The Anglican Parish of Aspley-Albany Creek is taking a strong public stand against domestic violence with the installation of a Red Bench this month.
The Red Bench will be officially unveiled at The Church of the Resurrection at Bridgeman Downs church on Sunday, 30 November, following the 8.30am service, with a number of special guests invited to attend the occasion.
Priest in Charge Reverend Lorraine Lynch said the installation was important because “domestic violence is everywhere”.
“It transcends class, race, gender and sexuality, so we need to highlight the problem publicly wherever we can,” Reverend Lorraine said. “The more we keep the issue in the public eye, the more we can all be part of the solution.”
The issue holds personal significance for Reverend Lorraine, who experienced domestic violence as a child.
“Given my direct experience of witnessing domestic violence on a regular basis as a young child, I have compassion for all those who suffer and want to help where I can, especially as I now live a public role in the community,” she said.
“I hope that those who are suffering can reach out to me, as I will always provide a safe space in which they can share their pain and we can, together, find the right healing path.”
Community Collaboration and Red Bench Unveiling
The Red Bench, which was restored and painted by members of the Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed, including 86-year-old Rusty Pedwell, features a plaque that reads: Change the Ending: Let’s Stop Domestic Violence.
“Our ‘Old Boys’ from the Men’s Shed are located on the site of the church, and when I asked if they could renovate an old church bench and affix the plaque, they kindly obliged,” Reverend Lorraine said.
“It will be installed at the front of the church entrance – a handy spot for me to join anyone who wishes to take that first step, or ongoing steps, in talking through the pain of such horrific crimes.”
The Red Bench Project was launched by the Red Rose Foundation in 2019 as a national initiative to place visible reminders in public spaces, encouraging conversations and action around domestic violence.
The unveiling will be attended by Betty Taylor (Red Rose Foundation founder), Vanessa Fower (Allison Baden-Clay Foundation), Member for Aspley Bart Mellish, Councillor Tracy Davis, and a local police officer.
“This is a fantastic initiative from Reverend Lorraine Lynch, who is doing great work in our local community,” Mr Mellish said.
“Domestic violence is such a blight on society and moves to combat it should be commended.”
For more information, find the Aspley-Albany Creek Anglican Church on Facebook.
Red Bench Unveiling
- Sunday, 30 November, 8.30am
- The Church of the Resurrection
- 30 Ridley Road, Bridgeman Downs
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