By MEGAN OGLE
THE call is on again for men and women of all ages to join together and dance to raise awareness of violence against women.
After a successful 2015 event which saw 200 dancers join a global phenomenon, the Noosa One Billion Rising event is on again this Valentine’s Day.
The Noosa event is part of a global movement known as One Billion Rising which includes over 207 countries who join together to perform a single dance routine in a show of unity against violence.
Local One Billion Rising organiser Peppie Simpson said this year was set to be bigger than ever and was hoping to raise more valuable funds for local women and their families affected by domestic violence.
“Last year we raised over $1000 for our local women’s shelter and this year we intend to support the local Salvation Army’s Shine program again. The event is so positive and powerful and we’d love more people to join us again this year,” she said.
Peppie said the event was open to everyone with no prior dance experience required only a willingness to take part and have fun.
“We have scheduled some free rehearsals over the next few weeks to help people feel comfortable with the steps; although it is not about how well you can dance. It’s about coming together as a community and making a stand against violence.”
Dancers are asked to wear red, black and white for the performance and spectators are encouraged to come along and lend their support.
The dance will take place on Sunday 14 February at 6pm on the beach in front of the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club.
Rehearsals will be held at the Noosa Leisure Centre, Wallace Drive, Noosaville on Saturday 30 January from 8.30am to 10am, Thursday 4 February 7pm to 8pm, Saturday 6 February 9am to 10.30am, and Friday 12 February 5pm to 6.30pm. For more information contact Peppie on 0408 197 879.
Rehearsals will also be held at the Pomona Hall at 10.30am on Monday 25 January, Monday 1 February and Monday 8 February. Please contact Cathy Tapper for more information on 0428 161 622.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence call DV Connect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 811 811.
