Red Bench Dedication

Thanks to the work and concern of our Mothers’ Union Group, and the generous work of Centenary Men’s Shed, St Andrew’s now has a Red Bench.

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month so we would like to dedicate our bench on the 1st May at 2:30pm to help draw attention to this serious issue affecting the lives of so many, including in our own local area. Councillor Penny Wolff will be present to dedicate the bench and be with us as we reflect and offer prayers.  All welcome- simply come and gather at the Fairley St side of the church for the short liturgy.

The Red Bench project is an initiative of the Red Rose Foundation to raise awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) and build a permanent reminder that DFV occurs within all communities.

The bench communicates to anyone experiencing Domestic and Family Abuse that St Andrew’s is a place where it is safe to talk to someone. It also is a sign of solidarity with those who have experienced or are experiencing abuse that we know this happens in our suburb as well. Further, we know it happens in our church communities, with recent research revealing that the rates of domestic and family abuse are slightly higher within Anglican communities in Australia than in wider society.

Mothers’ Union and St Andrew’s have installed the Red Bench here to be that permanent reminder and as a sign of our commitment to changing the story for so many who are affected by Domestic and Family Abuse.