Shepparton rallies for change during 16 Days of Activism

“Of significant concern, Greater Shepparton experienced the highest number of family violence assaults within Victoria in 2023,” Ms Le Gassick said.

“As a local government organisation, we take the role we play in creating a safe and respectful community extremely seriously, which is why we are once again taking a lead and active role in supporting this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign."

This year’s campaign will feature a diverse range of events and activities designed to engage and inspire action across the region.

Billboards and social media will share messages promoting respect, equality and the right to feel safe, while key sites across the region will feature painted messages shining light on the issue.

One of them, ‘Painting out violence’, will showcase family violence statistics and key messages across local parks, reserves and the GOTAFE Shepparton campus.

One figure — 71,528 — will be painted at Deakin Recreation Reserve on November 29, representing the number of women who were victims of family violence incidents attended by Victoria Police in the year ending March 2024.

“This year we are promoting ’16 Days of Messaging’ across billboards and our social media each day, painting key messages into local landmarks and importantly working in partnership with community agencies on a range of activities and events to encourage members of our community to send a clear message that violence against women and young girls is not acceptable and will not be tolerated,” Ms Le Gassick said.

Several sites across Shepparton will display symbols relating to the campaign, including a STOP hand logo painted at Victoria Lake Park and the hashtag #16days. Key landmarks will be lit up in orange — the campaign’s colour of hope and optimism for a future free from violence.

A free community forum will also take place on Friday, November 29, between 11am and 2pm at Shepparton Art Museum, with Goulburn Valley agencies present on the day. Victoria Police senior sergeant Rachel Walsh, the family violence training officer for the Shepparton, Benalla and Mitchell police service areas, will deliver the keynote address.

A light lunch will be provided, and tickets are limited.

To secure your spot, visit: shepp.city/16days

Shepparton will host a walk on December 8 from noon to 2.30pm at Victoria Park Lake. Participants are encouraged to wear orange.

The event promises to be a family-friendly day featuring a Mooroopna Rotary barbecue, the GV Water café and information from service providers. Children can enjoy park activities, face painting and a colouring competition.

If you can’t make it, a series of ‘coffee and chat’ sessions will also take place across the region, offering attendees the chance to connect with local service providers and access valuable information — all in a welcoming and relaxed setting.

With a range of ways to participate, the 16 Days of Activism offers everyone an opportunity to make a difference. Whether you attend an event, share a message or start a conversation, every action counts.

Looking to get involved or learn more? The Greater Shepparton Family Violence Prevention Network’s Facebook page lists all local updates and events happening across the Goulburn Valley.

For those ready to take their engagement further, the United Nations website is packed with insightful resources to help you make a difference.