Project highlights violence against gays and lesbians

By Marina Cameron

SYDNEY -- The South Sydney Council and the Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) have announced the establishment of the Mary's Place Project in February to commemorate and combat violence against gays and lesbians.

Floods Lane in Surry Hills near Oxford Street is used as a meeting place after events such as Mardi Gras, but has also been the site of a number of attacks on gays and lesbians. Last year, a woman name Mary was attacked and raped by two men after coming out of a lesbian venue in Taylor Square.

Officials involved in Mary's case have described it as one of the most vicious attacks they had ever seen. "In reverence to the woman who brought the attack to the awareness of the community despite the injuries and pain that she suffered", the AVP established the project to reclaim the laneway, rename it Mary's Lane and establish it as a landmark to promote the message of safer streets.

A coordinating team of artists, community representatives, resident and council members is undertaking to supply safer street lighting, landscaping and a street mural as part of the violence prevention strategy.

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