11 December 2013
An impressive $100,000 has been raised today for White Ribbon Australia at a charity lunch hosted by Spirit of Tasmania and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).
White Ribbon Australia is a non-profit organisation and Australia's only national, male-led prevention campaign to end men’s violence against women.
“The statistics are alarming - one woman is killed in Australia every week by a current or former partner,” acting Spirit of Tasmania CEO Stuart McCall said.
“We know our staff and crew and the MUA have been long-term supporters and ambassadors of this important cause.
“We are were very pleased to receive such strong support from a number of transport and maritime companies that will be attending the luncheon today, including ASP Ship Management, DP World, Teekay, CSL, Linfox, Farstad, METL and Patricks Stevedores.
“Raising over $100,000 is something we are all very proud of.”
Mr McCall said the event provided a forum to raise awareness and listen to those people who could further educate the broader community about what we can all do to prevent violence against women.
Mick Doleman, Deputy National Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia was the 2011 White Ribbon Australia Ambassador of the Year.
“The White Ribbon model offers a fantastic way to raise the consciousness of men in the maritime industry on the vitally important topic of elimination of violence against women.
“With a predominantly male workforce, the maritime industry is the perfect place for the work of the White Ribbon movement.
“Having spoken on White Ribbon in NZ, Malaysia, PNG, UK and South Africa, I know it is a truly global movement of great importance,” said Mr Doleman.
Cr Sandra Wilson, Mayor of Hobson’s Bay, is among the 170 guests attending the luncheon today at The Rocks in Williamstown alongside members of the maritime and transport industry.
Guest speakers included former politician and ex-footballer Phil Cleary and Janine Greening, a woman who will be sharing her story and experience as part of White Ribbon’s Uncover Secrets campaign.
Launched in 2013, the campaign gives a voice to the everyday experiences of violence against women that occur all around Australia.
These acts include inappropriate behaviour or harassment to physical and emotional abuse.
The website, www.uncoversecrets.com.au, allows users to click on an Australian map and read uncovered secrets of domestic abuse from different parts of Australia.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of White Ribbon Australia driving the national campaign to end violence against women.
Spirit of Tasmania organised a number of raffle prizes to give away to attendees to thank them for their support, including a signed 2013 North Melbourne jumper, return trips on board Spirit of Tasmania and accommodation courtesy of Stanley Hotel and Innkeepers Tasmania.
Prizes have also generously been donated from Boag’s, Blue Penguin Wines, Pipers Brook Vineyard, Brown Brothers, Moores Hill Estate, Three Wishes Vineyard and Seven Sheds Brewery.
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Contact:
Soniya Fernandez
Communications Manager
saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
