Property industry lights up cities orange

Organisations across the country, led by the Property Champions of Change, came together to light more than 70 buildings across Australia in orange last night in a display of solidarity to raise awareness of the critical issue of gender-based violence in Australia.

This initiative is part of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence and in support of UN Women Australia’s Safe. Everywhere. Always campaign to end violence against women and girls.

From the iconic International Towers at Barangaroo to the bustling Canberra Centre, landmarks in major cities and regional areas will glow orange to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Notable participants include 120 Collins Street in Melbourne, Queensland Plaza in Brisbane, and Mandurah Forum in Western Australia.

The Property Champions of Change, a collective of 29 influential property leaders committed to advancing gender equality in the industry, are spearheading this nationwide effort. Joined by members from across the Champions of Change Coalition, they aim to leverage their extensive network of offices and shopping centres to amplify the message.

The initiative marks the culmination of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, known as the Safe. Everywhere. Always campaign in Australia, which runs from the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women (25 November) to Human Rights Day (10 December).

Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said the property industry has an opportunity to make a positive difference as the nation’s second-largest employer.

“Sadly, often invisibly, the impact of domestic and family violence reaches into our workplaces each and every day,” Mr Zorbas said.

“It is a modest but important awareness raising effort to light our biggest buildings orange.

“Property leaders are spotlighting the need to tackle domestic and family violence and to better support victim-survivors and their families who continue to experience the scourge of this unacceptable behaviour,” he said.

Champions of Change Coalition CEO Annika Freyer said women should be able to walk freely without fear and work without facing harassment.

“Over the last 10 years the Champions of Change Coalition has been at the forefront of workplace action on domestic, family and sexual violence across Australia,” Ms Freyer said.

“The sad reality is that 1 in 4 women experience violence or abuse by a cohabitating partner, and more than one in five (22 per cent) have experienced sexual violence in Australia.

“Seeing such a strong showing of support in our cities is immensely powerful to those victim-survivors who can often feel isolated and alone,” she said.

UN Women Australia CEO Simone Clarke said violence against women doesn’t just happen in the home, it can take on many forms and happen everywhere.

“From home to work, and everywhere in between, safety is non-negotiable. Safe. Everywhere. Always is a call to action for us to come together and commit to meaningful change at every level of Australian society,” Ms Clarke said.

“Violence against women is pervasive but not inevitable, it can and must be stopped.

“By lighting up our cities orange, the property industry is sending a strong signal of support and a rallying cry for all people across the community.

“And when one woman is being violently killed every four days in Australia, we can’t afford to stay silent,” she said.

Phil Rowland, CBRE, Chief Executive Officer, Pacific, and Champions of Change Property Group Group Convenor said every corner of society must act in ending domestic and family violence and raising awareness.

“The property industry has an important role in supporting those experiencing domestic and family violence not just in our workplaces, but in the communities we build and work,” Mr Rowland said.

“Lighting our cities and regional areas in orange sends a powerful message from the property industry, and corporate Australia generally, showing our commitment to helping end domestic and family violence.

“We are lighting our buildings because women should feel safe everywhere, whether in the workplace, a shopping centre or an office building,” he said.

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.  

List of buildings that participated