The Centre at Kurri Kurri was transformed into an evocative gallery on Thursday afternoon for the launch of Hunter LoveBites' 2022 community poster campaign.
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The posters on display - containing powerful messages about respectful relationships - were designed by students who participated in the Love Bites program across seven Hunter local government areas.
Love Bites is an educational program for young people aged 14 to 17, which started in the Hunter in 2009.
It comprises sessions on violence, sex and relationships, and a creative session that culminates in a community campaign for ongoing awareness-raising and prevention.
Participants were given the opportunity to work on the poster campaign, articulating what they learned and their feelings on relationships, including the importance of preventing relationship violence in all of its forms.
Among this year's participants was Samuel Tedd, who said: "Love Bites has taught me that domestic violence comes in all forms and that ending the cycle is everyone's job".
Hunter Love Bites Steering Committee member Will Doran said this year's poster campaign had a strong message around consent as well as gender equality.
Mr Doran said the committee has run an annual campaign for more than a decade, but this was the first time a public launch has been held.
In 2020 the committee received dollar-for-dollar funding support from the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, which Mr Doran said has been "overwhelming assistance" for its initiatives including the 2021/2022 community campaign.
Co-chair of the Hunter LoveBites Steering Committee, Rachelle Aitken, said the issue of domestic and family violence and sexual assault is pervasive and continues to play a role in the ongoing trauma of families across the Newcastle district.
"We can all take notice of the continuing outrage young people have for these serious issues and together be part of the solution," Ms Aitken said.
Posters are available for collection from The Centre (251 Lang Street, Kurri Kurri) for anyone who would like to display some in their business or organisation.
- If you or someone you know needs help, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
