Join Noosa's stand against domestic and family violence

Noosa Mayor Noel Playford has called on the Noosa community to join Council this Sunday in a public stand against domestic and family violence.

“In the last year alone there were more than 2,000 reported cases of domestic violence across the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and Noosa region, with many more going unreported,” Cr Playford said.

“Even one case is too many and I urge every Noosa resident to join us this Sunday to demonstrate that cowardly acts of domestic violence have no place in our homes.”

Noosa’s Safer Families, Better Communities Day of Action will be held at Noosaville Lions Park from 9am to 11.30am, Sunday, 11 October.

Councils across the state will unite at the same time as part of the Safer Families, Better Communities campaign.

Police and other service providers will be on hand to raise awareness, provide advice and information and answer residents’ questions.

“Sadly recent events are a tragic reminder of how serious and widespread this issue is. Sunday’s day of action is about joining with our fellow Queenslanders to say enough is enough,” Cr Playford said.

Council has partnered with community service organisations and local businesses to host the event, which will feature children’s activities, sporting activities and live entertainment, as well as breakfast served by Rotary Club of Noosa Heads and Noosa Men’s Shed.

“We’ll be asking residents to add their hand print to the statement board, which will tour Noosaville and Cooroy Library branches and Council Chambers as an enduring reminder that Noosa says no to domestic violence,” Cr Playford said.

“Noosa has a zero tolerance to domestic violence. If you are concerned about the welfare or safety of a friend, relative of family member, call the DVConnect hotline on 1800 811 811 or 000 if you are in immediate danger,” he said.

“I invite all residents to come down to Noosaville Lions Park on Sunday and join us as we take a stand.”

Domestic violence is a major issue in Queensland. The DVConnect hotline fields more than 55,000 calls relating to domestic violence, family violence and sexual assault annually.

From 2006 to 2012 there was an average of 23 deaths a year in Queensland linked to domestic and family violence, accounting for 44% of the state’s homicide deaths.

7 October 2015