Geraldton’s Community, Respect and Equality (CRE) alliance has reached an important milestone, welcoming Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation as its 50th member organisation.
Since 2017, organisations across Geraldton have worked through the Community, Respect & Equality alliance to address the underlying social norms, attitudes and inequalities that contribute to family and domestic violence.
Family violence has a devastating impact across Australia, with people living in regional communities often facing particular challenges. Community, Respect & Equality was established in response to the need for a coordinated, community-led approach to preventing violence before it occurs.
The alliance brings together community groups, not-for-profit organisations, businesses, and local and State Government agencies. Members work to build safe, respectful and equitable organisation culture, with the aim of extending these positive attitudes and behaviours throughout the wider community.
Bundiyarra CEO Mr Wayne McDonald said joining Community, Respect & Equality reflected the organisation’s commitment to a safer and stronger community.
“Family violence devastates our community, so it is important that we all come together to build a stronger and healthier community where everyone feels safe, and the support offered by organisations is culturally informed, reflective of, and accessed according to the needs of our community. We are happy to join other likeminded organisations and work together, in this context”
“Bundiyarra has always been an organisation that stands against family violence, and we are very keen to be part of any efforts to demonstrate this, show leadership and ensure that appropriate support is accessed by the community”
Coordinator of the Community, Respect & Equality program, from Desert Blue Connect, Isabel Ross, said the milestone demonstrated Geraldton’s growing commitment to preventing family violence.
“Lasting change only happens when we work together. Having 50 organisations commit to preventing family violence is an important achievement and a testament to everyone who has worked tirelessly to grow the alliance.
“Every organisation has a role to play. We look forward to welcoming many more organisations as we continue working towards a safer, more respectful and equal community.”
Community, Respect & Equality is increasingly recognised as a positive example of what can be achieved when a community takes collective leadership and works together to address a complex social issue.
Organisations interested in joining the Community, Respect & Equality alliance and contributing to a safer Geraldton are encouraged to get in touch.