Signs, lights and partnerships show support for 16 Days in WA

Southern Ports is playing its part to combat family and domestic violence through community partnerships and on-site activations as part of the State Government’s 16 Days in WA campaign.

Personalised messages speaking out against family and domestic violence have been erected on fence lines at the Albany, Bunbury and Esperance ports, and are also on display at the port authority’s Perth office.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said presenting a united front against family and domestic violence was important reducing its prevalence.

“Family and domestic violence can take many forms and is a completely unacceptable scourge that we can all play a part in reducing,” Mr Wilks said.

“Every discussion about family and domestic violence is a chance to reinforce that it is unacceptable, which is why we’ve encouraged our teams to find their own voices on the issue.

“Our fence lines are a reminder to everyone in our communities to keep the conversation going throughout 16 Days in WA and beyond.”

A workshop run in partnership with White Ribbon was held across the four Southern Ports sites prior to the signs being installed.

Southern Ports is also directly supporting regional shelter providers, each receiving a $2,000 contribution:

• Anglicare WA in Albany – for items to support victims fleeing family and domestic violence in the Great Southern region.

• Harbour Refuge and Support Services in Bunbury – to provide Christmas lunches and hampers to families living at its local refuge.

• Esperance Crisis Accommodation Service – to provide gift cards to people accessing its services.

• Ruah Community Services in Perth – to provide gift cards to women and teenagers living at its shelter or accessing their services.

“For Southern Ports, putting people first goes beyond ensuring our own people are safe on the job – it also means fostering safer communities,” Mr Wilks said.

“It is vital people have somewhere to turn when experiencing family and domestic violence so we’re very pleased to do what we can to support these community organisations.”

Infrastructure at the Port of Albany and Port of Bunbury is also being lit in orange during 16 Days in WA from 25 November to 10 December. 

More information about 16 Days in WA, including lists of service providers – here.

Messages supporting the 16 Days in WA campaign on the Port of Esperance fence.
 

Messages supporting the 16 Days in WA campaign on the Port of Albany fence.
 

Messages supporting the 16 Days in WA campaign at Southern Ports’ Perth office.
 

Messages supporting the 16 Days in WA campaign on the Port of Bunbury fence.

Infrastructure at the Port of Albany bathed in orange to support 16 Days in WA.