Name: Stop the Rodeo St Kilda
Start: 2025-01-15T18:00:00+11:00
Location: St Kilda Town Hall

PLEASE NOTE RE: DATE **** The date is subject to change as it is dependent on the next Council Meeting - we are currently waiting for the date to be announced. ****
This will be a peaceful protest against the proposed Rodeo at St Kilda beach.
Details: January 2025 Port Phillip Council Meeting, St Kilda Town Hall

BACKGROUND
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Channel 9 announced plans for a Rodeo to be held at St Kilda beach in March 2025. In response, the residents and broader community strongly reject this event.
Rodeos, by their very nature, involve the exploitation and mistreatment of animals, which is incompatible with the values shared by our community. Leading animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA and Animals Australia, firmly oppose rodeos due to the inherent cruelty involved. Links are included from these organisations for reference below:
RSPCA:
https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/a-cruel-spectacle-why-you-should-never-attend-a-rodeo/
Animals Australia:
https://animalsaustralia.org/our-work/rodeos/background/
Hosting such an event would tarnish St Kilda’s reputation and cause disharmony and division in our community. We urge the council to prioritise the welfare of animals and uphold the values of its residents by rejecting this proposed rodeo and similar activities in the future.

DETAILS OF CAMPAIGN TO STOP ST KILDA RODEO
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This campaign includes the following steps:
1. Residents of this council - Contact Port Phillip Council in writing about your disapproval of the rodeo event
2. Residents of this council - apply to speak about your disapproval of the rodeo at the next council meeting in January 2025
3. Residents of this council - Sign the Petition!! https://chng.it/mLYtpkGqRC
4. Not limited to residents of this council - attend the Town Hall Protest at the next council meeting and invite all your friends. This will be the first and hopefully the only protest. For this protest we aim to be peaceful, non-disruptive and silent to show the council support for the Stop the Rodeo campaign. Bring your signs or just show up to show your support.
5. Residents of this council to reach out to individual Councillors of Port Phillip Council.

WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?
1. CONTACT YOUR COUNCIL IN THE MEANTIME
2. SIGN THE PETITION
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Message us if you would like support or if you would like us to submit a complaint on your behalf.
1. Residents of Port Phillip Council- Make a complaint here (Scroll down and click on "Make a complaint"):
https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/contact-us/complaints-and-service-requests
Fill out the required fields.
In the following box section of the form: "Please provide additional information to assist with completing your request", you can write about your complaint. If you prefer a template, you can copy and paste the following letter from this google doc link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Uk_v4sthxuoYaxORoJGS7sj3wR1u3LyKl0exoJdk2YU/edit?usp=sharing
*** Please ensure that you edit your personal details at the end of this letter
Using this method of contact ensures that we reach all relevant parties effectively.
2. Residents of this council - Sign the Petition!! https://chng.it/mLYtpkGqRC

DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK AT THE COUNCIL MEETING?
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Please follow these prompts:
https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about-the-council/council-meetings/request-to-speak-at-a-council-meeting
We would love to hear from you if you have applied to speak at the meeting. No pressure though!

CODE OF CONDUCT
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Attendees are expected to respect the rights and dignity of others during this event. Any form of violence, bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic will not be tolerated. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants.

*Please reach out if you have any further information, ideas or if you need any support.
Thank you!