HOPE teams play their part to mark 16 Days in WA

Around the State, the HOPE teams turned orange these past two weeks to mark the 16 Days in WA campaign to end violence against women.

The teams attended marches and rallies, hosted community events and internal gatherings, and most importantly, engaged others in conversations about how we can all play our part in tackling the issue.

In Kalgoorlie the team kicked off the 16 Days in WA early with their annual Colour Run, hosting hundreds of families at the Goldfields Oasis Playing Fields which exploded with colour, laughter and energy.

Beyond the fun, the Colour Run was an important event in raising awareness of family and domestic violence and the impact it has on the community.

In Perth, the team stood with friends, families and colleagues at the March Against Domestic and Family Violence, hosted by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.

The emotional stories of FDV victim-survivors – including the story of the late Alira Kelly, as read by her daughter Angelikah – provided a powerful reminder of why we do the work we do.

Up in Hedland the team hosted an information stall at the Hedland Family Violence Action Group ‘Pop Up’ at the South Hedland Shopping Centre and spent the day speaking with residents about family violence.

The Hedland team also took part in a community evening barbecue and a community breakfast barbecue, both of which provided an opportunity for community members to connect with service providers, receive information and access support in an informal environment.

Later in the 16 Days, Mara Pirni Healing Place hosted a small event to mark five years of supporting Goldfields women and children to build safer futures, free from violence.

Speaking at the birthday celebration, HOPE CEO Tracey Brand said the impact that Mara Pirni had had within the community was immeasurable.

“This hub is not just a building; it is a beacon of safety, support and collaboration,” she said.

Wrapping up the week in Armadale, the HOPE, Waullo Dawn Healing Service and Koolark Healing Service teams attended a community event and march.

In her beautiful Acknowledgement of Country, HOPE Youth Support Mentor Cheviana Hansen spoke about the importance of the 16 Days in WA campaign.

“16 Days in WA is a reminder for us that safety is a human right, respect and responsibility, a cultural connection and a powerful part of healing,” she said.

“Let us reflect on how we can stand alongside our community by listening, learning and doing better, so that we can all live free from violence.”

Hope Community Services operates two family and domestic violence hubs in Western Australia: Mara Pirni Healing Place in Kalgoorlie and Waullo Dawn Healing Service in Perth.