Allora welcomes new Red Bench

FLTR: Allora Community Circle Executive Committee members Jamie McMillan, Krissy Henry and Melissa Willet pictured with Cr Carla Pidgeon and Mayor Melissa Hamilton at the Red Bench. 

After a long wait, the Allora community once again has a new Red Bench™ on Herbert Street as the result of a collaboration between the Allora Community Circle and Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton to support the Red Rose Foundation’s Red Bench Project.

Mayor Hamilton thanked the Allora Community Circle for inviting her to joining forces on this important domestic and family violence awareness initiative.

“Last year the Allora community told me they wanted a new Red Bench after their previous bench was removed a few years ago,” Mayor Hamilton said.

“I saw an opportunity to join forces with the Allora Community Circle to install a Red Bench that would be a place of reflection and a place where important conversations could start.

"I want to thank the Allora Community Circle for their support on this initiative and for keeping this important issue visible in their community.”

The Red Rose Foundation's Red Bench Project is a nation-wide initiative designed to raise awareness of domestic and family violence, ensuring this issue remains visible within communities.

Red Benches have already been installed at St Mark’s Church and Federation Park in Warwick, as well as St Joseph’s Parish and Kilpa Park in Stanthorpe.

Mayor Hamilton is personally funding the installation of more Red Benches across the Southern Downs over the coming months.

“I want to support community-focused projects that raise awareness and start conversations to end domestic violence-related deaths,” Mayor Hamilton added.

“Giving our communities more Red Benches is an initiative that has been eagerly embraced and will enhance the liveability of our many open spaces.”

Mayor Hamilton emphasised the importance of being proactive bystanders without judgment, helping individuals reach out for the support they need and ultimately changing the outcome.

For more information on the Red Bench Project, visit Red Rose Foundation at https://www.redrosefoundation.com.au/