Cbus Property participates in Property Champions of Change’s 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence

NOVEMBER 2022

Property industry lights up cities purple to shine spotlight on domestic and family violence

*A Property Council of Australia media release*

Australia’s property industry will unite to light up over 70 prominent buildings across the country in purple this weekend to raise awareness of the devastating impact of domestic and family violence.

Barangaroo Precinct in Sydney, Melbourne GPO in Melbourne, Central Plaza in Brisbane, Forest Chase in Perth, Canberra Centre in Canberra and Cbus Property’s 83 Pirie Street in Adelaide are just some of the iconic buildings that will be bathed in purple light this weekend as part of a country-wide property industry initiative.

The Property Champions of Change – made up of 25 property industry leaders – have joined forces to light up offices and shopping centres across capital cities and regional areas in purple, the colour representing those who have been impacted by domestic and family violence, including those that have lost their lives.

This also marks the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.

GPT CEO and Property Champions of Change Chair Bob Johnston said workplaces have an important role to play in ending domestic and family violence and raising awareness of the gravity of the issue.

“This is a widespread societal issue, and the statistics sadly show that most organisations will have employees who are impacted by domestic and family violence in some way, which is something we urgently need to change,” Mr Johnston said.

“We know how critical it is that people experiencing domestic and family violence stay connected to the workplace, stay employed and feel safe at work and we have a real role to play in helping our communities to feel safe at home, too.

“Lighting our cities and regional areas purple sends a strong message from the property industry that we are committed to play our part to end domestic and family violence.”

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence runs from the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women (25 November 2022) to Human Rights Day (10 December 2022).

Full Stop Australia CEO, Hayley Foster, said domestic and family violence is an epidemic – and it is not dissipating.

“Currently one in six women and one in 16 men have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or previous partner since the age of 15,” she said.

“One of the hallmarks of domestic and family violence is that victim-survivors are made to feel incredibly isolated and alone. The power of seeing such a show of support in our cities cannot be overstated.

“For victim-survivors, the message is clear – ‘Abusive behaviour is not acceptable and is no longer regarded as a private matter. If you have been impacted by domestic and family violence, we will stand alongside you and and support you in your safety and recovery.”

Property Council of Australia Chief Executive, Ken Morrison, said because property touches the lives of almost all Australians every day, the industry is uniquely positioned to raise awareness and make a difference.

“Lighting up buildings across the country will not only draw attention to the epidemic that is domestic and family violence, but it’s also a show of support for those affected by it,” he said.

“The property industry has a particularly powerful role in to play in addressing domestic and family violence, not only because we are the largest employer in Australia, but because the places we create – our offices, shopping centres and industrial sites – are used by people every day, which puts us in a unique position to raise awareness and provide support.”

The Property Champions of Change was established in 2015 and today includes 25 members who lead some 35,000 employees in nine jurisdictions.