A passion for social justice inspires new event in Gloucester

LONGTIME Gloucester resident Julie Lyford and newcomer Sonja Duncan have discovered a common passion: social justice.

The two women are organising an event in Gloucester titled ‘Hidden In Plain Sight: Connection with Purpose’, which aims to spark community conversation about social justice issues both locally and internationally.

Both women bring more than 25 years of experience in social justice and sustainable futures to the event.

Julie has been Chair of WELA (Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia) since 2021, is a foundation member of the Gloucester Environment Group, and was awarded an OAM in 2015 for her work with the community and the environment.

Sonja is a sustainability and human rights practitioner working across Australia and internationally.

She has run her own consultancy business for over 26 years.

Gloucester Transitions (previously Gloucester Sustainable Futures), an organisation that ran community conversations in 2015, 2017, and 2019, is auspicing the event.

“The events were popular and out of these conversations tangible actions happened in town,” Julie stated.

“We hope this new event, the first one since COVID, will again inspire some initiatives,” she continued.

‘Hidden In Plain Sight’ speaks to both the social justice programs currently available in Gloucester that many people may be unaware of, and to the issues of modern slavery.

“Modern slavery takes many forms,” Sonja told News Of The Area.

“The reality is that modern slavery is woven through global supply chains, which means it can touch almost everything we use in daily life: food, clothing, building materials, electronics.”

Julie and Sonja want to open up a discussion and share information because, as Sonja points out, “knowledge builds understanding”.

Sonja’s presentation aims to raise awareness of a complex and serious issue that is often hidden from view.

“My work isn’t about pointing fingers at consumers – it’s about helping businesses and organisations understand where risks can arise and what practical steps they can take to reduce harm.”

Julie will speak about an organisation called Voices 4 Freedom, and two panels will discuss a range of social justice issues.

Both Julie and Sonja noted that difficult topics can be ignored, and they are looking forward to opening the conversation to enable people to develop tools that will help them have informed conversations.

‘Hidden In Plain Sight’ will be held on Saturday, 7 March from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Senior Citizen Centre (The CITZ).

This is a free event for any member of the community.

RSVPs are recommended via gloucestertransitions@gmail.com or 0424 269 784.

By Wendy BUSWELL