Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) has pledged to weave 10,000 stars as part of the One Million Stars to End Violence Project, a global weaving project that engages communities from around the world in the conversation about ending violence.

 The project was established by Melbourne woman Maryann Talia Pau in 2012, in response to an act of violence committed within her community. Since then, it has grown into an international weaving movement with stars being woven by communities across Australia and the world.

 Peta Hamilton, from the Paediatrics Ward at RDH, said she first heard about the project online and decided to see if she could get the ward involved as a community.

 “We thought the project would be a good way to raise awareness and be a starting point for conversations around topics people may not always openly discuss,” she said.

 “Each star represents a person’s commitment to end all forms of violence including violence against women, bullying and racism.

 “The project also provides people with the opportunity to openly talk about bullying the impact of all forms of violence on our community and their personal experiences.

 “Staff and patients on the ward have loved getting involved and we have held several weaving sessions on the ward, with a total of 1400 stars weaved so far. Anyone can get involved and we would love the community to hold their own weaving sessions and donate their stars to RDH, so we can achieve our goal of 10,000 by August.

 “The stars will be sent down to Brisbane so that they can be included in the public art installation and feature as part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Festival.”

Anyone can get involved in the One Million Stars to End Violence Project, for more information or to make a pledge visit http://www.onemillionstars.net/

If you would like to hold a weaving session to help us reach 10,000 stars, please call RDH Switch on 8922 8888 and ask to be put through 5A paediatrics ward.

Media contact: Rickie Abraham 0419 818 414