Trees along Lake Macquarie's foreshore have been wrapped in vibrant hues once again as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Launched on Wednesday 25 November, the initiative, led by Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle and supported by Lake Macquarie City Council, has expanded beyond Warners Bay Foreshore this year to include Toronto Foreshore, creating two striking public displays calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
Council Manager Community Partnerships Matt Holloway said the colourful installations are a powerful way to spark conversation and community action.
"Every tree wrapped in yarn represents our shared commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive community," he said.
"We invite everyone to visit the foreshore, take in the message and join us in saying no to gender-based violence."
The 16 Days of Activism concept began in 1991 and now mobilises millions worldwide to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms and call for stronger laws and services to end violence against women and girls.
Each year the campaign runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November to Human Rights Day on 10 December.
According to the United Nations, one in three women across the globe experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
"That makes this campaign a vital opportunity to drive change and promote equality," Mr Holloway said.
Community members are invited to the official Toronto event launch on Friday 28 November at 10am at Toronto Library, tirrabiyangba, and visit Warners Bay and Toronto throughout the campaign to walk among the decorated trees and immerse themselves in the messages of hope and action.
