General News
6 December, 2024
Tower turns orange for 16 Days
Part of internationally recognised advocacy, Maryborough’s Bristol Hill Tower has been lit up in orange for the 16 Days of Activism campaign, reminding the community that these issues can have a local impact.
The project is part of the United Nation’s advocacy against gender based violence and is visionary for gender equality for woman and girls.
Orange is the globally recognised colour used by those supporting the 16 Days of Activism.
The campaign runs annually between November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10, International Human Rights Day.
With permission granted by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, a coloured screen and cellophane was added to the pre-existing lighting at the tower to project the bright colour.
Dr Lowen Clarke is the chair of 16 Days of Activism Inc. and has advocated for this issue for many years.
He began similar local projects throughout Maryborough after noticing the issue was one of the most significant causes of trauma in the community.
This year he has focused on family violence.
According to the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey, one in four women experience violence by an intimate partner. Respect Victoria says that 39 percent of women in Victoria have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15.
There are many free leaflets and books available throughout the community, at locations including the Highland Society, Maryborough Police Station, local pharmacies, the library, local medical practices and even through some local lawyers.
His own recent work, Secret Rainbow Business focuses on how gender-based violence can effect different types of families. He hopes to make the book available on Apple Books for free.
While the orange glowing Bristol Hill Tower is symbolic of an important global movement, Dr Clarke said locals can get involved too.
He said individuals can advocate and follow small community-based campaigns, and encourages them to also consider National Survivors Day, which is an annual Australian campaign that occurred on November 12 this year.
“It’s a very new thing, but everyone can get behind that,” he said.
“Everybody wants their children to have the best lives.”
Dr Clarke believes campaigns like this are important for Maryborough.
“There’s a lot of trauma tucked away in the town... but the town has a lot of resilience,” he said.
“The tower will be orange for the remainder of the campaign.”