Bass Coast Shire Council is taking part in this year's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, bringing its most extensive program yet to the community to challenge ideas and prevent gender-based violence.

This annual campaign, led by Respect Victoria, aligns with the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, taking place from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).

Events include a community walk, active bystander training and a free webinar.

Council's CEO Greg Box reflected on his personal journey growing up in a family of nine boys. "I've seen firsthand how assumptions about masculinity can shape behaviours and attitudes. "This 16 Days of Activism, we're creating spaces where people can participate at a pace that feels right for them, building our community's capacity for respect and equality."

Events

Kick off the 16 Days of Activism by joining the Corinella and District Community Centre and Bass Coast Shire Council for a community walk to the beach and back on November 25.

The walk begins at 2.30pm at the Corinella and District Community Centre, and includes a light afternoon tea to. No bookings are required.

There are three sessions of Active Bystander Training on offer, with a session in Newhaven on November 28. Other sessions are in Korumburra (November 25) and Inverloch (December 3).

Since 2017, Council has partnered with four of the region's biggest employers, including Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water and Bass Coast Health, to deliver Active Bystander workplace training that equips staff with the skills to act in our communities, homes and workplaces. This year, the training extends to the broader Gippsland community, with new sessions in partnership with South Gippsland Shire Council and South Gippsland Water.

The three-hour training sessions are open to everyone, whether attending solo or with members of a community organisation. By learning how to be an Active Bystander, you can safely and effectively challenge attitudes in your personal and professional life and contribute to creating safe and respectful communities. The sessions are free, but bookings are essential.

The final event, on December 10 is a free webinar: Men Supporting Safer Communities

The online webinar will be facilitated by Bass Coast Shire Council CEO, Greg Box, featuring Dr. Michael Flood and Tarang Chawla, as they reflect on the positive role that men and boys play in preventing and reducing violence and help build communities where women are safe and equal.

Dr. Michael Flood is an internationally recognised expert on men, masculinities, and violence prevention, whose work has had a profound impact on both academic and community discussions. 

Tarang Chawla, a passionate advocate for social change, co-founded Not One More Niki, a non-profit named after his sister Nikita, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence. Together, they will explore the role men and boys can play in preventing and reducing violence and provide practical actions that men and boys can use in their everyday lives with their families, friends and colleagues.

To find out more and take part in local events, visit Council's new family violence webpage at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/16days

Visit the Safe and Equal website (safeandequal.org.au/) for the community calendar of events happening across the state, and the Respect Victoria website for tips and tools.