Yarra Ranges Council staff have joined the community and government representatives in the 2025 Walk Against Family Violence.
We are also participating in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, sharing messaging in the community asking people to call out sexist behaviours and attitudes, and help to end gender-based violence.
On Friday, 28 November, Council staff took part in the march in Melbourne, alongside people from the community, services and Government agencies, united under the message that violence against women is never acceptable.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Richard Higgins, said that there were few issues more important than ending violence against women.
"Every week, a woman in Australia is killed by a current or former partner. Every week, a person with their own story, their own hopes and dreams, goals and experiences, is taken away by someone who should care about their wellbeing," Cr Higgins said.
"We can all say that we wouldn't hurt someone we love, but simply not being part of the problem isn't enough. We all need to be better at calling out sexist behaviour, at pulling up our mates, or people we see disrespecting women. Because we know that all violence starts with disrespect, and stepping in could help put someone on a better course, save someone's life.
"I'm proud of the Council staff that joined in the Walk Against Family Violence, and that we as an organisation stand against violence against women. We need everyone to stand up for this issue, and I'm proud that we have passionate advocates at Council.
"Through the 16 Days of Activism, we've been gathering donations of items from staff to pass on to family violence relief services and families doing it tough.
"We're sharing the 16 Days of Activism message, and hosting staff events to discuss them in detail.
"I hope that people in the community can take a moment to discuss with their friends, their families and their children, why it's important to respect women – and in particular what actions we can take, rather than just being aware of the issue."
Through its monthly grants program, a number of community projects have been funded through the 16 Days of Activism, including:
The Walk Against Family Violence at Lillydale Lake on 27 November, hosted by Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service. This event is being run in partnership with a number of community groups, emergency, government and family violence response agencies.
A movie screening hosted by Mums of the Hills Inc, about an all-mum Yarra Ranges rock band, challenging gender stereotypes and empowering women through music and connection.
A project by Access Health and Community, partnering with the Mount Evelyn Men's Shed to create Unite Trees – focal points for conversation in Mount Evelyn and Belgrave through November and December.
The 16 Days of Activism runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until Human Rights Day on 10 December.
We will display banner pole messages at key locations in the Yarra Ranges with the 16 Days of Activism message and a link to more information.
