By Jessica Micallef
Macedon Ranges council is taking a stand against violence.
The council is taking part in a statewide campaign, Respect Women: Call It Out, during the 16 Days of Activism – an international campaign to challenge violence against women.
Between November 25 and December 10 the council will run a social media campaign to encourage residents to share their stories on how they call out disrespectful behaviours.
Residents can comment on these social media posts or post a comment on a display board at the Kyneton Sports and Aquatic Centre.
The campaign is supported by the Municipal Association of Victoria and is funded by Respect Victoria – an organisation dedicated to preventing family violence and violence against women.
The council’s community wellbeing director Karen Stevens said the campaign is aimed at raising awareness that bystanders can play a powerful role in helping change behaviour.
“Everyone has a role to play in calling out disrespect towards women,” she said.
“We shouldn’t wait for somebody else to do the right thing.”
Those who post stories will have a chance to win prizes including a six month membership at the Kyneton or Gisborne Aquatic Centre.
Winners will be drawn at random and announced on the last day of the campaign.
