Councils Unite for ‘Steps Towards Change’

Published on 08 December 2023

On Wednesday 29 November, Murrindindi and Mitchell Shire Councils joined forces to host the ‘Steps Towards Change’ march. This significant event brought our communities together to raise awareness of family violence, build knowledge of local support services, and demonstrate our united stance against all forms of gender-based violence.

The march culminated in a community BBQ, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with partners and stakeholders, including Women’s Health Goulburn North East, Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit, FamilyCare, GoTafe, and Victoria Police. The highlight of the day was the inspiring speech delivered by Angela Barker OAM, a victim-survivor of intimate partner violence, who shared her moving story of hope and resilience.

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Mayor Damien Gallagher, along with Cr Sandice McAulay, Cr John Walsh, and CEO Livia Bonazzi, showed their support by participating in the march, and were accompanied by several Council employees and community members from both Shires.

Murrindindi Shire Council is proud to be one of only 15 Councils in Victoria to have received the Free From Violence Local Government Program grant (2022-2025). This supports Council’s commitment to fostering a safe and equal workplace and community, now and into the future.

For those seeking more information or resources on family violence prevention and support, our Housing, Family Violence and Emergency Relief page provides a wealth of resources, including contact details for local support services, educational materials, and ways to get involved in our community’s efforts against gender-based violence.

The ‘Steps Towards Change’ march was held during the 16 Days of Activism, a United Nations campaign that runs annually from 25 November to 10 December. This campaign underscores the importance of addressing and preventing gender-based violence.

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Community Wellbeing and Economic Development Portfolio Cr Sandice McAulay said “The ‘Steps Towards Change’ march is more than just an event; it’s a powerful statement by our community that we will not tolerate violence in any form. By coming together, we are taking a stand and showing that change is possible. We encourage everyone to join us in this movement, to speak out, and to act against gender-based violence. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the safety and equality of our society.

We urge our community to engage in open discussions about gender-based violence and to challenge problematic behaviours. By refusing to condone discrimination and violence through our actions and words, we can collectively create communities that are truly free from violence.”