Victoria’s Parliament has tonight turned bright orange in order to shine a light on family violence.
In an Australian first, the Victoria Against Violence – 16 Days of Activism campaign, will run alongside the United Nation’s globally recognised 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, and call for Victorians to Unite and Change to end family violence.
The theme colour for the campaign is eye-catching orange, the colour designated by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women.
The campaign officially begins on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and concludes on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
Other Melbourne landmarks to also turn Orange during the sixteen days include the Arts Centre, the State Library, the National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square, Government House, the Melbourne Star and AAMI Park. AGL, the first private company to join the campaign, will also light their 699 Bourke St building orange.
Previous campaigns have seen international landmarks lit orange, including the Pyramids of Giza, New York’s Empire State Building, Carnegie Hall and Niagara Falls.
Across Victoria, community groups, workplaces, shops, neighbourhoods, students and families are urged to embrace orange, to wear it and display it with ribbons, balloons, posters, flags and banners to show their support for those affected by family violence.
Dozens of community activities are planned in Melbourne and across Victoria. For the full calendar of events visit the campaign website:
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson
“By lighting Victoria’s Parliament House up in vibrant orange, we’re sending a very clear message that as a state we stand together in addressing violence.”
“For the first time ever, the Victorian Parliament will join other international landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Pyramids in shining a light on family violence.”
“I urge every Victorian to be a part of the campaign. Display and wear orange, attend a community event, or find out more about the impact of family violence – it’s time to Unite and Change.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021