South Australia has just held its fourth Adelaide White Ribbon Breakfast, with great reviews from all who attended. We were very fortunate to have Dr Michael Flood (feminist, renowned sociologist, and researcher into men’s violence against women) as Guest Speaker. Michael captivated his audience with his inspiring talk on “Cultures of Respect: Achievements, Obstacles and Ways Forward”
After the opening by the Governor (and White Ribbon Ambassador), His Excellency, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, for the first time we had not only the Hon Jay Weatherill (our new Premier and White Ribbon Ambassador) and the Hon Kate Ellis (Federal Minister for the Status of Women and Member for Adelaide) both attending and speaking, but also welcomed Libby Davies Chief Executive Officer of the White Ribbon Foundation.
The Adelaide Breakfast was again a sell-out event almost a month in advance and the Committee were thrilled with such a response. 400 people were hosted to a full agenda of Federal and State news, Michael’s inspiring talk and a delicious hot breakfast.
Whilst raising awareness has been the main purpose of our event, with generous sponsorship and support we were delighted to be able to present cheques to further community work which aligns with the White Ribbon campaign.
Our beneficiaries were:
- the local Non-English-Speaking Domestic Violence Action Group for their DV “Z” information cards and an Information Day
- White Ribbon Ambassador Dr Dirk Zadra of Zee Productions to support the staging of his provocative DV inspired play (May 2012) – all profits to be returned to White Ribbon and other DV programs
- The White Ribbon Foundation, accepted personally by CEO Libby Davies.
It has been extremely encouraging to see the percentage of men attending increasing each year, and the numbers of White Ribbon Ambassadors present having risen from 5 in 2008 to at least 35 this year.
Our joint MCs were again local media identities Leigh McClusky and Peter Goers who give freely and generously of their time and entertained us with great humour throughout. The Breakfast ended with the drawing of the raffle, with many great prizes being donated by local businesses.
Such an event would not be possible without the fabulous support of our sponsors, some of which have continued since our inaugural event in 2008.
The Adelaide White Ribbon Breakfast committee comprises of both men and women working together – with members of BPW International, NCW South Australia, Soroptimist International, and Zonta International, joined by four White Ribbon Ambassadors, one of whom represents the Coalition for Men supporting Non-Violence.
We sincerely thank everyone for their support, and are looking forward to another superb event in 2012!
Cintra Amos & Gillian Lewis – Co-convenors Adelaide White Ribbon Breakfast Committee
