There’s something off when an idea to deploy 50 jetskis becomes the one that gets the green light for raising awareness on domestic violence for White Ribbon Day, happening this Friday.
The plan is to create a flotilla of jetskis to form the shape of a ribbon on Sydney Harbour, with the vehicles to also parade through one of the world’s most stunning water playgrounds. If it goes ahead, it will be run simultaneously with Maritime Safety Queensland’s own ride on the Brisbane River. A cross-border initiative that the NSW Government described as a “strong nationwide stance against behavior which impacts all areas of society.”
But the jetski flotilla was quickly labelled as “tone deaf” by the NSW Labor Opposition, with others declaring such a parade would be offensive and tokenistic. It been called a “brotilla” or “bloketilla” and the ultimate flex for those who use them.
One survivor of domestic violence shared her story on Twitter in an open letter to White Ribbon, stating that “seeing jetskis used in some sort of fundraising event didn’t make me mad, it made me cry.” She estimated that the price of just one of those jetskis could contribute to changing the lives of five women.
Jetskis are not typically allowed to parade Sydney Harbour. But the event’s coordinator, NSW Maritime, had organised for a one-day exemption. If you’re a jetski aficionado, then you’d likely be pretty thrilled with the idea of the event, providing a rare opportunity to drive a jetski in what are usually restricted areas.
White Ribbon has today distanced itself from the jetskis, saying that it is one of “hundreds of events” being held across the country to raise awareness and funds for our work in primary prevention, to end men’s violence before it begins.”
National Director Allan Ball was clear in stating that “it is not being organised by White Ribbon Australia”.
On Monday, prior to the extensive backlash the move has since received, Ball said White Ribbon welcomed the NSW Maritime support it creating a highly visible way for raising awareness.
“One one of Australia’s most iconic waterways, the jetski display puts the work of violence prevention front and centre, igniting conversations that, in our hope, will inspire people to take action to effect change at the local level,” he said.
In that same NSW Government press release, Transport Minister David Elliott said the group of jetskis would “look like a white ribbon moving across the harbour”.
Is this flotilla the best that can be done for raising awareness of domestic violence? It sounds like a great day out for those involved – likely less so for those nearby, contending with the noise. A floating white ribbon could look interesting, provoking a few questions for those in nearby offices and harbourside homes to friends and families about whether or not they saw or heard the parade. But that would be it: a feel-good moment and photo opportunity that does little to address the real problem.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.