Rotary South Pacific unites to stop the violence!
Over the past few weeks, Rotary members throughout the South Pacific united to spread awareness about one of the biggest threats to the health and wellbeing of women and children.
During the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Rotary members across the region wore purple shirts and engaged their local communities to spread the message loud and clear: Rotary says NO to domestic and family violence!
Many Rotary clubs, districts and Community Groups held successful initiatives such as community walks, partnering with police and other first responders, local councils, businesses, and charities to increase their impact and reach.
Some of these events attracted thousands of participants!
Below are details about some of the amazing initiatives held throughout our region to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism in 2024.
Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond
In Ballina, the birthplace of the Rotary Says NO to Domestic and Family Violence campaign, over 1,000 people marched together on Friday 29 November to promote respectful relationships.
Rotary members, school students, local businesses, first responders such as police officers, and general community members all united to spread the message that domestic and family violence has no place in our society.
In his speech on the day, former Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson spoke of the need for more communities to follow Ballina’s lead in bringing domestic and family violence out into the open.
The event gained positive media coverage in numerous local publications including NBN News, Ballina Times, and The Echo.
Events in District 9620
Numerous successful events were held throughout District 9620 this year to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, including the following:
On 10 December, members from across District 9620 attended the District’s dinner held in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism. Guests included a Co-Chair from the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, the Acting Queensland Police Superintendent, and the CEO of the Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) in the Moreton Bay region.
On 22 November, the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly partnered with local police to run a Coffee with a Cop session in support of the 16 Days of Activism.
On 1 December, over seventy people attended the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly’s Walk Against Domestic Violence.
On 30 November, the Rotary Club of Browns Plains gathered at the Berrinba and Yarrabilba Parkrun to raise awareness about domestic and family violence. Despite the rain, many people attended to show their support.
On 29 November, the Rotary Club of Maleny held a community walk. Local domestic and family violence support groups and general community members also took part.
Districts of New South Wales (NSW)
On Friday 22 November, Rotary Districts of NSW and NSW Police held a launch event for the 16 Days of Activism.
Over 2,000 people walked three kilometres from Randwick to Coogee and listened to inspiring speeches from school students and government ministers including the NSW Governor.
In her speech, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged the important partnership between Rotary South Pacific and NSW Police.
Rotary Club of Environment and Habitat
On Friday 6 December, a Rotary club in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta partnered with its local council and local police command to hold an awareness-raising walk.
Watch the video below to hear from one of the speakers from the day, Corrine Lindsell, whose brother tragically lost his life due to domestic violence.
NOTE: The following video contains references to intimate partner homicide.
District 9790
On Monday 9 December, District 9790 partnered with NSW Police and other local organisations to hold a community walk in Albury and take a stand against domestic and family violence.
District 9510
On Saturday 14 September, over 1,000 people walked from Adelaide’s Victoria Square to Elder Park as part of District 9510’s Walk for Respect.
Around thirty local domestic and family violence support organisations and community groups partnered with the district to show their commitment to the cause.
Additionally, around twenty state and federal politicians and departmental leaders took part on the day.
For more information on the event, visit the Walk for Respect website.
Events in District 9685
Clubs from across District 9685 participated in community walks during the 16 Days of Activism.
Hundreds of Rotary members attended events held in Penrith, Riverstone, Castle Hill, Hornsby, Manly, Central Coast, and other areas.
Rotary clubs throughout the district tapped into the partnership between the Districts of NSW and NSW Police. Rotary members and police officers walked side by side, alongside other community groups and students .
A moving ceremony was held at the end of the Northern Beaches walk. Among the thick sea mist, the name of every woman killed by domestic violence in the past year was read out, each accompanied by a strike on a gong.
