A Place of Courage

Join our friends from Spirit of Woman on Thursday 25 November as they launch Australia’s first public tribute to the victims and survivors of domestic and family violence at Rotary Park, Christies Beach.

Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a leading cause of homelessness across Australia. Around eight out of ten people who walk through Hutt St Centre’s doors for support tell us they have experienced trauma or abuse, and seven out of ten say their homelessness stems from a relationship breakdown.

This launch is an opportunity for our community – for people who have been impacted by DFV and those who stand alongside them – to find solace, connect with one another, grieve, and heal.

The Rotary Park ‘Ripple’ site is part of Helen Oxenham’s (OAM) Place of Courage project, creating public artworks and community spaces that acknowledge the prevalence and long-term impact of DFV on individuals and the community.

In 1977, Helen created one of South Australia’s first women’s shelters at Christies Beach, in partnership with her two close friends, Peggy Robinson and Josie Harvey. In 2015, Helen founded Spirit of Woman and conceived ‘The Place of Courage’ – Australia’s first public tribute to the victims and survivors of domestic and family violence.

The Rotary Park ‘Ripple’ site finally sees her vision and years of campaigning come to fruition. Helen said:

“I created the concept of the Place of Courage to help bring this issue into the light – and to bring it from behind closed doors, into the public domain. I believe this is where change happens…

At 90 years, I am so grateful that I am here to see the first Place of Courage Ripple site come to life. I am proud to have left this legacy – to my family, to my community, and to my country.”

Click here to find out more and register to attend the launch.