Labor pledges funds needed for survivors’ memorial

IF elected to Federal Government on 3 May, the Australian Labor Party will contribute $500,000 towards the Continuous Voices Memorial which is planned for Victoria Park.

The memorial, to be established just off Plane Avenue, will remember and honour victim survivors of sexual violence in a natural and peaceful environment.

Continuous Voices Memorial community reference group member Blake Curran said the commitment shows that this precinct will be of national significance.

“Yes, a lot of atrocities happened in Ballarat, but this is a national issue, and this will hopefully bring more light to this issue,” he said.

“The memorial will be important for victim survivors in the region to come to, to contemplate and heal… and also a place for their support networks to come to; their families, their children, their grandchildren. It’s quite serene with natural elements, and you can hear the ducks.

“Cities can look at Ballarat as a lighthouse for memorialising trauma.”

If Labor is elected, the funding commitment will be the financial top up that the memorial needs to be completed. The State Government and the City of Ballarat have chipped in $500,000 and $520,000 respectively.

“The Continuous Voices Memorial will provide a place for quiet reflection that acknowledges all survivors of sexual assault and recognises the trauma caused by all forms of sexual violence,” said Member for Ballarat Catherine King.

“This Memorial is a genuine community driven project, and its creation will be an important legacy for our city.

“All three levels of government have come together to make this worthy project a reality and to demonstrate their unequivocal support for survivors.”

The memorial design has been shaped by more than 50 survivors and supporters as part of the Continuous Voices Arts Project.

Liberal candidate for Ballarat Paula Doran expressed her empathy for victim survivors of sexual violence and said she would like to support them, but her election commitments are being made “with frugality in mind.”

“Perhaps in future [funding for the Continuous Voices Memorial] is something we’d look at, but not right now.”

If you or someone you know is dealing with issues resulting from sexual or physical abuse, help is available from CASA on 1800 806 292 or casacv.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au, and 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.