A Symbolic Act of Solidarity
Loud Fence is a movement that encourages individuals to tie brightly-coloured ribbons on the fences of Catholic institutions, as a symbolic act of solidarity with survivors of sexual abuse, their families and communities.
This “Lifeboat” was constructed by the Geelong Community Men’s Shed, for “Lifeboat Geelong”, in recognition of that organisation’s ongoing efforts to support and assist victims of church-related abuse.
The ribbons in the boat are just some of the 300 metres of ribbons which were attached by St. Mary’s parishioners and others to what became known as the “Loud Fence” around St. Mary’s Basilica.
Both this “lifeboat” and the ribbons it contains are located in the narthex of St Mary's Basilica as an ongoing reminder of the suffering of innocent children, teenagers and vulnerable adults, and to serve as a symbol of reparation and of recognition of them and their families
Father Kevin Dillon, the founder of Lifeboat Geelong, blesses the Lifeboat before it is placed in the Narthex of St Mary's Basilica.