Bondi Rescue’s Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins and several other well-known Sydney men have lent their voices to new video campaign, “We’re Better Than That,” aiming to target domestic violence. The campaign was funded by CESPHN and created in partnership with Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra and Bayside Councils.
The videos, funded by the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network and created in partnership with Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra and Bayside Councils, promote respect and healthy relationships, and encourage men to be active bystanders when they witness behaviour that condones and contributes to violence in our communities.
“It’s up to all of us to look out for disrespectful behaviour towards women,” Hoppo says, against the backdrop of Sydney’s Bondi Beach, “Most beaches have life guards and lifesavers on patrol. Now it’s your turn to be a lifesaver and help prevent domestic violence.”
The release of “We’re Better Than That” comes at a time when rates of domestic violence have been increasing worldwide. In Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, some local DV services have seen referrals more than double in 2020.
Co-chair of the Eastern Suburbs Domestic Violence Network, Vicki Johnston, believes men play a vital role in shifting the culture that leads to gender-based violence.
“Boys are conditioned to think that men are in charge, men have to be strong and not show emotion, men are the heads of the household and have the final say. Men have a significant role to play in providing a more balanced and healthy model of what it means to be a man and have healthy and respectful relationships.”
Cricket legend Mike Whitney, chef Colin Fassnidge, actor Luke Carroll and community leader Rishi Acharya also feature in the series.
“I think it’s important for people like me who’ve got a voice to talk about these issues,” Mike Whitney explains, “and say to men that there’s a lot of other ways that you can deal with your relationship instead of being violent.”
The videos will be available to view on the Hope Believe Shine Foundation website (www.hopebelieveshine.org.au) the “We’re Better Than That” Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WereBetterThanThatAUS) and the CESPHN YouTube page.
The Hope Believe Shine Foundation is a fundraising body supporting women and children affected by domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, help is available. You can call NSW DV Line on 1800 65 64 63 or the Men’s Referral service on 1300 766 491.
Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open The Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open, seven days a week, from 8.00am to 8.00pm. It was officially launched by member for Kingsford Smith, the hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP (pictured at the launch with CESPHN CEO Nathalie Hansen…
Media Release: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN releases Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people In response to the increasing longevity and rapid growth of the older population the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is proud to release its new Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-2028. This comprehensive strategy…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Are your vaccines ready for summer? In the summer season, storms are more likely to occur, which can lead to power outages. Refer to the Cold Chain Toolkit to ensure all vaccination storage requirements are in place should an outage occur. Disposal of Zostavax® Zostavax® vaccine will…
Immunisation Weekly Update: COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine onboarding The Australian Government has accepted the latest advice from ATAGI on the use of the new COVID-19 XBB 1.5 vaccine as part of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program. All sites currently participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program will be onboarded for the three…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Increase in COVID-19 infection cases ATAGI notes a recent increase in COVID-19 cases since November 2023 across Australia and encourages all eligible people who have not yet had their recommended 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose/s to receive them as soon as possible. A first 2023 dose is recommended…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Vaccination coverage in RACF Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data suggests that only 36% of people aged 70+ living in the central and eastern Sydney PHN region are immunised against Pneumococcal diseases. Immunisation providers are reminded to check AIR immunisation history statements of patients going into Residential Aged…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Introduction of Shingrix® to the NIP From 1 November 2023, the shingles vaccine Shingrix® will replace Zostavax® on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. It will be available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles. A…
NSW urged to prepare for heat wave Severe heatwave conditions are forecast in NSW in the coming days. Please read the NSW Health media release about taking steps to prevent heat-related illness. For further information about staying safe in a heatwave, visit Beat the heat and stay well during hot…