DOMESTIC violence survivor and ambassador of Our Watch and White Ribbon Australia Rebecca Poulson will be the keynote speaker at the city's Diner en Rouge fundraiser on May 18.
Television personality Heather Foord will again be master of ceremonies for the event which raises money for domestic violence services.
Author of Killing Love, Ms Poulson was celebrating her 33rd birthday when her father, niece and nephew were murdered by her brother-in-law, who was the father of the children.
Ms Poulson had already suffered the suicide of her brother and survived an attempt on her life during a violent relationship.
Redland mayor Karen Williams said Ms Poulson spoke about her experiences to raise awareness and advocate for social change.
"She is influencing the attitude of others, including governments, on the need for more support services, particularly the policing and legal procedures needed to better protect and support those at threat of violence," Cr Williams said.
"Rebecca is a real inspiration to those affected by domestic and family violence and anyone who is committed to stopping it needs to hear about her extraordinary experiences, how she coped with them and how she is now influencing change."
Ms Foord, an advocate for domestic violence services, has long been a supporter of Diner en Rouge.
Cr Williams said she was thrilled that Ms Foord would continue her association with the event, which had helped raise almost $260,000.
"While we have taken great strides with a major commitment to crisis accommodation from the state government, the disturbing fact is that the number of people seeking housing help while experiencing family violence is on the rise across Australia," Cr Williams said.
"Besides the overwhelming need for crisis accommodation, recent research has also found survivors of domestic violence are at risk of returning to violent partners due to a massive shortage of long-term affordable housing.
"Raising funds and spreading the word through events such as Diner en Rouge is something that we, as a community, can do to influence change..."
Ms Foord said raising awareness of domestic violence was vital.
"With so many people needing somewhere safe to escape from violence in the home, there is a growing need for more crisis accommodation to be built," she said.
Diner en Rouge will be held at a secret location on Saturday, May 18.
Tickets to the banquet, which has a red and white theme, are available from the Redland Performing Arts Centre box office at rpac.com.au or by calling 3829 8131. Tickets are $175 each or $1700 for 10.
