Ending Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls is the focus of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 2025.
In honour of the annual campaign, which starts today, Gunnedah Shire Council, in partnership with the Gunnedah Family Support and Gunnedah Salvation Army, is hosting a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, 10 December.
The 16 Days of Activism, led by UN Women, runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, to Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said it was an opportunity for community members to come together in unity to support the safety of women and girls.
"Government data shows that one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of a current or former partner," she said.
"Nationally, approximately 2.3 million women report experiencing emotional abuse since the age of 15, and 1.7 million have endured physical or sexual violence from a partner. In New South Wales, domestic violence-related assaults increased by 3.6% from March 2023 to March 2025.
"Digital violence against women and girls is one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse, according to UN Women. In our modern era, social media, among other digital tools, is being used to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls.
"Tragically, the Red Heart Campaigns memorial to women and children lost to violence indicates that 62 Australian women and 23 Australian children have been killed this year, and that appalling number is likely to increase before the end of December.
"This is devastating. No forms of violence against women and girls are acceptable, and we must fight to change the tide that is threatening the lives and safety of those around us, including people in our very own community.
"We all have a part to play."
The community event in the Smithurst Theatre courtyard in Conadilly Street will start with a free community barbecue at 7pm and will be followed by a candlelight ceremony on dark.
Battery-operated candles will be provided, and the vigil will include a reading of the names of each victim of domestic violence and intimate partner violence in 2025 followed by one minute's silence.
Council's Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said Council would also be highlighting the awareness message throughout the community over the 16 Days of Activism.
"From 25 November to 10 December, we will display our 'No Violence' banners in Gunnedah's CBD and the Poetry Precinct, and several of our waste and water fleet will continue to bear the slogans 'Domestic Violence is not OK' and 'Be a Mate and Don't Spread Hate', as a reminder to locals," he said.
Council encourages community members and organisations to wear orange, and to consider doing something of their own to show support. Resources are available on the UN Women website: www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/16-days-of-activism
What: 16 Days of Activism Candlelight Vigil and free community barbecue
When: 7pm-9pm, Wednesday, 10 December, 2025
Where: Smithurst Theatre courtyard (next to Town Hall), Conadilly Street, Gunnedah
If you need help during the 16 Days of Activism, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for 24/7 support for domestic, family, or sexual violence. In an emergency, call 000.
If you are a man at risk of using violence, call 1300 766 491 or visit the No to Violence website.
Caption: The Candlelight Vigil is an opportunity for community members to come together to commemorate lives lost to domestic violence on the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
