“Change the ending, let’s stop domestic violence”
Port Pirie Regional Council, Media Release, 7 May 2025
At a special ceremony held this morning, Port Pirie Regional Council in partnership with the Port Pirie Domestic Violence Action Group unveiled the very first Red Bench in South Australia at the Women’s Keepsake Garden, located in front of the Port Pirie Regional Library.
The Red Bench Project, an initiative of the Red Rose Foundation, serves as a reminder that domestic violence occurs in all our communities. When a Red Bench is placed in a public location it ensures that the important issue of domestic violence remains visible, not hidden. A Red Bench is a place to sit to have a conversation about how communities can change the ending to domestic violence.
Jenny Lewis from the Port Pirie Domestic Violence Action Group and Mayor Leon Stephens spoke passionately about raising awareness on domestic violence and the support services available for those in need.
SA Police were also in attendance at the event, along with members of the Port Pirie Domestic Violence Action Group and Council’s Elected Members.
The presence of a Red Bench in the Women’s Keepsake Garden will complement the existing domestic violence memorial in the garden. This is also the location where, some years ago, Port Pirie Regional Council and the Port Pirie Domestic Violence Action Group worked in partnership to plant three roses and install a plaque to remember lives lost due to domestic violence and to indicate that we as a community are united against domestic violence.
Further information about the Red Bench program is available at: www.redrosefoundation.com.au/red- bench-project.
