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Heritage Building Society’s CEO John Minz was last night announced as the Queensland winner of Australia’s CEO Challenge Race for his passionate campaigning against domestic and family violence.

In a special touch, Mr Minz received the award in Brisbane last night from Canadian educator and campaigner Dr Michael Kaufman, one of the three men who co-founded the White Ribbon Campaign in Canada more than 20 years ago.

The CEO Challenge Race concept asks the leaders of prominent organisations to accept nomination into a race” that takes place between May and November each year to raise awareness and funds in support of action against domestic violence. This year, Mr Minz was up against two fellow racers in Queensland Rail CEO Paul Scurrah and Accenture Senior Manager Bill Skipper.

As well as raising more than $15,000, Mr Minz’s campaign used a wide range of activities to support the effort to eliminate the scourge of domestic violence from our society.

The activities included launching a White Ribbon Camellia, which is now on sale at Bunnings outlets’ organising a series of newspaper articles profiling positive role models; theming the Heritage float at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers around the campaign against domestic violence; organising briefing sessions for key management staff around how to deal with the impacts of domestic violence in the workplace; distribution of posters and brochures through all branches; stories in internal and external newsletters; and sponsorship of team entries in sporting events with jerseys promoting the campaign.

In accepting the award, Mr Minz praised the wholehearted commitment of Heritage staff and the people of the Toowoomba community in supporting his efforts.

Submitted by  Andrew Fox

Manager Public Relations

Heritage Building Society

November 25 marks White Ribbon Day, the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In Australia, the White Ribbon campaign works to prevent violence against women by encouraging men and boys to take positive action to create change.

The campaign aims to have all Aussie men take an oath and swear” never to commit, never to excuse and never to remain silent about violence against women. This year, the campaign aims to have one million Aussie men take the oath! One in three Australian women will be a victim of physical or sexual violence or abuse in her lifetime. They are the mothers, sisters, daughters or friends of men across Australia.

In support of this significant day, a gold coin donation breakfast will be held in Toowoomba at Laurel Bank Park on Thursday 25th November at 7.00am. Wet weather venue is now St Mary’s Hall, cnr Hill & West Streets….

The Toowoomba Rotary Club will combine with both Zonta International Clubs in Toowoomba to cater for the gathering and emphasise the need for citzens to speak up about violence in the community.

The White Ribbon campaign is supported by the White Ribbon Foundation as a national campaign to prevent and reduce violence and abuse of women. It is unique because of the focus on encouraging men to take the lead in their immediate communities and networks, by speaking out about violence and challenging the attitudes that allow violence in our society.

You can join the ranks of men supporting the campaign by swearing at www.myoath.com.au or by wearing a white ribbon or wristband on White Ribbon Day, November 25, you can show your support for the campaign. White Ribbons and wristbands will be available on the day or prior at any Heritage Building Society branch.

For more information about White Ribbon Day visit www.whiteribbonday.org.au

REMEMBRANCE DAY – SHOW YOU REMEMBER

Anyone wishing further information can contact the sub branch secretary, Al Taylor, on 4696 9835.

The Toowoomba regional community is invited to a FREE Family Fun Day this Sunday 14^th November at the Milne Bay Aquatic & Fitness Centre, to help raise the awareness of the need to take a stance against all forms of violence

The Toowoomba Says No to Violence (TSN2V) family event, from 3.00pm – 8.30pm, includes FREE ENTRY to Milne Bay Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Entertainment, Crazy Candles, Outdoor/Indoor Inflatable slide, Balloon Twisting, Food, lots of Family Fun PLUS FREE, the Disney movie G-Force from 6.30pm. Rain washed out the annual Queens Park Family Fun Day and street march last month.  However, with the generous support of the Toowoomba Regional Council, TSN2V has been able to organise a great family day at NO COST to families.

The Family Fun day will also celebrate the Toowoomba community’s ability to host public events and celebrations in a friendly and safe environment for all the family. While it is acknowledged by the TSN2V committee that violence isn’t rampant in Toowoomba, the committee’s aim is to promote and keep Toowoomba a safe, healthy and peaceful community. By saying that violence is not an option, the Toowoomba community can maintain its reputation as a desirable place to live. The goal is to create a safe, healthy and peaceful Toowoomba by working together to reduce violence.

The day also will bring together Toowoomba’s local entertainers and community champions to promote that violence is preventable and not inevitable.

For further information, Peter Rookas  Ph. 4616 6166