Northern Territory Government
Department of Children and Families Territorians urged to wear orange for parkrun this weekend
4 December 2025
Territorians are encouraged to don orange gear and join a parkrun event this Saturday 6 December at 7am, in support of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Darwin, Palmerston, Nightcliff, Alice Springs Telegraph Station and Katherine Hot Springs parkruns are all taking part, inviting runners, walkers, families and supporters to stand together for a safer, more respectful Territory.
Department of Children and Families Chief Executive Officer Brent Warren said community-led events like parkrun play a powerful role in raising awareness.
"Wearing orange may seem like a small gesture, but it sends a strong public message that violence in any form is unacceptable," Mr Warren said.
"The 16 Days of Activism is a chance for communities across the Territory to unite, show support for victim survivors, and commit to creating safer homes, workplaces, online spaces, and communities."
This year's global theme "End digital violence against all women and girls" highlights the rising impact of technology-facilitated abuse, including monitoring devices, reading private messages, sharing intimate images without consent, online threats and cyber-bullying.
Executive Director of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Prevention - and regular Nightcliff parkrun participant - Seranie Gamble, said it's great to have the parkrun community getting behind the campaign.
"Parkrun is all about showing up for each other. When we wear orange this weekend, we're showing up for women and girls who deserve to live and participate in their communities without fear," Ms Gamble said.
"Kickstarting this year's 16 Days of Activism with the launch of our Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Strategy 2025-2028 demonstrates what government is doing with the sector to end violence, but the whole community has an important role to play too.
"Ending gender-based violence starts with small, everyday acts of solidarity - from inclusive events like parkrun to conversations in our homes and schools."
Palmerston parkrun organisers said they were proud to stand alongside Territorians in supporting the cause.
"Palmerston parkrun is joining the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence. We are united to end digital violence against all women and girls," a spokesperson said.
Katherine Hot Springs parkrun will host a special community event supported by Anglicare NT, complete with a free BBQ, 16 Days of Activism water bottles and shirts and activities for families.
Event Director Naomi de With said the message is simple but powerful.
"Joining the 16 Days of Activism helps to amplify the message that everyone has the right to live, move and thrive without fear. Change starts when communities stand together," Ms de With said.
The 16 Days of Activism runs from 25 November to 10 December and is recognised globally as a call to end gender-based violence.
Nearly one in three women will experience violence in their lifetime, and every 10 minutes around the world, a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member.
In the Northern Territory, the new Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Strategy 2025-2028 outlines the renewed whole-of-government commitment to prevention, accountability and supporting victim-survivors.
Event details - 7am, Saturday 6 December 2025
Darwin parkrun here Palmerston parkrun here Nightcliff parkrun here Katherine Hot Springs parkrun here Alice Springs Telegraph Station parkrun here
