Locals asked to wear orange for Esperance foreshore 16 Days in WA parade

A parade along the Esperance foreshore will take place to mark the final day of WA’s anti-domestic violence campaign, which falls on the worldwide day dedicated to human rights. The community is asked to wear orange on the walk to show solidarity with the 16 Days in WA campaign, which is an opportunity for activism against gender-based violence. The event on December 10 will mark the last of the Esperance Crisis Accommodation Service’s 16 Days initiatives, which feature a series of workshops designed to empower women in the community. With a range of sessions on offer from artistic expression and gardening to fitness and essential life skills, ECAS co-ordinator Shannan Gillespie said the Thrive workshops were designed to be inclusive to all women. “The workshops are aiming to empower women in Esperance through education, skill building, and community engagement,” she said. “It’s also raising awareness about family and domestic violence and the services available locally. It’s a bit of cross-promotion for our service, as well as empowering women in various different ways.” The community walk invites service providers and community members to get a coffee and walk from the James St Whale Tail to the jetty. “This event is an opportunity for us to collectively discuss ways to prevent family and domestic violence and to support survivors moving forward,” Ms Gillespie said. “We are the main FDV support service in Esperance, so it helps reach out to the community to let them know that there are services available.” All ECAS Thrive workshops were made free to attend after a $5000 grant from Horizon Power was allocated to the initiative through a Community Partnerships Program. More information on the workshop schedule and booking information can be found at the ECAS website at esperancecrisisaccommodationservice.com. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Esperance Crisis Accommodation Service (08) 90714395