Bright benches bring hope

At first glance, they might just look like 3 brightly coloured benches.

However, a closer inspection shows that the 3 items of park furniture recently installed in Division 7 are part of a much bigger story.

Developed in partnership with local not-for-profit organisation Defenders for Hope, the colourful new benches aim to start an  important conversation about domestic violence in the community.

They build on a movement that began in 2015 in Nova Scotia, Canada, where purple benches were first installed in honour of domestic and family violence victims.

Since then, colourful benches have appeared across North America and, more recently, in Australia in hope of starting important conversations about domestic violence issues in the community.

A purple bench has been installed in Silvertop Park at Hillcrest.

Dog owners, rejoice! There are now 2 new locations for off-leash play in Division 7.

Fully fenced off-leash dog enclosures have been completed at Cianthus Park in Regents Park and Seaton Park in Hillcrest.

Each enclosure features space for 4-legged friends to play, as well as a shelter with seating for puppy parents to take a moment to rest and relax.

Both new enclosures have been met with enthusiasm from residents, delighted to have new locations to take their furry friends for some off-leash play and to meet other fur babies.

A red bench can be found in Forest Glen Park at Browns Plains. It aims to increase visibility of domestic violence issues as part of the Red Rose Foundation’s ‘Red Bench Project’.

A multi-coloured bench outside Logan West Community Centre in Hillcrest is designed to raise awareness for all domestic violence victims, regardless of age, gender and sexuality.

Division 7 Councillor Tim Frazer hopes the colourful benches will help generate positive change within the community.

‘All too often domestic violence is hidden behind closed doors,’ Cr Frazer says.

“Hopefully these benches will be a visible reminder of this important issue and will encourage impacted residents to start a conversation with those around them, and, more importantly, for others to reach out and assist anyone they think may be in a vulnerable situation.’