Broome Public Library joins Statewide Purple Road Project to raise awareness of Elder abuse

The Broome Public Library recently participated in the Purple Road project in partnership with the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre to shine a light on elder abuse.

The Purple Road is a Statewide campaign by NSCLC’s Older People’s Rights Service, created to shine a spotlight on elder abuse.

As part of the project, communities across WA are asked to create handmade items that will be added to a travelling installation, a show of solidarity against the mistreatment of older people.

In Broome, the Library’s Craft and Conversation group helped drive the regional effort, spending hours knitting and crocheting purple pieces for the display.

They also made handcrafted letters spelling out “Elder Abuse”, which will be reused at events like the annual Elders Forum.

Shire of Broome president Chris Mitchell said the initiative reflects the strength of Broome’s community spirit and the important role of local organisations in raising awareness.

“The Shire of Broome is proud to support initiatives like the Purple Road, which shine a light on the rights of older people and bring important conversations into the heart of our community,” Cr Mitchell said.

“It’s inspiring to see our Broome Public Library craft group contribute so passionately to this Statewide project, and we commend them for their efforts to raise awareness and support others.”

As well as taking part in the Purple Road project, the group has been busy crocheting blankets for local seniors, making labels with the library’s Cricut machine, and knitting comfort bears for the Red Cross Emergency Services.

The Craft and Conversation group meets every Thursday from 10am to 12pm at the Broome Library with newcomers welcome.