Recognising National Survivors' Day

Published on 12 November 2024

The City of Launceston held a special event at Town Hall today to mark National Survivors' Day with Mayor Matthew Garwood and CEO Sam Johnson signing the Council's Statement of Commitment to the Safety of Children and Young People.

Mayor Garwood said National Survivors' Day recognised and commemorated the journeys of survivors of sexual assault and institutional abuse, their supporters, and whistle-blowers across Australia.

"Their courage in raising their voices and telling their stories has been instrumental in leading the cultural shift that is now taking place across Australia and nationally," Mayor Garwood said.

"As leaders of the City of Launceston, Sam and I will today stand in support of these brave people and underline this support by signing the Statement of Commitment to the Safety of Children and Young People endorsed at our Council Meeting on September 5.

"This Statement clearly indicates our intent to prioritise the safety of children and young people by implementing the 10 child and youth safe standards.

"The research is clear about both the impact on individuals and the prevalence of child sexual abuse in our communities — and these impacts have been deeply felt in the Launceston community.

"By adopting this commitment, the City of Launceston recognises its role as a leader and its responsibility to address the conditions which have enabled these impacts to occur."

National Survivors' Day Ambassador Tiffany Skeggs and Bass Liberal MP Bridget Archer both attended today's event.

"As a society we still have a long way to go in recognising predatory behaviour and calling it out," Ms Archer said.

"While the many wrongs of the past that occurred in institutions and by individuals have been acknowledged, I believe more needs to be done to support victim-survivors."

Ms Skeggs said the safety of our children and young people required the utmost dedication and vigilance from every member of our society.

"Whilst it is important to recognise, acknowledge, and commemorate our experiences, it is vital that we also raise awareness and share knowledge about what services are available to assist us in our recoveries," Ms Skeggs said.

"I look forward to learning more about what the City of Launceston is implementing to ensure child safety, and seeing how they demonstrate their commitment in practice."