General News
13 December, 2025
Stawell stands against domestic violence
A strong turnout of community members took to the streets of Stawell on Wednesday in a show of solidarity against family violence, joining Northern Grampians Shire Council and partner organisations for this year’s Walk Against Family Violence. The event formed part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10 and encourages communities to take action toward ending violence against women and children. Participants gathered outside Stawell Town Hall at midday, where a series of speakers set the tone for the walk.
Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO Brent McAlister, Mayor Karen Hyslop, Victoria Police Inspector Matt Flood and Women’s Health Grampians representative Luke Baker each addressed the crowd, speaking with urgency and conviction about the need for cultural and behavioural change.
A common theme ran through their messages: men have a critical role to play in preventing violence. Each speaker highlighted the importance of calling out disrespectful or harmful behaviour, supporting gender equity, and holding one another accountable in homes, workplaces, clubs and community settings.
Cr Hyslop said the council remained a strong supporter of the 16 Days campaign, noting the troubling reality that more than one in three women experience violence from men, and that reported family violence incidents in the Northern Grampians Shire remain more than double the state average.
“Everyone in our community deserves to be safe, equal and respected,” Cr Hyslop said, “Safety for women is not a given in any community, and neither is respect, but it doesn't have to be this way.”
From the Town Hall, walkers travelled up Main Street before looping across to Grampians Community Health on Patrick Street, many wearing orange — the signature colour of the UN’s global UNiTE campaign to end violence against women.
Once at Grampians Community Health, participants gathered for a barbecue lunch, sharing conversations and reflections in a relaxed setting.
Council partners, including Grampians Community Health, East Grampians Health Service, Women’s Health Grampians, Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative, Victoria Police, The Orange Door, the Grampians Multicultural Hub and local Lions Clubs, supported the event.
Wednesday’s walk followed the St Arnaud Walk Against Family Violence held on November 25, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Both events form part of a grassroots effort across Victoria to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that enable violence.
As the 16 Days of Activism continues, several buildings across the shire will be illuminated in orange to reinforce the message of hope and change.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732. In an emergency, call 000.
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