Cardinia Shire White Ribbon Awards announced 

The 2021 Tony Fitzgerald Award to a community group in recognition of their continued efforts in raising awareness and prevent men’s violence against women was awarded to WHISE (Women’s Health in the South East). WHISE provides health information, health promotion and education to the female community and health professionals. WHISE assists women, particularly those who are significantly disadvantaged, to access services they need.  

The 2021 Gary McQuillan Award to the Cardinia Shire Council employee in recognition of their continued efforts in raising awareness and prevent men’s violence against women was awarded to Michael Casey for his efforts in driving Council’s White Ribbon re-accreditation and Together We Can initiative. 

Over 50 community members joined the annual White Ribbon fundraiser and awards ceremony on Thursday 25 November at the Cardinia Cultural Centre to hear from keynote speaker Phil Cleary, equality advocate, AFL legend and former federal MP, who talked about the role of community groups and businesses in ending family violence and Inspector Darron Hedge from Victoria Police. 
 
This year’s event was hosted by Cardinia Shire Council in partnership with Aligned Leisure and Outlook Victoria and raises awareness of, and funds for, White Ribbon Australia family violence prevention programs.  
 
Family violence support  

• In an emergency dial 000.   
• If you or anyone you know is experiencing any form of family violence contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or safesteps@safesteps.org.au 

For more information about Cardinia Shire Council’s Together We Can initiative, visit Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/familyviolence or call the Together We Can team on 1300 787 624.