More than 72 trees and 52 poles have been wrapped in hundreds of knitted and crocheted squares and flowers in the Blacktown City Council Knit Bomb Project - part of the United Nations Women’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking at the Project launch, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “The Knit Bomb Project is a vital part of Council’s commitment to raise awareness of the tragic impact that domestic violence has on our community.”
“The number of domestic violence assaults across New South Wales has increased by nearly 9 per cent over the past 2 years. Sadly, women and children in Blacktown City continue to suffer at the hands of family members or former partners, with more than 2,000 incidents of domestic violence reported in the last 12-months.”
“We are here today to say NO to domestic and family violence. Blacktown City Council is committed to working with our local police, emergency services and community organisations to put an end to this violence.” Mayor Bleasdale said.
The fifth annual Knit Bomb Project, will see hundreds of knitted squares also adorning key landmarks in Mount Druitt and Lalor Park over the coming weeks.
This year, Council is delighted to feature a metal mesh sculpture created by inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre depicting two parents, two children and a single woman. The sculptures have been “Knit Bombed” with colourful knitted squares, hearts and flowers.
Parklea Correctional Centre Governor Wayne Taylor said staff and inmates were delighted to be part to of this important community partnership and social awareness campaign.
“We value our partnerships with Blacktown City Council and its Mayor Tony Bleasdale has been a great supporter of our inmates and the work we do to provide education and skills to assist in their rehabilitation.”
“This Project also provides inmates with an opportunity to give back to the community and they should all feel very proud,” Mr Taylor said.
The Knit Bomb Project is spearheaded by Council’s Women’s Advisory Committee, with the Blacktown Library Knitting Group and more than 50 community knitters dedicating hours of their time creating the squares either at home or in organised “yarn ins”.
Chairperson of the Women’s Advisory Committee Councillor Julie Griffiths AM said: “The Knit Bomb Project is part of our Council’s long-standing commitment in condemning domestic and family violence in Blacktown City, which unfortunately has the one of the highest incidences of reported domestic assault in NSW.”
This year the Knit Bomb Project also features a striking display of artwork produced by inmates from the Dillwynia Correctional Centre, as well as a 1.5-metre-high ‘Knit Bombed’ butterfly created by the Blacktown Library Knitting Group.
Members of the public are invited to tie a ribbon on the sculptures in the Village Green that binds them to a pledge to be an advocate for gender equity in our community and eliminate violence against women and girls.
The global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence began on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on Human Rights Day on December 10.
