Memorabilia auction to fund domestic and family violence prevention
15 February 2022
Proceeds from the online auction of almost 400 items following the dismissal of the former Ipswich City Council will be used to raise awareness in the community of the destructive impacts of domestic and family violence.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said feedback from community reference groups and the public indicated widespread support for proceeds from the sale being used for community purposes.
“The circumstances surrounding how some of the items came to be in the possession of council and some of its former councillors has caused significant concern for our community,” Mayor Harding said.
“The bulk is believed to have been bought over the years with ratepayers’ money.
“This is community money, and council was determined to ensure no matter their history, the items were disposed of transparently in line with community expectations and in a manner that benefits our community into the future.”
Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic said money from the auction would enable council to honour its pledge to work alongside other agencies in crime prevention and health promotion efforts for the community.
“Council aims to ensure Ipswich is safe and inclusive,” Deputy Mayor Jonic said.
“All Queenslanders have the right to live in respectful, supportive and safe relationships and to feel safe and secure in their homes.
“As a community, we all need to take up the challenge of ending domestic and family violence. It has no place in Queensland society.”
Councillor Marnie Doyle highlighted the statistics of domestic and family violence.
“According to the Queensland Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016 – 2026, one in six Australian women and one in nineteen Australian men have experienced physical abuse at the hands of a current or former partner, and one in four Australian women has experienced emotional abuse at the hands of a current or former partner.
“The online auction held in December raised $63,000, and that money will assist Ipswich community organisations via the one-off Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Funding Program” Cr Doyle said.
Councillor Kunzelmann said applications for this one-off funding are open now until 27 March 2022.
“We are encouraging not-for-profit community organisations, registered charities, registered schools and P&Cs, which are based or operate in the Ipswich LGA, to apply for this funding.
“As a long time Zonta member and former DVAC Board Member, I know firsthand what a positive impact this funding will have on our community.”
Eligible organisations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for up to 80 per cent of the project costs to a maximum of $10,000.
Details about the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Funding Program including application guidelines can be found on Shape Your Ipswich at www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/memorabilia-project
For more information, applicants can contact the Community Funding and Support Team on 07 3810 6657 or email communityfunding@ipswich.qld.gov.au.