Get involved in the Crochet Flower Project and 16 Days of Activism
Published on 31 October 2024
Mount Alexander Shire Council is calling on community members to get involved in the Crochet Flower Project to support 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
The international initiative was established by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage communities to take action to end gender-based violence.
16 Days of Activism runs from 25 November, which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, which is International Human Rights Day.
The Crochet Flower Project aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence, and remove stigma by encouraging conversations about respect, gender equality and the drivers of violence against women.
Council’s Director Healthy Communities, Lisa Knight, said that Council is proud to support 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
“Preventing gender-based violence is everyone’s business,” said Ms Knight, “and this campaign is a powerful way to get information and resources out into the community.
“I’m particularly excited about the Crochet Flower Project, which will be making its debut this year.
“Crafting and women’s circles have historically been safe spaces and a way for women to chat and share information.
“So, this is a relevant and positive activity for this campaign.
“I encourage you to get involved in this project, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter.
“The more orange flowers we have around town the more positive discussion we’ll be generating.”
Crochet Flower Project
Collect crochet kits from Castlemaine Civic Centre, Castlemaine Library, Castlemaine Community House or The Good Op Shop.
Donate orange yarn and crochet hooks by dropping them off at the locations listed above.
Crochet orange flowers which you can wear as a brooch, gift to family and friends, and drop-off at the collection points for others to enjoy.
Wear and share your orange crochet flowers during 16 Days of Activism (25 November to 10 December).
For more information about the Crochet Flower Project and how to get involved, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/16DaysActivism.
16 Days of Activism events
A number of community events will be running to support 16 Days of Activism including a vigil, a local light installation, an information and resources hub at the Castlemaine Library, and more.
Keep an eye on www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Events, which will be updated in the coming weeks.
Information on gender-based violence
Information and resources on gender-based violence will also be available in the foyer of the Castlemaine Library throughout the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
If you need help or would like to speak with someone about concerns of violence in your life, there a number of resources are available:
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger, for police and ambulance.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence, help is available:
Learn more at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Support.
For more information on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, and how to get involved in the Crochet Flower Project, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/16DaysActivism.
Image: Mel Fowler, Council's Community Projects Officer