COMMUNITY members across the Gannawarra Shire region are being asked to wear orange and walk together against family violence this Saturday morning.
From 10am, Northern District Community Health, Rotary Club of Kerang and Gannawarra Shire Council will start their 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The walk will begin at the steps of the Kerang council building, before making its way to the Kerang Community Market at Atkinson Park.
Northern District Community Health chief executive Mandy Hutchinson said taking part in the walk was an “easy and impactful” way of taking a stand this weekend.
“We all have a part to play in creating a safer future and supporting those who are affected by family violence,” she said.
“We want to support the ambitious goal to end violence against women and children within one generation, in line with the release of a new national plan on family violence.
“We encourage those who are using violence to seek out help and to make changes to their behaviour.”
NDCH health promotion worker Rachel Clarke said she was hoping to see the whole community take responsibility in being actively involved in preventing family violence.
“We walk for many different reasons, but we are united in our goal of creating a future where everyone is safe, equal and respected,” she said.
“Each year Melbourne has a walk to kick off the event, and with support of Rotary Kerang we have brought a walk to Gannawarra.
“By localising the initiative, we’ve made it more accessible, providing an opportunity for individuals to express their support right here in our community.”
A local voice will also be involved as guest speaker, when Marina Simonelli from Swan Hill Family Violence Investigation Unit addresses those gathered.
The Rotary Club of Kerang have been one of the driving forces in bringing the walk to the town, but Ms Clarke said it was great to see more businesses get involved.
“It is powerful to witness Kerang Rotary actively engaged in the fight against family violence,” she said.
“For seven years the Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital and Mallee District Aboriginal Services have shown a united front.
“But to have more businesses involved amplifies the message and signifies a community wide commitment to ending family violence.
“This year we have businesses in Cohuna, Quambatook, Leitchville, Koondrook and Kerang decorating their store in orange to help raise awareness.
“We also have schools and kindergartens showing their commitment, we will be visiting schools to run lessons on respect and all the kinders will be decorating their centres.”
Gannawarra Shire Mayor Ross Stanton said it was important for local people to understand the impact of gender-based violence in the region.
“We may think of Gannawarra as a safe community for all, but the reality is that gender-based violence has a real impact on lives here in the Gannawarra as it does across Australia and globally,” he said.
“Between July 2022 and June 2023 there were 189 reported incidents of family violence in the Gannawarra, with close to 78 per cent of those affected by these violent incidents being female and often children and young people are involved.”
People who need urgent help because of sexual assault, domestic or family violence should call 000. Support services are available through The Orange Door Mallee on 1800 290 943 and The Orange Door Loddon on 1800 512 359.
