Today is White Ribbon Day, a movement aimed at stopping domestic violence.

Northparkes is now officially recognised by White Ribbon Australia as a pioneer in contributing to national cultural change to prevent and respond to violence against women.

“Our journey towards Zero Harm Operations is a relentless focus across our entire sphere of operation, and our approach to domestic violence is an important part of this philosophy,” Northparkes managing director Stefanie Loader said.

“In 2014, former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick made me aware of the prevalence of domestic violence in Australia. She helped me understand the impact workplaces can have on preventing and responding to domestic violence; I then discovered and made a commitment to the White Ribbon workplaces campaign.”

Accreditation lasts for three years.

Almost 100 Northparkes employees participated in last year’s inaugural White Ribbon marches through Parkes and Forbes, and will march again today.

Meanwhile, Fortescue Metals Group is supporting the Hedland Women’s Refuge via a five-year partnership that includes a $25,000 funding injection and assistance packages.

FMG CEO Nev Power, who is a White Ribbon ambassador, said the company had a responsibility as an industry leader to play a role in eliminating family violence.

“We particularly welcome the participation of our Aboriginal contracting partner, Pilbara ToxFree Environmental Solutions, who have matched our commitment to the Women’s Refuge,” he said.

“It is only when the entire community commits to ending this scourge, we will begin to see progress.”

Power said research proved that building equality and respect between men and women could reduce attitudes that supported domestic violence.
 
“At Fortescue, we support and develop our female workforce, and are committed to creating a welcoming, supportive and encouraging environment for women,” he said.