Word On The Street In Mt Isa

Centacare North Queensland took to the streets in Mt Isa during May to erect signs as part of its involvement in raising awareness for Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month.

The signs, which were hand drawn and painted by local children, popped up across the city on Friday 19 May to share their messages about domestic violence.

Centacare NQ’s Manager of Outback Services Leeanne Harris said it was important to communicate the messages children had about violence because as a community we don’t often hear it from their perspective.

“The messages on these signs came directly from kids who are involved in services and students at local schools when we asked them, if they had a message to adults about domestic and family violence what would that be.”

Ms Harris said Centacare erected a number of signs across the city on behalf of the children, to spread the message far and wide as a way to build awareness about the prevalent issue.

Signs included phrases such as, ‘Hands are not for hitting’ and ‘No room in my heart for violence’.

“It’s an awareness to say keep thinking and have an understanding that domestic and family violence is everybody’s business,” she said.

“One of the signs says, ‘I won’t be a bystander’ and I think it is around a whole of community response to have an understanding that if you do see something, then do something about it.

“Domestic and family violence is everyone’s issue and shouldn’t remain hidden,” she said.

The artwork on each sign was purposefully designed by school students and local artist Kirsty Nathan.

Centacare NQ acknowledges its partner Clancy Signs who donated their time and service to produce the signs.