Making waves on Sydney Harbour for White Ribbon Day

NSW Government

A flotilla of jetskis will come together in a ribbon formation under the Sydney Harbour Bridge to say No to Violence against women and children.

Minister for Women's Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the ride will take place on 18 November 2022, national White Ribbon Day.

"We can't ignore the horrifying statistics that an average of one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner in Australia and one in five women have experienced sexual violence, that's why we're making a strong statement on national White Ribbon Day," Mrs Ward said.

"The display on Sydney Harbour will spark important conversations which will help end the silence and stigma surrounding violence and harassment."

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said around 50 jetskis would be involved in the event.

"NSW Maritime, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW and the Port Authority of NSW will all be represented in the flotilla which will look like a white ribbon moving across the Harbour," Mr Elliott said.

"The Sydney Harbour ride will be run simultaneously with Maritime Safety Queensland's ride on the Brisbane River in a strong nationwide stance against behavior which impacts all areas of society."

White Ribbon Australia National Director Allan Ball welcomed the support of NSW Maritime in bringing so many people together in such a highly visible way to raise awareness of their mission to end men's violence against women.

"On one of Australia's most iconic waterways, the jetski display puts the work of violence prevention front and centre, igniting conversations that, in our hope, will inspire people to take action to effect change at the local level," Mr Ball said.

Members of the public can take part in the event by sponsoring riders via the White Ribbon Australia fundraising page.

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