“Not now, not ever”

Published on 22 May 2024

The pledge was signed to highlight council’s collective stance against domestic and family violence (DFV) in our community.

Mayor Greg Williamson said violence in any form had no place in our region.

“The statistics are alarming, and we don’t want our community to be part of them any longer,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Council has taken this pledge today to highlight the continued commitment to leading through action to create change in our community and workplace,” he said.

“It’s not just a pledge but part of a wider internal campaign to support our employees, which includes reviewing and updating the current DFV policy and e-learning modules.”

Council is also a proud supporter of the Red Rose Foundation which aims to eliminate domestic and family violence related deaths.

One of the key initiatives of the foundation is the Red Bench project that works with councils across the nation to install red bench seats as a constant reminder of the effects of domestic violence in communities. Council has now supported the installation of eight red benches in the Mackay region.

Each May, Queensland observes Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVP Month) to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV).

The goal is to send a clear message that DFV in families and homes will not be tolerated. This important initiative aims to educate, support, and empower individuals and communities to act against domestic violence.

For more information on domestic and family violence support services and council’s commitment to domestic and family violence prevention, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/dfv