Knit Bomb Project

The knit bomb project is led by Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee to publicly raise awareness about family and domestic violence as part of the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The vision for the project is to create a visually vibrant campaign to make a public statement against domestic and family violence.  In that it is an economical means of creating wide reaching awareness through effective visual communication.  It was a unique project in that the women who participated in the Yarn In sessions were diverse in race, age, sexuality, class, etc. and the workshops created a space for open discussion and storytelling.  

The knit bomb project aims to enable conversations in the community and workplace around family and domestic violence and to break down stigmas and taboo that is often associated with women of cultural backgrounds who are often forbidden from discussing or disclosing their experiences to others.  

Council is a member of the Outer West Domestic Violence Network (OWDVN) and has strong links with local service providers and NSW Police.  The Blacktown City Crime Prevention Plan identified domestic violence as the top priority in our City. Family and domestic violence is a complex issue in Blacktown. Blacktown City continues to have the highest number of recorded incidents of domestic violence related assault of any Local Government Area in NSW. 

In 2021 Council collaborated with Parklea Correctional Centre where inmates created and constructed a giant teapot and teacups. The piece aims to be a conversation starter, with the teapot and teacups symbolising "mending hearts over a cup of tea". The teapot was then wrapped by  the incredible members of the Blacktown Library Knitting Group.

In 2022 Council again collaborated with Parklea Correctional Centre where inmates put their trade skills into action by creating a wooden safe house or welcoming home. Three inmates worked on the project under the supervision of correctional officers in the prison’s cabinet shop to construct the house, measuring 1.5 metres by 1.2 metres with a 600mm pitched roof and chimney.  The house was then “knit bombed” by the talented members of the Blacktown Library Knitting Group.

Council was also delighted to have partnered this year with Dillwynia Correctional Centre (female prison). Inmates created 9 pieces of artwork to display as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. They each represent inmates’ reflections on the issue of domestic and family violence and symbolise their vision of a safer community for all.  Artworks will be on display at Max Webber Library and Council’s Administration Centre.

If you are a keen knitter, or even a beginner, you can be part of our campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence. Store your completed squares at home and we will advise drop off locations closer to the installation. 

2024 Yarn In's will begin in August.

For further information please contact Melissa Boceski, a/Community Development Officer on 9839 6203 or email knitbomb@blacktown.nsw.gov.au