Campaign shines light on gender-based violence

THE 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is underway in Moorabool Shire with an activation highlighting how women feel unsafe in public spaces at night.

The campaign began on Tuesday 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and runs until Wednesday 10 December (Human Rights Day), calling for an end to violence against women and girls.

This year’s campaign in Moorabool Shire is called Shine a Light, with artwork by Wombat Regional Arts Network.

“The network has brought their public art installation expertise to this campaign, transforming the Village Green in Bacchus Marsh into a welcoming, illuminated public space that encourages community interaction and reflection,” mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said.

Nine lightboxes are located between the car park and Village Green and in surrounding areas, with works by artists Joan Addison, Tracey Taylor, Mel Sheeley and Michael Rizzo.

“It looks amazing and will portray a powerful message and create conversations about the 16 Days of Activism’s Respect Is… campaign,” Cr Venditti-Taylor said.

Wombat Arts also ran a series of workshops to paint street tree banners in Bacchus Marsh with images and messages to support the campaign.

“The workshops held by Wombat Arts were not only about creating banners but also provided participants with opportunities to share open and honest conversations, particularly around rising statistics, and ways to support one another and those in the wider community,” group member Lou Callow said.

“We also discussed how we can put messages in the smaller communities about where to get help.

“Our banners were deliberately spray painted in fluorescent paint, to make messages and images stand out in black.”