Advocating for respect with every step

Published on 24 October 2025

Murrindindi Shire Council and the Rotary Club of Alexandra invite locals, visitors and businesses to join the Walk for Respect on Friday 28 November at 11.00 am. The event calls on everyone to take a stand together against domestic and family violence and show support for a community built on safety, equality and respect.

In the year ending March 2025, there were 208 family violence incidents reported in Murrindindi Shire - a concerning 14.3% increase from the previous year. These reports underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and collective action. The Walk for Respect is an opportunity to come together, speak up and demonstrate our shared commitment to ending violence against women and children.

The event will begin with a presentation from Vincent Care, exploring the gendered nature of family violence and the important role we all play in prevention. Vincent Care’s Hume Community Hub, led by Marie Murfet, has supported victim survivors across the Shire for the past seven years. Marie will be joined by Alison Maclean, founder of 3whitehorses and an expert in family violence systems, who is supporting the Vincent Care team as they expand their work in the region.

Following the talk, participants will take a 1.5 km walk along the UT Creek Path, before gathering at Rotary Park for a community barbecue, light refreshments and stalls from local support services. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, a colour symbolising respect, and to bring friends, family and even their dogs (on leash). Local community groups and businesses are also invited to participate by hosting a stall or sharing resources that promote respect and equality.

For stallholder enquiries, please contact Rotary Club of Alexandra’s Ian Smith, on 0419 581 617. For general information, visit the Event Page or contact Council’s Community Engagement team on (03) 5772 0333.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs support, help is available through Vincent Care at vincentcaremariancommunity@vincentcare.org.au, The Orange Door, 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or via the Community Resource Guide to Family Violence.

This event is supported by Respect Victoria, Safe and Equal, Rotary Club of Alexandra, Alexandra CFA and Redgate Alexandra Country Women’s Association.

“The Walk for Respect is about connection, awareness and action. Every step we take is for those impacted by family violence and for the safer future we are working to build,” stated Murrindindi Shire Mayor Damien Gallagher. “We invite everyone in the community to come together, show support and walk towards a community that is free from family and domestic violence.”

“Craft has always brought people together, and this project is no different. Through colour and creativity, we’re sending a quiet but powerful message - that our community stands for respect, care, and connection. We encourage everyone to come along and take part.” said Sue Wynn from the Redgate Alexandra CWA Craft Group.

“As CFA members, we’re proud to be part of this event - not just by cooking the BBQ, but by standing up for respect and accountability. It’s important that we role model positive behaviour and show that each of us has a part to play in preventing violence. We hope the community will join us on the day to enjoy the walk and show their support for a respectful and caring community.” said Alexandra CFA Captain Chris Lynch.

“Respect means building healthy, equal relationships - and that starts with each of us. At Rotary, we believe in promoting fairness, calling out harmful behaviour, and role modelling what it truly means to be a respectful and accountable member of the community,” said John Allcock from Rotary Club of Alexandra.

Pictured left to right: Sue Wynn from the Redgate Alexandra CWA Craft Group, Murrindindi Shire Mayor Damien Gallagher, John Allcock from Rotary Club of Alexandra, Alexandra CFA Captain Chris Lynch.