The school’s year 7 and 8 Yindymarra Migay Aboriginal girls’ sewing group created bags with the help of mentor Mailynn Elliot, containing a range of sanitary items to help women and children in crisis.

The group presented the bags to Lisa Matthews from Women’s Crisis Centre at their annual White Ribbon Assembly on Tuesday, November 20.

Members of the group Ella Zorz, Katie Martin and Maddy McLean said they were proud to be able to support victims of domestic violence.

“Maybe we can’t stop the abuse right away but we can do something to help in the meantime,” they said.

Each bag also contained a white ribbon and a unique cultural artwork with messages of hope in Wiradjuri and English.

“We will probably never meet the women and children who receive these bags, but we hope that each bag will show them how much Lithgow cares and how much each survivor deserves respect and love,” they said.

The girls also wanted to thank the community for their support and donations to fill their bags. 

Lithgow’s White Ribbon ambassador Darryl Goodwin thanked Mailynn and the girls for their hard work on the bags.

“These bags are amazing and will absolutely help the people who run from domestic violence, the women and children who leave with nothing,” he said.

Mr Goodwin said domestic violence was a violation of human rights, and one woman a week was killed in Australia because of it.

“It impacts on families, the community and our nation,” he said.

He then ordered students to take an oath to help protect women against violence.

Mr Goodwin also explained the signs to look out for in someone suffering from domestic violence.

“It can be experienced in so many different ways including emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, jealousy, possessiveness, put downs, threats and violence,” he said.

He also said it was important to be there and support the person going through it.

“Believe them, make sure they understand it’s not their fault, listen without judging, be supportive, encouraging, open and honest,” he said.

Lithgow High students then made their way down to the oval in white t-shirts to stand in the outline of a white ribbon to show their respect.

Anyone suffering from domestic violence is urged to call 1800 RESPECT or visit their website and see options for help.

Lithgow’s annual walk against violence will be held at 4pm on Friday, November 23 at Queen Elizabeth Park, walking along Main Street to the Lithgow Workies Club.

Followed by a White Ribbon fundraising trivia night commencing at the club at 6.30pm.

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