‘Every Bird Counts’ is the message members of the community in the regional town of Orange, NSW want you to hear, where the statistics of domestic violence are double the state’s average.
The term was coined by Birds in the Bush, a grassroots organisation gaining traction since 2021, in its mission to combat one of Australia’s most pressing issues: domestic violence.
It was founded by Vanessa Vazquez a solicitor in Orange who witnesses firsthand the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals and families in her community. With the support of a passionate group of ‘Birds’ and ‘Blokes’ inspired by their deep-seated love for their town and fuelled by a desire to see it thrive. The vision for Birds in the Bush is to “become instigators for urgent attitudinal and generational change through increasing awareness of gender-based violence and access to support services to create a violence-free community.”
In 2021, reading articles about The Orchard, a local initiative to support victims of domestic violence, Vanessa was stirred by a mix of emotions and a profound sense of responsibility to her community.
“A stigma exists that domestic violence only happens around certain areas of town. But it’s not just ‘those areas’ it happens to all demographics – read the stats. One in four women. One in six children. These are people that go to school with your children, people that sit with you in the workplace.”
The statistics were sobering; Orange, with its double the state’s average in domestic violence incidents, stood as a blatant reminder of the urgency of the issue. Armed with determination and a vision for change, what started as a modest gathering to raise money for The Orchard grew wings and became the Birds in the Bush.
The organisation now holds an annual event that has captured the imagination of the town and redefined community activism. Collaborating with local businesses and leveraging fundraising merchandise, Birds in the Bush has orchestrated more than mere fundraising; they have rallied for change, celebrated community resilience, and become beacons of hope for those in need.
Year after year, Birds in the Bush surpassed expectations, not only in fundraising but also in fostering crucial conversations about domestic violence. Through partnerships with key stakeholders and the tireless efforts of volunteers, the organisation spearheaded initiatives that brought together community leaders, law enforcement, educators, and service providers. From hosting renowned speakers like Rosie Batty to advocating for policy changes, Birds in the Bush leaves no stone unturned in their quest for a safer, more inclusive Orange.
In 2024, Birds in the Bush have truly exceeded their expectations. At this year’s event, held on May 2nd at Banksia Orange, Birds in the Bush welcomed Jelena Dokic, former Tennis World No. 4, bestselling author, and sports commentator as their keynote speaker. Jelena has bravely shared her own story of domestic violence, shedding light on her experience which was largely ignored.
“Jelena is an important voice in our collective mission to make the invisible visible.”
With unwavering community support and strategic initiatives, they raised a staggering $150,000.
“This year funds have been earmarked for three main recipients in our community,” says Vanessa.
The recipients are:
The Orchard: an Orange-based refuge providing safe accommodation for women and children escaping DV, funds will target service increases and support operational costs at the hub to accommodate more families.
Kristy Armstrong’s daughters: killed last year in Molong, funds will be directed to cover dance scholarships for the daughters of Kristy Armstrong. Dancing is a passion shared by the three girls and was encouraged by their mother who was an active volunteer in the Orange dance scene.
Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF): donations to Cowra and Grenfell foundations to support a Central Western family affected by domestic and family violence, funds will go toward expenses for the students’ tertiary education, such as accommodation and equipment.
Despite the success of their efforts, the journey has not been without its challenges. As a volunteer-driven organisation, Birds in the Bush grapples with the delicate balance of managing community expectations while juggling full-time jobs and familial responsibilities. Engaging men in the conversation proved to be another hurdle, highlighting the need for broader outreach and education. This year, they’ve introduced ‘Blokes for Birds’ t-shirts as a way for men to visibly show their support for ending violence against women.
Central to Birds in the Bush’s ethos is the belief that everyone has a role to play in ending domestic violence.
While Birds in The Bush may not be experts in providing direct services, their focus on raising awareness and mobilising community support is invaluable. Through collaboration with individuals and businesses alike, Birds in the Bush continues to expand its reach, amplifying its message and empowering others to join the fight against domestic violence with well-known personalities like Georgie Gardner and Sarah Harris showing their support for the cause on socials wearing their ‘Every Bird Counts’ t-shirts.
With a diverse committee reflecting the community it serves, Birds in the Bush is laying the groundwork for a world men and women come together as equals to champion a cause that transcends gender and boundaries. As they strive to make the invisible visible and help end violence against women, Birds in the Bush stands as proof of the power of community action and the resilience of the bush spirit.
You can find out more about Birds in the Bush here.