Goulburn people may be familiar with Steampunk due to the popular Steampunk and Victoriana Festival event held at the Goulburn Waterworks each October, but for those who are not – one definition is that it is a “re-imagining if the Victorian era with a futuristic twist.”

In support of White Ribbon – which helps stop violence against women – the Goulburn Domestic Violence Committee will be hosting their fifth White Ribbon Ball at the Goulburn Workers Club on Saturday June 3, 2017 from 6.30pm. 

Goulburn Domestic Violence Committee member Bernadette Hilton said steampunk was chosen at the theme because it is fun and features some great fashions. 

“What I love about having Steampunk as our theme for this year's White Ribbon Ball is the combination of the past and future,” Ms Hilton said. 

“It was during the Victorian era that things started to move for women and equal rights.  The Suffragette movement was gaining traction.  Women, once married, lost all rights to their cash and personal property and violence perpetrated by their husbands was not grounds for divorce.  

“Hopefully this will be a stark contrast to what will be case for women in the future.  The future will bring unequivocal equality between men and women.”

Ms Hilton said one of her favourite aspects of Steampunk is the fashion.

“If you have been to the Goulburn Steampunk Festival you would have seen the stunning Victorian gowns, the hint of the Wild West, mad scientist or burlesque. The amazing effort that goes into the hats, the suits, the original handmade accessories is stunning,” she said.

“The Steampunk theme was one of four put forward to last year’s attendees, it was a popular vote on costume for those not wanting to wear black tie formal dress.

“The theme is one the committee is excited with, as we are expecting some fantastic costumes. The ball has had a different theme each year, so far having Once Upon a Time, Roaring 20's, 70's Disco and Masquerade.

“The White Ribbon Ball has been running in Goulburn, our association is only two years with the Goulburn Domestic Violence Committee, and we average around 150 attendees each.” 

Ms Hilton said the Goulburn Domestic Violence Committee was formed over 10 years ago and is made up of government and non-government agencies along with interested parties with the common purpose relating to reducing domestic and family violence.  

“One of the main goals of the committee is community awareness with regard to domestic and family violence.  It also serves as a platform for services to network and share programs that are on offer to assist victims and families with appropriate referrals and assistance,” she said. 

Money raised through the ball is equally divided between White Ribbon and the Goulburn Domestic Violence Committee. 

“The Goulburn Domestic Violence Committee uses the funding to develop community awareness through educational and support material so that the message can be sent out in the local community, that Domestic Violence is not acceptable, and there are support services for those in need,” she said. 

“The committee has used the funds to push the Say No to Domestic Violence message, to have banners made that have been displayed in the main street of Goulburn. Brochures and information sheets have also been produced with local service contact details, signage has been placed on a local taxi with regards to a domestic violence message, promotional coffee cups with anti domestic violence messages and contacts as well as other promotional paraphernalia. 

“The committee has also used funds to assist with community projects such as the re-claim the night screening of ‘I am a girl’ and the screening of ‘Call me Dad’.

Tickets for the ball are now on sale at the Goulburn Workers Club and are $65 each, which includes a three course meal and live entertainment. In line with the Steampunk theme there will also be parlour games including parasol dueling. There will be auction items on the night along with other prizes.

The event is sponsored by Johnson & Sendall Solicitors, NSW Police, Ray White Goulburn, Jacqueline Gore & Associates and Print NRG. 

If you or anyone you know may be experiencing domestic or family violence you can contact the Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 656 463.

For further information on the White Ribbon Ball please visit: www.goulburnaustralia.com.