Moreton Bay Councillor Leading Domestic and Family Violence Advocate
Published 23 October 2024
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery congratulated Councillor Tony Latter who was last night awarded the prestigious 2024 Alison Woolla Memorial Award for Local Leadership in Preventing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).
Presented by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), Cr Latter was honoured with the Council Category, specifically acknowledging the work of local government, elected members and council officers.
Mayor Flannery said as the founder of Red Ride – Ride Against Domestic Violence in Moreton Bay, conducted in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Caboolture, Cr Latter is deeply committed to creating positive change across our community.
“The prevention of, and support for, victims of domestic and family violence in our community is something Council takes seriously,” Mayor Flannery said.
“We need to send a strong message to the community that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated.”
As well as his Red Ride initiative, Councillor Latter is also the current President of the Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA). For more than 30 years, CADA has been making a positive difference in the lives of people experiencing domestic and family violence across City of Moreton Bay by providing domestic, family and sexual violence support through prevention, early intervention, crisis response and recovery to promote safety and healing.
LGAQ honoured Cr Latter with the award ‘in recognition of his remarkable dedication to fostering reconciliation in the community, embodying the values of respect, understanding, and unity that Alison Woolla stood for during her time as a pioneering leader.’
“Councillor Latter’s work in addressing domestic and family violence, particularly in initiatives such as the ‘Red Ride – Ride Against Domestic Violence in Moreton Bay’, has made a profound impact,” LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said.
“By advocating for safety, support, and healing, and fostering collaboration across cultures, Councillor Tony Latter has made a positive impact and contributed to building stronger, more resilient communities.”
Councillor Latter said he was honoured to receive the award, but the tribute should instead go to the incredible support workers and specialist leaders who everyday work tirelessly to prevent and respond to domestic, family and sexual violence.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the strength and resilience of those many brave people who have, and continue to, suffer domestic and family violence and abuse; please know there is support available and hope is around the corner.
“In Australia, domestic and family violence is disturbingly common and sadly it is becoming one of the main drivers of homelessness among women, children and men.
“Last year alone, CADA supported 20,000 people across City of Moreton Bay.
“This is a blight on our society and has to stop. I know I am just one of so many across our community who are working hard to realise a future free from domestic and family violence and call on everyone to take a stand.
“I am humbled to receive the Alison Woolla Memorial Award for Local Leadership in Preventing Domestic and Family Violence; and it is equally special, sharing the Council Category with Councillor Sha-Lane Gibson from Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council.
“Together we can all make a tangible difference to keep our communities safe.”