Colourful benches prompt greater understanding

A new conversation starter on domestic violence is set to be unveiled in Boronia Heights.

A pink metal bench featuring 3 butterflies and footprints will be installed in Middle Park in late May.

It will honour Queensland-based charity Small Steps for Hannah and remember the lives of Hannah Clarke and her children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey.

Division 7 is already home to 4 special benches. They are in Forest Glen Park at Browns Plains, Hillcrest’s Silvertop Park, outside Logan West Community Centre in Hillcrest, and at Sweetgum Park in Hillcrest.

The benches build on a movement that began in 2015 in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Purple benches were installed in honour of domestic and family violence victim Barb Ballie.

Division 7 Councillor Tim Frazer hopes the colourful benches will generate positive change within the community and start valuable conversations.

All too often domestic violence is hidden behind closed doors so hopefully these benches will encourage people to reach out and assist anyone they think may be in a vulnerable situation,’ Cr Frazer says.

Photo at top: Cr Tim Frazer at the unveiling of the Centre Against Sexual Violence (Logan) bench in Hillcrest’s Sweetgum Park, with (from left) Aimee, Sarah, Julia, Marisol, Rhiannon and Rachel (whose surnames are withheld on request).