Head down to the lot19 arts precinct on Saturday, February 8 for Upstander — a supercharged fundraising event supporting the freedom and safety of women.
Raising funds for Annie North, a local women’s refuge, the event will be an opportunity to reflect on those who have lost their lives to violence, a chance to learn about local programs and initiatives and celebrate women with music and entertainment.
The brainchild of local musician Bradley Dawson, who, following the murder of a third Ballarat woman in a short period, was asked by a friend what he was doing about it.
“I told her I don’t abuse women and she said,’ That’s not enough’. That was it really. Guys have to do more,” he told the Express.
“Guys have to do more than just not be abusive. We have to support women by being active. We’re not affected directly or physically, but men are just as upset about all of this. It’s got to stop.
“We want as many men to show up to this gig as women, so the women feel they are being supported and respected and their freedom and safety is just as important to the men.”
Bradley enlisted the help of his M79 bandmate Lisa Mills and the momentum for the event has built from there with more volunteers jumping on board, sponsorships, and funding from Regional Arts Victoria.
“It was Bradley’s idea to do this, and I love that he is getting together a whole team of male volunteers who are going to do all ‘women’s work’ — the setting up, serving, cleaning up and looking after the kids,” Lisa said.
There will be guest speakers from Annie North, the Centre For Non-Violence and men’s behaviour change programs to help increase awareness and provide education and tools for men, plus a reading of the women killed during 2024 as a sombre reminder of the gravity of the situation.
“We are also celebrating women and have developed a women’s performance group called the ‘Super Sisters’ — it’s going to be layered with harmonies and songs of empowerment by some of the top talent in this town.
“We’ll also be having Felicity Cripps and Jesse Curran, a dance performance by Delicious Gagalicious and DJ Gen Moore will close the night.”
Fionna Allan, a professional creative project manager and producer, said that when Bradley asked her to support the event, she couldn’t say yes fast enough.
“It’s been unbelievably life-affirming, looking at all the people putting their support behind it. That’s really wonderful,” she said.
“Anything that we can do to throw light on the cause of uplifting women and preventing violence against women is so important, and to be able to bring together a big cross-section of the community and support this cause.
“It isn’t a political issue, it’s personal, it affects every single one of us every single day, and I’m doing this as a member of the community, as a mother and as a human being.”
Upstander is an all-ages, inclusive event (all women, men and other gender expressions and identities are welcome) at the family-friendly time of 4pm to 9pm at lot19, 19 Mcshanag Road, Castlemaine.
Tickets are available via the website: upstanderfiesta.com.au Enquiries to Bradley on 0439 946 909 or via email at bradley@smithandbrown.com.au.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor of Upstander or donating to this cause can contact Adam on 0423 586 237.
