Two bright red park benches at Mackay Base Hospital will remind patients and visitors that ‘taking a seat will also help take a stand’ against domestic violence.
The red benches are being officially launched by Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) on 23 July and will be installed in two high-profile locations at the hospital; one at the front of the emergency department, the other near the hospital’s front entrance on Bridge Road.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Community Engagement Kerry Maley said the red benches aimed to encourage discussion about what family and domestic violence can look like and how the community can help those impacted by it.
"We believe that everyone has a responsibility to play a role in raising awareness about domestic and family violence,” Ms Maley said.
"People may not have violence in their lives, but everyone can offer support or intervene if it's safe to do so and that's why we want the benches in prominent places at our hospital.”
Ms Maley said all too often people who attend the hospital have experienced a form of domestic and family violence. There were increasing numbers of domestic and family violence presentations to Mackay Base Hospital every year, with many seeking assistance and support, she said.
The Red Bench project is the brainchild of the not-for-profit group Red Rose Foundation, which works towards ending domestic violence-related deaths in Australia.
Mackay Hospital Foundation general manager Kristi Algate said the foundation was proud to grant funding for the purchase of benches which also feature a QR code link to support services and a plaque reading ‘Change the Ending: Let’s Stop Domestic and Family Violence’.
There are eight red benches in various locations across the Mackay region including at Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Women’s Services and Caneland Central.
Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan, Cr Alison Jones, Kerry Maley, Mayor Greg Williamson, Kristi Algate and Brian Sullivan. Photos supplied
Brian Sullivan, Kerry Maley, Sandi Winner and Kristi Algate
One of Mackay Hospital’s new red benches near the Emergency Department
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
.jpg)
.jpg)
