Broome Public Library joins project to raise awareness of Elder abuse
Published on 16 July 2025
The Shire of Broome is proud to support a powerful community initiative highlighting the importance of protecting the rights of older people, with the Broome Public Library recently participating in the Purple Road project in partnership with the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre.
The Purple Road is a state-wide campaign run by NSCLC’s Older People’s Rights Service (OPRS), aimed at raising awareness of elder abuse across Western Australia.
As part of the initiative, local communities were invited to contribute hand-crafted pieces to a travelling installation that symbolises a collective stand against harm and mistreatment of older people.
The Broome Library’s Craft and Conversation group played a key role in the regional rollout of the Purple Road, spending many hours knitting and crocheting purple contributions for the display.
Their heartfelt efforts also included hand-crafted letters spelling out the words ‘Elder Abuse’, which will continue to be used at senior-focused events such as the annual Elders Forum.
Shire of Broome President Chris Mitchell said the initiative reflects the strength of Broome’s community spirit and the important role of local organisations in raising awareness.
“The Shire of Broome is proud to support initiatives like the Purple Road, which shine a light on the rights of older people and bring important conversations into the heart of our community,” Cr Mitchell said.
“It’s inspiring to see our Broome Public Library craft group contribute so passionately to this state-wide project, and we commend them for their efforts to raise awareness and support others.”
Representatives from the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre returned to Broome last week to thank the group in person and celebrate their contribution to the campaign.
Alongside their involvement in the Purple Road, the group has also been crocheting blankets for elderly residents, designing labels on the library’s Cricut machine, and knitting comfort bears for the Red Cross Emergency Services.
The Craft and Conversation group meets every Thursday from 10am to 12pm at the Broome Library. All are welcome to attend, bring their own project or join in on a community cause. Donations of yarn are also warmly accepted.