reminder of the shared responsibility to create change. Through unity, compassion, and collective action we can build a future where safety, respect, and dignity are universal rights.
 
Congratulations Whitsunday Zonta, the Red Rose Foundation, and everyone who contributed to this initiative. Your efforts continue to inspire us all to work toward a brighter, safer future.

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