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Byron Shire
June 23, 2026

Hanging out the dirty laundry on domestic violence

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Domestic and family violence has no place in our community, in any community, and to push that message home the Dirty Laundry Project is being rolled out once again across the Northern Rivers to take a stand against domestic violence.

Social Futures has partnered with Summerland Credit Union to make the message clear. Dirty Laundry Day is an annual event that will be held from 25 November through 10 December this year.

T-shirts with messages painted by individuals who have experienced violence will be hung throughout the Northern Rivers region in 10 Summerland Credit Union branches as well as local cafes, bringing voice to an issue that is often not talked about.

The displays will coincide with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This aligns our community actions with global efforts to reduce incidence and initiate conversation about family violence.

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies says Dirty Laundry Day gives women, young people and also men an opportunity to share their stories. ‘When we take a moment out of our daily routine, at the credit union, or while grabbing a cup of coffee, to learn about what someone else has gone through, we are letting them know that their experience matters.

‘Domestic violence is a serious, ongoing issue,’ said Mr Davies. ‘Often individuals living with family violence feel extremely isolated. Dirty Laundry Day shows that we as a community are behind them. We are here to help.’

As people around the world come together to create a culture that does not tolerate violence, local businesses are eager to do their part.

In 2019, Summerland Credit Union joined Social Futures in becoming a White Ribbon accredited workplace recognised for leading social change to prevent and respond to violence in our communities.

Visit one of the Summerland Credit Union branches to see the powerful displays of t-shirts with messages by people in our own communities who want their voices to be heard.

You can also view the t-shirts, along with posters about where to get help, in several Lismore cafés. T-shirts and posters will be on display at the following locations: Dragonfly Café, Carrington Street Lismore and The Garden Plate and Magellan Street Lismore.



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