White Ribbon Ambassadors from across Sydney gathered at HMAS Penguin last night for an ambassador networking event to discuss the progress of the White Ribbon campaign.
A number of White Ribbon’s prominent ambassadors spoke about their involvement in the charity, which was established as a male-led organisation to end violence against women.
Commanding Officer of Penguin, Commander Paul Gall, himself a White Ribbon Ambassador, said he was privileged to host such a special event.
“This is the first event of its kind to be hosted by Navy here in Sydney,” Commander Gall said.
“Navy’s involvement with White Ribbon is another way of living our Navy Values and Signature Behaviours and it is a natural fit.”
“The organisation is about taking a stand to eliminate violence against women, which is a broader social issue and Navy is proud to be helping to lead the way,” he said.
Commander Gall said it was promising that Navy had so many Navy White Ribbon Ambassadors (78 at the latest count).
“White Ribbon Ambassadors are the faces and leaders of the campaign for Navy and I hope their messages will ensure more men take the organisation’s oath.”
“The oath is “never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women’ and speaking at events such as this is just one of the ways an ambassador can promote the cause,” Commander Gall said.
“This is an important initiative for which the Chief of Navy has taken a great deal of interest, noting that the aims of the campaign align with that of Defence.
Other speakers on the night included the current Chair of White Ribbon, John Rosewarne, the Assistant Commissioner of New South Wales Police, Mark Mourdoch and Deputy National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, Mick Doleman.
White Ribbon Australia is a non-profit organisation and Australia’s only national, male-led primary prevention campaign to end men’s violence against women.
[mappress] Press Release, June 11, 2014; Image: Australian Navy