STUDENTS at Maleny State High School are taking a stand against domestic and family violence, with the school’s Interact Club unveiling a new Red Bench aimed at promoting respect, safety and awareness within the community.’
The project, created in partnership with the Speak Up Now group and The Red Rose Foundation, saw students build and paint the vibrant bench, which now holds a permanent place on the school grounds as a visible symbol against abuse and violence.
The Maleny installation is the 14th Red Bench supported by Speak Up Now, joining similar benches in Kenilworth, Maleny, Montville and Palmwoods as part of a growing regional awareness campaign.
Speak Up Now representative Val France addressed students and teachers during the launch, urging young people to recognise the importance of respectful relationships and the role they play in shaping future community attitudes.
“Respect isn’t complicated,” Ms France said. “It shows up in small choices, like listening without putting someone down or treating people the same online as you would face-to-face.”
Ms France encouraged students to reflect on how they treat others, respect personal boundaries and speak up if something feels wrong.
She said the actions young people took today would influence how they behaved as adults and challenged students to become leaders for positive cultural change within their school community.
“You are the generation who can shift the culture,” she said.
“You can make respect normal and kindness something people notice.”
The Red Bench initiative forms part of a broader movement encouraging conversations around domestic and family violence and reinforcing that everyone deserves to feel safe in their friendships, homes and relationships.