Purple benches have started popping up around the region as part of a collaboration between the Wheatbelt Youth Council, White Ribbon WA and the WA Women’s Council to support victims of domestic violence.
The project was sparked by a need identified by participants of the Wheatbelt Youth Council, developed by the WA Wheatbelt District Police force and the Department of Education.
The Youth Council, being piloted for 12-months, has been launched in collaboration with 11 police stations including Merredin, Quairading and Mukinbudin.
An outstanding male and female student from each of the towns involved make up the council membership and engage with police and local government representatives to help develop crime prevention, community safety and positive engagement strategies from a youth perspective.
The Purple Bench initiative was submitted to each of the Wheatbelt Youth Councils in July 2018, with members electing to move forward with the plan.
The Youth Councils liaised with their local shires and arranged to fundraise and prepare the benches for installation.
Wheatbelt District Inspector and White Ribbon WA board member Gordon Fairman said the benches are truly owned by the communities.
“The pride associated with the project has been obvious when I have attended the unveiling ceremonies,” he said.
“The value of this project is significant; not only do the benches create important conversations in rural and regional communities but we may have helped inspire and develop the next group of young leaders.
“The Youth Council members represent the young people in our communities and this project has provided them with an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in both project management and community engagement.
“It has been pleasing to be a part of the project and witness the enthusiasm and genuine care for the community that these young people have.”
Mr Fairman said the interaction between youth and police in the towns has been important in maintaining positive community relationships.
Bench projects have also been initiated in Southern Cross and Beverley.
The idea of purple benches originated from Nova Scotia in Canada where they were placed in public parks to honour the memory of women affected by domestic violence, as well as providing help numbers for those in need.
Three women in West Australia were killed by a violent partner or ex-partner in the first three months of 2018, according to the WA Women’s Council.
A WA Women’s Council spokesperson said the Purple Benches provide the opportunity for the issue of domestic violence to remain visible while being a physical place to reflect on how communities can move to bring an end to the violence.