Mums of the Hills Inc (MOTHS) turned up the volume on gender equality at the Director’s Cut Premiere of their MOTHer ROCKers Documentary on Sunday 30 November.
The MOTHs community gathered in Belgrave to share moments and reflections on the formation of an all Mum-rock band that came together to rock out at the Sooki Lounge earlier that year for the Parents Battle of the Bands.
“I can see a lot of familiar friends and family in the audience who understand just how much this band has really meant to us,” said MOTHs founder Belinda Young on the day.
The Cameo in Belgrave hosted the film screening event with MOTHS as part of the global movement for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Giving thanks to a Yarra Ranges Council Grant and the screening opened with a joint statement on the prevention of family violence, with Mums of the Hills partnering with Single Mums of the Hills and Mountain Men.
The trio of community groups released the statement earlier this year and has partnered with local sporting clubs in the hills to tackle the big issue.
“Partner violence is not just a private issue. It’s a community crisis — and our area is not immune,” the statement reads on the Mums of the Hills website.
“Partner violence is when one partner physically, emotionally, psychologically, mentally and/or financially abuses the other. It can happen in any type of relationship — married, de facto, dating, separated or divorced.”
Turning to stereotypes, Ms Young said before the screening that the problem with family violence and partner violence is that it’s hush-hush.
“You see something that just isn’t right, but you turn a blind eye because you don’t want to intrude – but we need to call it out as a community, as a village together,” she said.
“We need to say that it’s not okay, we need to break down the gender stereotypes.”
Ms Young said that MOTHs is also excited to announce that they raised $1254 at the Parents Battle of the Bands (PBOB) event on July 31.
PBOB is an Australian Registered Charity that uses the power of music to build community, strengthen social connections, and support well-being. As part of its mission, PBOB redistributes event proceeds to the music and performing arts programs of public primary schools.
“The funds raised by MOTHs will be directed in this way, supporting our local schools and their creative program,’ she said.
The documentary was filmed by Dr Robyn Mansfield and edited by Damien Rundell and captures the story behind local mums picking up instruments and claiming back some of the space that had been taken up by motherhood.
Ms Mansfield said at the premiere that being part of the band compelled her to tell the stories of the Mother ROCKers.
“This was not just a rock band; this was so much more, not only for them, but for their families,” she said.
“We’re proving that mums can be the band,” said Ms Young.
“We can use a chainsaw, we can play cricket, we can play football, we can be anything we want to be,” she said.
“By breaking down those stereotypes, we hope to help our sons, our daughters, realise our worth in the community, and therefore change the culture for generations to come.”
