A sea of orange will roll through Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton on Saturday, November 22.
Greater Shepparton City Council, together with members of the Goulburn Valley 16 Days of Activism Working Group, will host the annual Walk Against Family Violence from noon to 2pm, inviting locals to take a stand against abuse and inequality.
The walk forms part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign — a global initiative led by the United Nations, running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
Starting at 1pm from the northern end of the lake, near the playground, participants will walk a loop around the grassy knoll before returning to the main event space.
Alongside the walk, attendees can enjoy food, children’s activities and community stalls hosted by local organisations offering information, support and resources.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the event would send a powerful message about unity and responsibility.
“Violence in any form is never acceptable,” he said.
“The Walk Against Family Violence is a chance for our community to come together, show support for survivors, and commit to building a safer and more respectful society for all.”
Council social equity project co-ordinator Lisa Lymbery, representing the Goulburn Valley 16 Days of Activism Working Group, said the event was about more than just walking — it was about collective change.
“The Walk Against Family Violence is about standing together as a community to say that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported,” she said.
“It is a powerful reminder that change starts with all of us through the conversations we have, the actions we take and the support we show to those affected by violence.”
Council’s social equity and safety team is co-ordinating this year’s campaign alongside local agencies working to prevent violence and support those impacted.
Together, they have designed a program of free workshops and information sessions to build a safer, more respectful community.
These sessions will cover a range of topics, presented by local experts and specialists from Melbourne, and held at various venues across Greater Shepparton as well as online at shepp.city/16days
For more information about the Walk Against Family Violence in Shepparton, visit shepp.city/wafv or contact council’s co-ordinator of safer communities at 5832 9700 or communitywellbeing@shepparton.vic.gov.au