By Cam Lucadou-Wells
HALLAM Senior College is set to literally build on the success of its recent screening of the locally-shot anti-family violence documentary Call Me Dad.
The doco, which takes a rare look inside men’s behaviour change programs run by Casey-based Heavy METAL, was premiered as a full feature to a packed house on 26 August.
Funds were put towards funding Heavy METAL participants who could not otherwise afford the program.
The college’s assistant principal, David Caughey, said the college hoped to find and help renovate a local house – which could be used as an emergency shelter for family violence victims.
Each year, Hallam Senior College trades students build structures on the school’s grounds, only to tear down their work after its completion.
The beauty of the safety house proposal is that their works would be a lasting community benefit, Mr Caughey said.
“It would be a really good project – a win-win for everyone.”
Students who promoted the screening at the college and neighbouring schools were recently presented certificates for the project.
“The benefit is an increased awareness around the issue of family violence. People can have a greater empathy to those going through something as challenging and complex as this,” Mr Caughey said.
“I’d be hoping that any family in the school community struggling with these issues will know where to turn.”
David Nugent, who runs Heavy METAL, said the screening’s Q & A session was especially moving.
Mr Nugent recalled a 16-year-old student from another school broke down in tears as he told the forum that this work had turned his father’s life around.
Another man – who had been to 52 men’s behaviour change classes – told the forum that finally “this leopard’s spots are changing”.
“There was a positive atmosphere, a sense of hope that men can change,” Mr Nugent said.
“Everyone now understands that if a man puts up his hand and wants to get help, with the right support, he can change.”
