The power of music will be harnessed to help prevent family violence in Greater Bendigo’s multicultural communities, with a song and video in the works.
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It comes as Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence Working Group chair Margaret Singe said several people had approached Bendigo Police about issues at home.
Ms Singe is also Bendigo Police’s family violence adviser and said one or two matters did not constitute a trend, but they did raise an opportunity to start community education campaigns before more incidents arose.
Ms Singe believed part of the reason cases had been referred to police was because of community awareness work, with children learning in schools that what they were seeing at home was not right.
Ms Singe said song and dance was one way her group wanted to raise awareness about family violence.
“We know that no community is immune to the impacts of family violence, she said.
“Each one of us needs to take responsibility in preventing family violence by challenging and changing attitudes and behaviours within our community.”
On Friday community members gathered to write the words for a song.
The song would be similar to one created in Albury-Wodonga called That Girl.
Salwa Dastgeer lives in Bendigo after moving from Afghanistan six years ago and had brought her three children to Friday’s workshop.
“I thought it would be a good way to be part of a great cause,” she said.
“I listen to music and I love my traditional Afghan music, so because I enjoy it I thought it could be fun to do this.”
She hoped to see more people at workshops and rehearsals in coming weeks. They are taking place at the Greenroom 45 Mundy Street on Fridays from 4pm.
Next week musicians plan to put music to lyrics, with a performance at a community showcase on 28 November.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for advice or support. In an emergency, call police on 000. All incidents of violence should be reported to the police.
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