Community Organisation Award
The Community Organisation Award recognises an innovative and exceptional project or activity delivered by a not-for-profit community organisation that demonstrates best practice in the prevention of domestic and family violence.
Winner: Domestic Violence Service of Central Queensland for Airing Out the Dirty Laundry (A program by Centacare and the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton)
Airing Out the Dirty Laundry was an innovative art project to raise awareness of domestic and family violence in Emerald and surrounding communities.
The project delivered messages about domestic and family violence in a visual form that confronted and challenged the public to re-examine it's perception of violence. Participants were encouraged to create a piece of clothing and a statement against domestic and family violence. These garments were displayed at the Emerald Public Library.
The title 'Dirty Laundry' was chosen as it is synonymous with family secrets, hiding information and having 'skeletons' in the closet. To 'air out the dirty laundry' is to open this closet door for others to see and to have 'no more secrets'.
The pieces of art were created by survivors of domestic violence, professionals who worked in the sector, and members of the community. Participants expressed their needs, ideas and feelings in relation to domestic and family violence. The artwork became a useful tool to address feelings of secrecy and shame about domestic and family violence and encourage self-respect and dignity.
The use of every day clothing in the project gave the message that domestic and family violence is an every day occurrence. Children's clothes and brunch coats were decorated to raise awareness that children are also affected by domestic and family violence.
This activity attracted positive media coverage and has assisted Emerald community members and surrounding areas to challenge their attitudes and beliefs about domestic and family violence.
It is estimated that more than 4 000 people visited the Emerald Public Library during the display period in June 2008.
A similar activity is being planned by the Middlemount Community Development Office. The Central West Domestic Violence Network is also utilising the idea for a number of their promotional health forums with the support of the Domestic Violence Service of Central Queensland.