Yarn-bombing hopes to start string of conversations on domestic violence

The knit and crochet-adorned trees outside the Post Office on Smith Street, Kempsey, are more than just a colourful display created by the NSW Country Women's Association (CWA) Gladstone evening branch.

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The yarn-bombing project is part of the United Nations' 16 days of activism against gender-based violence towards women.

CWA Gladstone evening branch member Wendy Vermeulen said the yarn-bombing project aimed to start a conversation.

"We [thought we] will yarn-bomb the trees so that people walk past and ask 'what's that? and 'why are they doing it?' and that's what we're hoping for," she said.

"Let's start a conversation."

The project was created by the NSW CWA Gladstone evening branch, which decided to participate in the 16 days of activism by utilising its members' handicraft skills to convey the important message as domestic violence rates continue to rise.

With the support of Kempsey and South West Rocks branches, CWA members and friends knitted and crocheted squares and flowers that were joined together and wrapped around five trees on Smith Street and near the Kempsey bridge.

Ms Vermeulen said that the project had come together in months.

"It's amazing when you get a group of women together..." she said.

NSW CWA Mid North Coast group president Lynn Moore said that the project was absolutely fabulous.

"I congratulate Gladstone, South West Rocks and Kempsey for this initiative," she said.

"It's very important and for all women... not only here on this Mid North Coast area but all women all over Australia and the world."

"And when you think that one in four women will experience domestic violence of some description throughout their lifetime, I think we've got to start with the action of educating our children [and] showing them respect..."

Community comes together

The yarn-bombing isn't the only local project that is part of the 16 days of activism.

Pathfinders Kempsey, sponsored by Kempsey Shire Council, has hosted the Clothesline project, showcasing t-shirts on Smith Street to empower survivors of abuse.

Kempsey Shire Council mayor Kinne Ring said that she was immensely proud to see the commitment from the community.

"Kempsey Shire Council itself has a deep commitment to this issue, but it's not all about what council does," she said.

"It's about our community coming together on this issue.

"... you can see that no matter if it's business, if it's the CWA, if it's the council, if it's our councillors themselves - that we all have a deep commitment to this issue."

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp also commented on the community coming together to bring more exposure and awareness to domestic violence.

He also commented on the importance of setting an example to other men in the community.

"It's up to me to encourage the boys around me on how to act well and to treat everyone equally and with respect," he said.

"And it's also up to me to not walk past a standard that I don't accept.

"So I will continue to set the example in my own way, I'll continue to support initiatives such as this, and I think [domestic violence] is a scourge in our society, and it needs to stop now."

For Ms Vermeulen, the impact of the project is already being seen.

"When I look around, we've yarn-bombed the trees, and people are talking," she said.

"And that's all we can hope for.

"Lets change behaviour through conversation."

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