Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien are encouraging the Sale community to support the Rotary Club of Sale’s latest initiative as part of its ‘Sale Says NO to domestic and family violence’ campaign.
The club has launched “Have a Cuppa for a Cause” with the support of Happy Days Cafe, placing the “Sale Says NO” message on takeaway coffee cups over the next two weeks.
Mr Chester said the initiative was a powerful way to keep the conversation going and show support for victims and survivors of domestic and family violence.
“Domestic and family violence is one of the most serious issues facing our communities, and it is something we must never ignore or accept,” Mr Chester said.
“The Rotary Club of Sale is doing outstanding work to raise awareness, start conversations and bring the community together around a very clear message: Sale says no to domestic and family violence.
“Having that message on coffee cups is a practical and visible reminder that everyone has a role to play in calling out unacceptable behaviour and supporting respectful relationships.
“Well done to Rotary President Lisa Wakeman, the Rotary Club of Sale and Happy Days Cafe for taking action and helping to keep this important issue front of mind.”
Mr O’Brien said the campaign was an important example of local leadership and community action.
“Domestic and family violence affects people across every part of our community, and we all have a responsibility to say clearly that it is never acceptable,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Rotary Club of Sale has been working hard to build momentum through its Sale Says NO campaign, including signage, purple shirts and the monthly Wellington Walks for Women.
“This new coffee cup initiative is another way to get people talking, raise awareness and show victims and survivors that they are not alone.
Mr Chester and Mr O’Brien encourage local businesses, sporting clubs, community groups and individuals to get behind the campaign and help make Sale a safer and more respectful community for everyone.
Over the past 12 months, the Rotary Club of Sale has promoted the Sale Says NO message through signage at the entry to town and other prominent locations, distinctive purple T-shirts and the monthly Wellington Walks for Women around Lakes Guyatt and Guthridge.
Rotary Club of Sale President Lisa Wakeman said the club wanted to encourage conversations about what is acceptable and what is not.
“At the end of the day, the strongest movements begin with communities working together, and this involves everyone: businesses, clubs, frontline workers and everyone who wants Sale to be a safer place for us all,” Ms Wakeman said.
The next Wellington Walks for Women will be held on Sunday, August 30, beginning at 9:30am outside SEED Community Garden.
Businesses interested in supporting the campaign by placing Sale Says NO stickers on takeaway coffee cups or purchasing purple Say NO T-shirts for staff to wear as part of a Purple Friday event can contact the Rotary Club of Sale at rotarysale@outlook.com or 0402 518 051.
