A‘Rotary Clubs of Mount Gambier Say No to Domestic and Family Violence’ dinner will be held at The Commodore on Monday.

Attendees will hear from domestic abuse survivor Simone O’Brien and learn how Rotary raises awareness in communities.

Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes president Sherril McKay said the dinner would be a ‘soft launch’ into Rotary Zone 8’s upcoming focus on domestic and family violence.

“The main speakers will be Simone O’Brien (pictured), who, along with her children, is an inspirational domestic abuse survivor, and Carolyn Millard, who is the president of the Rotary Club of Portland,” Ms McKay said.

“Carolyn is going to come along to showcase how the Rotary Clubs of Portland have brought community stakeholders together to establish sayNO2familyviolence.

“We are aiming for a similar level of awareness and advocacy in Mount Gambier as in Portland.

“However, like in Portland, the key lies in strong partnerships with others who already make a difference and those who want to make a difference.”

Ms McKay said promoting awareness and advocacy of domestic and family violence would be a key goal of the Zone Eight focus.

“I think that domestic and family violence, no matter where people live, it is a driver of homelessness, mental health issues,” she said.

“It is women and children and men, and it crosses all boundaries, ages, financial status, education, the lot.

“Many victims of domestic and family violence never report their experience.

“I think most of us do not realise how big of an issue it is because of that.

“You only have to know someone or hear someone speak or have some experience, it may not be a horrendous experience, outwardly or seemingly, but the effects are profound and long lasting.

“I liken it to the way mental health issues were swept under the carpet for many, many decades, and now the communities are more aware, and people are more willing to talk about it.

“It is just getting that awareness and advocacy out to the whole community.

“We could reach those who want to make a difference.”

Ms McKay encouraged people to bring their family and friends along to the dinner and said those unable to attend could send a message of support for the focus and display the event poster in workplaces or other facilities.

Doors will open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start and a two-course dinner will be served.

Tickets can be purchased online via Humanitix for $45.