“Top 8”
Stand Up in September
As part of our Stand Up in September campaign, eight men from a range of industries came together as our ‘Top 8’ and each made a pledge to become part of the solution to family violence.
Kenyon Marais – Creative (Andersen Studios)
Chief Commercial Officer
“I’m standing up in September because the growing number of women’s lives lost to violence continues to shock and devastate me. These senseless deaths are not statistics – they are lives cut short, families torn apart, and communities left grieving.
Violence against women is not a women’s issue, it is a men’s issue. It’s our responsibility to stand up, speak out, and change the culture that allows it to continue. Only together can we build a safer future where women live free from fear.”
Stuart Rawlins – Automotive (Autopact)
Chief Safety Officer
“I am Standing Up in September as after having a previous career in Policing I have seen firsthand the effects and devastation that family and domestic violence can have on people. Family and domestic violence is present in all areas of society irrespective of your income, career, or social status and is something that needs to be addressed as a priority.”
Ray Short – Finance (Bentleys Victoria)
Senior Partner Business Services
“I Stand Up for a future where every woman and child is safe. I Stand Up for a future where every woman and child is respected. I Stand Up for a future where every man will Stand Up.”
Brian Cook – Sport (Carlton FC)
Former Carlton Football Club CEO
“I’m standing up to show that stopping violence against women is everyone’s issue, we all play a role. Violence against women is a serious and widespread problem in Australia, it impacts all of us. The only acceptable rate of violence is zero.”
Anthony White – Insurance (domo insurance)
Head of Property and Construction
“Everyone deserves a world that’s safe, free from violence, and filled with love.”
“As a dad to a little girl, the thought of her growing up in today’s world is frightening. I want her to grow up in a world that is free of violence and full of love. I pledge to stand up this September for her and all women. By speaking up and raising awareness, we can take steps toward ending domestic violence and creating a better world for all women.”
Damien Chauremootoo – Health and Wellbeing
(Empower Tactical) Director
“I’m taking a stand because ending family violence starts with men leading by example. Too often, boys grow up without seeing healthy models of strength, where strength means self-control, respect, and courage to call things out. If we want a safer community, we need to educate early, mentor consistently, and support relentlessly.”
Mark Parker – Legal (Lander & Rogers)
Partner and Practice Group Leader
“I have now been a practising solicitor for 42 years and for the bulk of that time, I have been exclusively practising in family law. I have seen first-hand the damage both short term and long term, caused to children and to their subsequent relationships when they have been exposed to family violence. I have seen the physical and emotional consequences of violence to women, and for many years, the failure of society generally to recognise the extent of that violence and its consequences. It simply cannot be ignored in any way or at any level, and that is why I am committed to pledging my support to Stand Up.”
Simon Jovanovic – Real Estate – (Marshall White)
Chief Executive Officer
” This September, I will stand up and make a pledge.
As a father – to my two girls and my boy – to raise them in a world of respect and equality.
As a leader of a business – with 228 incredible women whose safety, voices, and potential I will always protect and champion.
As a leader of 141 men in our business – who will stand with me, listen with me, and help create a culture where everyone is valued. This is my commitment”
Thank you for standing with us!