Media Release: AVWA's Annual White Ribbon Day Event

Media Release: AVWA's Annual White Ribbon Day Event Drives Positive Change in Vietnamese Community's Approach to Domestic Violence Prevention

Richmond, VIC – December 2, 2024

The Australian Vietnamese Women's Association (AVWA), building on its 41-year legacy of empowering the Vietnamese community, proudly hosted its annual 16 Days of Activism – White Ribbon Event on Friday, November 29, 2024.

In partnership with Brimbank City Council and InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence, the event welcomed over 200 community members to the St Albans Community Centre, highlighting the power of unity in addressing family violence.

Pictured: United Against Domestic Violence: Community Members and Leaders Stand Together at AVWA's White Ribbon Event.

Pictured: The Hon Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Veterans, Small Business, and Youth, gives a guest speech at the 16 Days of Activism - White Ribbon Event.

This significant gathering was part of the UN Women’s global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, showcasing how our local Vietnamese community stands together with communities worldwide in the fight against gender-based violence.

"Through our Working Together Project with InTouch and our community programs, we are breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers while providing practical support that our community members can trust. Domestic violence prevention is a shared responsibility, and AVWA is proud to contribute to the Australian government's broader efforts.

Most excitingly, we will expand our capacity to work with men, helping them break down gender roles and providing workshops to develop new skills. We will strengthen our alliances with InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence and Brimbank City Council, innovating to ensure community members can access the resources they need in a culturally appropriate manner. Additionally, we will educate our community on understanding coercive control and the law," said Nicky Chung, CEO of AVWA.

Pictured: The Hon Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Veterans, Small Business, and Youth; Cr Thuy Dang, Mayor of Brimbank; Nicky Chung, CEO of AVWA; Kim Truong, AVWA Project Officer; Varun Bhaskar, Representative from InTouch; and Vi Nguyen, Winner of the Writing Competition.

Pictured: A graceful traditional dance celebrating Vietnamese culture

The event was enriched by the presence of distinguished community leaders and partners, whose support has been instrumental in strengthening our mission:

• The Hon Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Veterans, Small Business, and Youth
• Cindy McLeish MP, Shadow Minister for Women, Prevention of Family Violence, Small Business, WorkCover and the TAC
• Cr Thuy Dang, Mayor of Brimbank
• Shaymaa Elkadi, Chief Services Officer, Representative from InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
• Varun Bhaskar, Representative from InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence.
• Bharat Palta, Multicultural Service Officer, Services Australia (Centrelink)
• Tien Dung Kieu, Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University
• Representatives from Western Bulldogs and Victoria Police

Pictured: Our team shared bilingual resources on family violence laws and support services, encouraging meaningful conversations on prevention and support.

Pictured: A powerful moment of solidarity as participants walked together, spreading the message of unity and prevention of violence against women and girls.

Pictured: Community members marched through Errington Reserve with heartfelt messages, uniting against domestic violence and promoting respectful relationships.

Event Highlights:

• Community March: Participants joined our symbolic march through Errington Reserve, carrying banners and signs with heartfelt messages in both English and Vietnamese. The march demonstrated our community's united stance against domestic violence and commitment to fostering respectful relationships.
• Writing Competition: Our bilingual writing initiative gave voice to community members' thoughts on domestic violence prevention, creating a platform for open dialogue and shared understanding.
• Educational Outreach: Interactive information booths staffed by our dedicated team members provided vital bilingual resources about Australian family violence laws and support services, fostering meaningful conversations about prevention and support.

About AVWA
The Australian Vietnamese Women's Association (AVWA), established 41 years ago, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and empowerment of Vietnamese community members. With over 410 employees across Victoria, AVWA provides a range of services including aged and disability care, playgroups, vocational training, and counselling services. AVWA operates five key program areas: Family and Children Services, Training and Vocational Services, Aged and Disability Services, Health and Community Wellbeing, and Cultural and Language Services.

Media Contact
Nicky Chung
CEO
Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Inc.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 0475 871 589