Join us to walk against family violence in Northern Grampians Shire

Published on 17 November 2025

Caption: Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders are encouraging residents to participate in Walks Against Family Violence in St Arnaud and Stawell, to help raise awareness of the devastating impacts of violence against women and children in the community.

Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders have once again called on residents to take a stand against family violence by participating in community walks in St Arnaud and Stawell.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said the council was a strong supporter of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from November 25 to December 10.

The global campaign aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

“The statistics show more than one in three women have experienced violence from men, and in Northern Grampians Shire, the rates of reported family violence incidents are more than double the state average,” Cr Hyslop said.

“Everyone in our community deserves to be safe, equal and respected. Safety for women is not a given in any community – and neither is respect. But it doesn't have to be this way.  

“We believe everyone has a role to play when it comes to building communities where women feel safe and equal. It starts with respect, and I call on everyone to think of ways that they can demonstrate respect in our community – at home, work, school and within their local community and sporting groups.”

The council has partnered with several community organisations to host a Walk Against Family Violence in St Arnaud on Tuesday, November 25, which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

There will be a second walk in Stawell on Wednesday, December 10, which is World Human Rights Day.

The St Arnaud walk will start at Queen Mary Gardens on Kings Avenue at 12pm, with participants making their way to Market Square.

The Stawell walk will start at Stawell Town Hall at 12pm and end at Grampians Community Health in Patrick Street.

Guest speakers will address participants at the start of both walks, which will be followed by community barbecues.

Cr Hyslop asked participants to RSVP for catering purposes online here or by calling (03) 5358 8700.

“We’d also love to see as many people as possible wearing the colour orange, which is associated with domestic violence awareness and advocacy,” she said.

“We also plan to light up several buildings across the shire in orange throughout the 16 days.”

Orange is the signature colour of the UNiTE campaign to end violence against women, launched by the UN Secretary General, and features prominently throughout the 16 Days of Activism.

Cr Hyslop said the walks were a key component of the 16 Days campaign, which aimed to prevent violence against women at a grassroots level.

“We encourage everyone in the community – individuals, businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations – to join us in raising awareness of the devastating impacts of violence against women and children in our community,” she said.

“The walks will provide us with an opportunity to stand in solidarity with people who have experienced violence. We hope they will also encourage conversations about how we can all say no to violence and support gender equity.”

Cr Hyslop thanked partner organisations for their support, including Grampians Community Health, East Grampians Health Service, Women's Health Grampians, Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative, Victoria Police, The Orange Door, Grampians Multicultural Hub, and Lions Clubs.

• If you or someone you know needs help, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732. In an emergency, call 000.