“Our community is not immune”: Ku-ring-gai’s tribute to domestic violence victim survivors on day of remembrance

A newly installed purple bench at St Ives Village Green was unveiled on Wednesday as part of a commemoration to victim survivors of domestic violence.

Organised by Ku-ring-gai Council, the event for National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day brought together locals, advocates and councillors.

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said it was a “national shame that one woman every nine days is killed by a current or former partner”. 

“Our community is not immune,” said Kay. 

The mayor dedicated a purple bench to the memory of all women and children who have lost their lives to domestic violence. The colour purple and purple benches have become a symbol of the worldwide domestic violence awareness movement following the construction of Barb’s Bench in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2015.

Kay concluded by calling on the community to “acknowledge the lives lost, empower survivors, and build a community of safety for all”.

Following her speech there was a minute of silence for survivors of domestic violence, and a performance by the Hummingsong choir, made up of a network of 16 women's community choirs across Australia.

Kay and fellow Ku-ring-gai councillors Barbara Ward and Sam Ngai planted a purple-flowering tibouchina tree in the grass outside St Ives Community Hall. 

Ku-ring-gai Council, which has released a 2024/25 Prevention of Violence Against Women Action Plan, is seeking greater funding for domestic and family violence support services and increased awareness and advocacy in communities.

If you need help, reach out to any of the following support services:

1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732

Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811

Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491

Lifeline: 131 114