WHISE Events from 2010
White Ribbon Day 2010
The White Ribbon campaign is a United Nation’s Initiative that draws attention to the need to say ‘No to Violence against Women’.
In 2010, the emphasis was on encouraging male ambassadors to represent their communities, to promote the positive effects of respectful relationships for families and positive social investment outcomes.
WHISE held an event on the 26th November, 2010 where 14 male white ribbon ambassadors from 12 different cultural communities were presented with a white ribbon by Wendy Sturgess, CEO, White Ribbon  Campaign, Victoria. The event was attended by over 80 people including the Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong, Councillor Jim Memeti, Mr. Sam Afra, Chairperson –ECCOSE (Ethnic Communities Council of the South East), Victoria Police and Wendy Sturgess, CEO White Ribbon Campaign, Victoria. The white ribbon presentation to ambassadors was followed by a walk to the Dandenong market where WHISE and the white ribbon ambassadors manned an information stall.
WHISE CEO, Eva Orr said that “the enthusiasm from our ambassadors to promote the importance of respectful relationship for their future social investment in the diverse communities of Dandenong, sends a very positive message.”
All the ambassadors gave a message against violence in their native languages.
Celebrating Refugee week and Launching the Act Belong Commit Campaign - 2010
Refugee Week provides a platform for positive images of refugees to be promoted. The ultimate aim of the celebration is to create a better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration enabling refugees to live in safety and to continue making a valuable to their new home.
Over the past 15 years, Refugee Week celebrations have developed in a number of countries. Whilst there are differences in the dates for Refugee Week, all include World Refugee Day on June 20.
WHISE celebrated refugee week, 2010 by launching ‘Act Belong Commit’, a campaign which emphasises the importance of good mental health.
The day began with a walking group, followed by three guest speakers from Foundation House, SEAAC (Southern Ethnic Advisory and Advocacy Council) and Monash Hospital. A light lunch was provided where attendees had the chance to talk about positive stories of refugee experiences. In the afternoon the ladies were given the opportunity to sing, dance and showcase their own crafts.
Harmony Day 2010
WHISE launched its Gender Rights and Cultural Education project on Harmony Day, 2010. Presentations from major world religions were the main feature of the day.
International Women's Day 2010
WHISE organised a lunch to celebrate women from all over the world.
