Two bright red park benches at Mackay Base Hospital will remind patients and visitors that ‘taking a seat will also help take a stand’ against domestic violence.
The red benches were officially launched by Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) on 23 July and are installed in two high profile locations at the hospital; one at the front of the emergency department, the other near the hospital’s front entrance on Bridge Road.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Community Engagement Kerry Maley said the red benches aimed to encourage discussion about what family and domestic violence can look like and how the community can help those impacted by it.
“We believe that everyone has a responsibility to play a role in raising awareness about domestic and family violence,” Ms Maley said.
“People may not have violence in their lives, but everyone can offer support or intervene if it’s safe to do so and that’s why we want the benches in prominent places at our hospital.”
Ms Maley said all too often people who attend the hospital have experienced a form of domestic and family violence.
There were increasing numbers of domestic and family violence presentations to Mackay Base Hospital every year, with many seeking assistance and support, she said.
The Red Bench project is the brainchild of the not-for-profit group Red Rose Foundation, which works towards ending domestic violence-related deaths in Australia.
Mackay Hospital Foundation general manager Kristi Algate said the foundation was proud to grant funding for the purchase of benches which also feature a QR code link to support services and a plaque reading ‘Change the Ending: Let’s Stop Domestic and Family Violence’.
There are eight red benches in various locations across the Mackay region including at Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Women’s Services and Caneland Central.
