As we meet tonight, Glen Eira Town Hall is lit up in purple and many of us in the Chamber are wearing purple ribbons.

This is to mark Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.

Today, communities across Australia are coming together to remember those we’ve lost to domestic and family violence.

Domestic and family violence does not discriminate.

It impacts everyone no matter their age, background or socio-economic status.

One in five women have experienced violence from a partner.

A woman is killed every two weeks in Australia by their partner.

This simply must stop.

Tonight, we reaffirm that domestic and family violence has no place in Glen Eira.

At the weekend, we saw more than 1,000 Victorians march against gender-based violence.

It was an important reminder that we all have a role to play in stopping the scourge of domestic and family violence.

We must ensure there are supports in place to prevent domestic and family violence and respond when it occurs.

We must give survivors of domestic and family violence a voice and raise awareness of the services available to them.

We must all speak up and speak out against gender-based violence and demand a culture of respect.

We must ensure that Australian and Victorian Governments provide the legislative, systemic and financial backing to address its root causes.

As a council, we will continue to do everything we can to raise awareness, partner with other levels of government, and support the critical work of our community groups. 

And importantly, we will remember those we have lost to these sickening crimes.

In a few moments, I will ask everyone to observe a minute’s silence, however before I do, I welcome any further reflections from Councillors.