Courage to Care on the Gold Coast
QUEENSLAND Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Scott McDougall launched Courage to Care's exhibition in Surfers Paradise earlier this month.
QUEENSLAND Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Scott McDougall launched Courage to Care’s exhibition in Surfers Paradise earlier this month.
More than 60 people attended the event at the Katranski Community Hall, which also featured a Welcome to Country by Yagambeh Aboriginal Elder Anthony Cora.
The event was emceed by Queensland Courage to Care coordinator Kayla Szumer.
Speaking of the importance of Courage to Care, McDougall cited the need to “remove the fear and ignorance that gives succour to racism and bigotry”.
“The best way to do this is through education and individual acts of courage,” he said.
“This is why the Courage to Care Exhibition is so wonderful. It educates children and the broader community, while also encouraging and challenging individuals to stand up and nip racism and bigotry in the bud, before it is allowed to take hold.”
In each location the exhibition is held, a “local hero” is recognised for their contribution to their local community. On this occasion, year 12 student and 2019 Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year Kaitlin Barwick was recognised for founding Squad Eleven, a group of high school students which acts as a platform for young people to network with like minded youth, develop confidence and leadership skills and become active in the community.
Distinguished guests at the launch included Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Paul Myers, Gold Coast Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Nir and Rebbetzin Dina Gurevitch, the shule’s president David Rebibou and Gold Coast City Councillor Hermann Vorster.
Courage to Care uses the stories of Holocaust survivors and the Righteous Among the Nations to encourage people to be “upstanders” rather than bystanders when they see discrimination, prejudice or bullying taking place.
According to the City of Gold Coast Council, over 1000 school students will attend the exhibition, which runs until the end of the month.
AJN STAFF
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