Mitchell Shire takes part in One Billion Stars Project to raise awareness of gender-based violence

By Bianca Hall

Oct 3, 2022

Goulburn Valley Star Weavers: Nora McCarthy, Lorraine Olsson, Benita Connelly and Acacia Burns stand under a collection of hand-woven stars at the Shepparton Library. Photo by Holly Curtis

One Billion Stars Project is a community project created to nurture global conversations of how to end violence, using the joy and healing power of traditional crafts.

The project was created by weaver artist Maryann Talia Pau, who lives on Quandamooka Country in Queensland.

In 2018, the project had the goal of one million woven stars for the Commonwealth Games.

After receiving more than 2.4 million stars from over 15 countries, they aimed higher with the One Billion Stars Project in 2021 fighting for violence-free communities by 2032.

Mitchell Shire residents are encouraged to contribute to the weaving of 500 stars for Mitchell Shire which will be displayed during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from November.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls that runs from Friday, November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to Saturday, December 10, Human Rights Day.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm says that council hopes to gather all members of community, including children and young people, to experience the joy of working together on a community craftivism project.

“We hope that these gatherings start conversations around the issue of violence against women and how we can work together to prevent this violence,’’ he said.

“This project is an outstanding example of teamwork and thinking of others, and we all should be part of it.”

Mitchell Shire consistently experiences very high levels of family violence.

The shire has a family violence police incident rate 180 per cent higher than the state-wide rate.

To be included in the display, stars need to be delivered by Tuesday, November 8, to one of the following locations: Broadford Living and Learning Centre, Broadford Library and Customer Service Centre, Kilmore Library and Customer Service Centre, Seymour Library and Customer Service Centre, Wallan Library and Customer Service Centre or Greater Beveridge Community Centre.

A video with instructions on how to make the stars is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNc_RYPPfbM

For more information, call council’s community development team on 5734 6200.