Two courageous, community champions will lead Mildura Rural City Council's 2025 Community Walk Against Family Violence this Friday, 21 November.
Patsy Doolan, a proud Barkindji/Paakantyi woman and one of our region's most respected cultural leaders together with Conor Pall, local Survivor Advocate, will walk side by side to raise awareness and inspire change.
Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equity Katie Clements said the leaders of this year's walk are powerful forces for raising awareness and taking action to prevent family violence in our community.
"Patsy is a strong, recognised and trusted voice within our community, she champions systemic change in the family violence system and makes sure Aboriginal voices are central to decision making," Cr Clements said.
In addition to her role as Chair of Council's Ngiwa Yarna Committee, Patsy is also Chair of Dhelk Dja Action Group for the Mallee region, driving the Victorian Government's Aboriginal-led partnership to end family violence. She is also deeply involved across many other community strengthening initiatives like the Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, the Koori Courts, Umalek Balit and as a Director of Arts Mildura as a highly respected local artisan.
Cr Clements said Conor Pall is an inspirational young person who will be standing together with Patsy. "Conor combines his lived experience as a survivor with his professional skills and passion in shaking up the family violence system, so that the voices of children and young people are heard and prioritised."
"As a nationally recognised advocate hailing from our region, Conor is in a powerful position to bring about change.
He has the unique ability to speak to his own generation and make that critical connection, while also engaging older generations with insights and advice. This ability is vital to ensure young people in our community feel supported and drive the generational change needed to end family violence."
"Family violence doesn't discriminate based on income, age or background - it affects all of us which why we need to reach into every facet of our community to spread the word that family violence is unacceptable and must stop."
This year's community walk will be held this Friday, 21 November and will start in the Langtree Mall at midday.
It will take participants along Feast Street, down the Langtree Avenue connection and along Mildura's riverfront, concluding at the Powerhouse Place.
An important component of the annual event is the numerous displays and information stalls from service providers involved in dealing with and preventing family and gendered violence. These displays will be positioned at the Powerhouse Place at the conclusion of the walk for participants to visit.
The event will include the now traditional free community barbecue.
