Griffith’s star contribution to project to stop violence

Professor Lesley Chenoweth AO, Heather Smith, Education and Professional Studies, Linda O'Brien, incoming Head of Logan campus and Ileana Whelan, Library and Learning Services, pack up Griffith’s contribution to the 1 Million Stars project for delivery.
Professor Lesley Chenoweth AO (left), Heather Smith, Education and Professional Studies, Linda O'Brien, incoming Head of Logan campus and Ileana Whelan, Library and Learning Services, pack up Griffith’s contribution to the 1 Million Stars project for delivery.

A sparkling effort has seen staff and students across Griffith University’s five campuses make a significant contribution to a Embracing 2018 Legacy program aimed at stopping violence.

The ‘1 Million Stars to End Violence Project’ is an international star weaving collaboration which has brought people together across the countries and territories of the Commonwealth during the past year.

Their shared goal has been the creation of one million stars to be presented for display as part of the arts and cultural program at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Griffith University comfortably exceeded its initial 10,000 target and submitted more than 12,000 of the colourful stars.

This included a shining last-minute consignment from Kuraby State School, created in the school colours by 4 A/B students, which arrived at Griffith’s Logan campus with the message ‘You can’t use darkness to stop darkness but you can use light to stop violence. Bring light not darkness’.

Key connection to ending violence

“It started here at the Logan campus but it’s involved so many Griffith staff and students,” Professor Lesley Chenoweth AO, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head, Logan Campus.

“People have come together informally or at events and as they have woven stars they have had a conversation about issues like domestic and family violence.

“There was a key connection to this project for Griffith on a number of fronts. We are the Official University of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, but also because Griffith has such a long-standing commitment in the area of ending violence against women and family violence. We have many researchers working in these areas.

“I can’t wait to see the one million from all around the Commonwealth at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games next year.”

The project is the brainchild of artist Maryann Talia Pau who started weaving stars at a vigil for Jill Meagher following her death in 2012. Since then, more than 500,000 stars have been woven by communities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Europe and the United States.

Each star is a symbol of light, courage and solidarity in efforts end all forms of violence.