A Seat For Change New Red Bench Sparks Crucial Conversation On Domestic Violence

By Amanda Wright and Hannah McNamara

Rain poured over Mackay as women gathered at the Neighbourhood Hub for the unveiling of a powerful new symbol in the fight against domestic violence—the Red Bench. The downpour mirrored the silent tears of countless women who endure abuse behind closed doors, reinforcing the bench’s purpose: to spark conversation, offer support, and remind victims they are not alone.

Installed outside the Neighbourhood Hub at 4 George Street, the striking scarlet bench stands as a show of hope and resilience. The initiative, led by the Zonta Club of Mackay and supported by Mackay Regional Council, aims to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and encourage victims to seek help.

Mayor Greg Williamson, Zonta representatives, and local residents braved the rain to mark the community’s commitment to this pressing issue.

Mayor Williamson delivered a poignant message, highlighting the urgent need to address domestic violence.

“This bench is more than a symbol—it’s a rallying cry,” Mayor Williamson declared.

A Place To Pause, A Call To Action

“Domestic and family violence devastates families and communities,” Mayor Williamson said.

“In 2024, Australia recorded its darkest year yet, with 78 women losing their lives to domestic violence.

“To put this in perspective, Great Britain, with a population nearly three times ours, lost half that number.

“This crisis is intolerable, and it demands action now.”

The mayor emphasised the pervasive impact of domestic violence beyond physical harm.

“It’s about control, fear, and emotional abuse infiltrating everyday life. The Red Bench stands as a silent witness to these struggles and a visible reminder that help is available.

“No one should endure this suffering in silence.”

General Manager Nicolette Ffrost of the Mackay Neighbourhood Hub delivered an equally compelling account of the community’s struggles.

The Neighbourhood Hub has been at the heart of Mackay since 1989, providing family support, early childhood engagement, emergency crisis aid, financial counselling, and assistance for multicultural communities and newly arrived migrants.

“In 2024 alone, we received over 15,000 enquiries for support—across all services, not just domestic violence. However, the impact of abuse runs deep, especially amid the current cost-of-living crisis,” Ms Ffrost explained.

She painted a stark picture of the intersecting challenges residents face.

“Financial stress amplifies domestic violence.”

The hub sees women who are trapped between economic hardship and abusive environments, paralysed by fear and uncertainty.

“The courage it takes to walk through our doors, to seek help, is immense.

“It is vital that we support them every step of the way.”

This bench is more than a place to sit—it is a symbol of strength. It invites survivors to pause, reflect, and, most importantly, reach out.

“It’s a message to our community: we see you, we hear you, and we are here for you.”

Zonta Club President Fiona Koutlis expressed pride in the project’s completion and its intended impact.

“This bench is a statement,” Ms Koutlis said.

“It’s a commitment to our community that we will not stand by as domestic violence continues to harm our families and friends.

“The QR code on the bench connects directly to support services. We urge anyone in need to reach out—it’s okay to ask for help.”

Globally, Zonta works to improve the lives of women and girls, and locally, this bench embodies Zonta’s pledge to support domestic violence survivors.

“Raising awareness and providing support are essential steps toward saving lives.”

For those seeking help, Mackay Women’s Services is the lead, accredited Domestic Family Violence (DFV) and Sexual Violence (SV) support agency in the region, offering a comprehensive range of services.

Stacy Irwin, Practice Manager at Mackay Women’s Services said, “We provide counselling and case management for adult women and children, Wellbeing and Recovery programs including group supports, Court Related support and advocacy, Men’s Behaviour Change programs and home safety and security devices or repairs.”

Ms Irwin said that since the beginning of 2025, Mackay Women’s Services has supported 1416 people, that have been impacted by domestic and family violence and sexual violence in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac Regions.

Domestic violence in Mackay is an ongoing crisis—one that doesn’t pause after business hours.

Broken Ballerina Inc., a grassroots organisation, has already assisted 95 people in 2025 alone, stepping in when other services are unavailable.

Founded by Jules and Pete Thompson, the charity relies solely on community donations to provide emergency accommodation, escape bags, fuel and food vouchers, and access to counselling.

Their support extends to all victims, including one man who reached out to break his cycle of violence.

“He wants to change, and we are helping him get there,” Jules said.

Recently, the organisation assisted five victims over a weekend, including a woman experiencing elder abuse—cases that couldn’t wait until Monday morning.

“Even government-funded services are closed at critical times,” Jules explained.

The Red Bench is part of a national movement initiated by the Red Rose Foundation, which places benches in communities across Australia to keep the conversation on domestic violence alive.

Mackay’s installation is the seventh in the region, symbolising the community’s resolve to address this crisis head-on.

Mayor Williamson challenged our community to break the culture of silence.

“Let this bench be a beginning, not just a symbol.

“It demands that we, as a community, stand against violence and support survivors.

“We must be proactive—raising awareness, supporting victims, and driving change. Let’s turn awareness into action.”

As the rain fell, the Red Bench stood as a powerful reminder that help is available, and no one needs to endure abuse in silence. Mackay’s fight against domestic violence continues, and with this symbolic bench, the community takes a bold step toward change.

‍