Council recommits to respect and equity charter

Published on 25 November 2021

Hepburn Shire Council has recommitted to the Women’s Health Grampians (WHG) Communities of Respect and Equality (CoRE) Commitment Charter.

Council Chief Executive Officer, Bradley Thomas, said the charter aligns closely with Council’s Community Vision, Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

“The Charter references that we believe in a safe, equal and respectful society for everyone, and that’s certainly the case at Council,” said Mr Thomas.

“In our Council Plan we have committed to being a leader in gender equality and equity and promoting respect and safety in our community,” he said.

“Councillors and our leadership team and have also committed to building understanding of safe, respectful and equitable relationships through education and awareness raising.”

Mr Thomas recently signed the Charter on behalf of Council.

“We want a community where women and their children live free from violence and every person is valued, heard, respected and empowered,” said Mr Thomas.

“Part of Council’s work in this area includes supporting campaigns such as the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence, which starts today.”

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Council held community walks in Daylesford, Trentham, Clunes and Creswick on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – Thursday 25 November.

“These walks were an opportunity for our community to come together and collectively say no to family violence,” said Mr Thomas.

Many participants wore an item of orange clothing, in support of the campaign. Signs and orange ribbons are also on display around the Shire in recognition of this important movement.

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