In 2015 Queensland based musicians used their unique and powerful platform to take a lead on the national campaign #NotOn. Domestic violence still takes the life of one Australian woman each week, and #NotOn aims to make it clear that violence against women is… not on!
On Sunday November 18th The Triffid, Newstead is showcasing some of Queensland’s best talent; raising much needed funds for the Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). The WLSQ provides 25,000 services each year to women and children victims of domestic violence. Since 1984 WLSQ has advocated for the rights, safety and justice of women in Queensland providing legal and social work along with a 24 hour hotline for those in need.
Unfortunately, this event has had to been relaunched, with #NotOn coordinators Deb Suckling and Craig Spann discovering that resource constraints mean 40% of calls to the helpline currently go unanswered. Although the idea behind #NotOn was to create awareness and change attitudes towards domestic violence, Deb explains that they also “want to provide some real life outcomes,” outcomes which cannot be achieved without the help of community funding.
WLSQ CEO Angela Lynch has expressed gratitude to everyone supporting the #NotOn campaign, saying: “this event will make an absolute life changing difference to the women and kids we will be able to help, as the women we see can’t afford a private lawyer and don’t qualify for legal aid.”
Taking a community based grassroots approach, the show will also see the return of the iconic t-shirts that were essential to the 2015 campaign. The long term goal is to have every live music venue fitted with these shirts, demonstrating a changing stance on the issue, and highlighting the horrific statistics many of us remain ignorant to. You’re going to be wearing a shirt, so why not at least wear a helpful shirt!
The first acts announced to play the #NotOn show are:
Halfway
TAPE/OFF
Tim Steward
Kellie Lloyd (Screamfeeder)
Jackie Marshall
Some Jerks
Kristy Apps
Brindle (first show in 10 years)
Minor Premiers
Paddy McHugh
Raychel Stone
The Bertie Page Clinic
The Shambolics
And there are still more to be announced!
For more information about the event visit the Facebook Page HERE. You can find out more about the wonderful work of Women’s Legal Service Queensland click HERE.
