Murrindindi Shire Council and the Rotary Club of Alexandra invite locals, visitors and businesses to join the Walk for Respect on Friday 28 November at 11.00 am. The event calls on everyone to take a stand together against domestic and family violence and show support for a community built on safety, equality and respect.
In the year ending March 2025, there were 208 family violence incidents reported in Murrindindi Shire - a concerning 14.3% increase from the previous year. These reports underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and collective action. The Walk for Respect is an opportunity to come together, speak up and demonstrate our shared commitment to ending violence against women and children.
The event will begin with a presentation from Vincent Care, exploring the gendered nature of family violence and the important role we all play in prevention. Vincent Care's Hume Community Hub, led by Marie Murfet, has supported victim survivors across the Shire for the past seven years. Marie will be joined by Alison Maclean, founder of 3whitehorses and an expert in family violence systems, who is supporting the Vincent Care team as they expand their work in the region.
Following the talk, participants will take a 1.5 km walk along the UT Creek Path, before gathering at Rotary Park for a community barbecue, light refreshments and stalls from local support services. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, a colour symbolising respect, and to bring friends, family and even their dogs (on leash). Local community groups and businesses are also invited to participate by hosting a stall or sharing resources that promote respect and equality.
