Organisers were encouraged by the community support at the launch of the Red Bench at Palmwoods Community Garden, Soil & Soul on Sunday. 

“Part of the purpose of the garden to create a peaceful and caring safe space aligns well with the appropriateness of the bench,” said Project Manager of the Garden Kay Nixon. “We hope the bench will begin conversations that will lead to greater understanding and support in Palmwoods and beyond.”

Founding member of Speak Up Now - Stop Domestic and Family Violence Val France, of Maleny, shared confronting statistics but also encouraged us as a community to play our part. “The Red Bench aim is to raise awareness of, and to reduce the number of incidences of, domestic and family violence (including elder abuse) in our local and wider Hinterland community. The outcome being to have the whole community speak up about Domestic and Family Violence being unacceptable in our community.”

There was also representation from the Blackall Range Uniting Church minister Rev Liena Hoffman who, having had a background in law, has encouraged three of the Uniting Churches, including the one at Palmwoods to be involved in the initiative. 

She challenged us all to change not only the ending but the beginning by the way we bring up our children to show respect and kindness to each other. After Kay said a Blessing over the bench (a revived church pew), it was revealed in all its glory by the untying of a bow by Alison Smith and Gail Lockyer.

Local Psychologist Angela Barnes then shed more light on the struggles of families and individuals and gave suggestions as to how we can all take responsibility in making our community a safer place. 

If this has raised issues for you please contact Centacare 07 5430 9300 or 1800RESPECT.