Raise your placards and get ready to rally, Shepparton will take a stand against gender-based violence this weekend.
While rallies hosted by various organisations will take place right across the country, Shepparton’s Saturday morning rally and march is an independent event pulled together by dedicated locals appalled by the rising violence statistics.
“We want to make changes for domestic violence prevention,” one of the rally’s organisers, Lutfiye Kavci, said.
“We want our voices to be heard and to make a change.”
Organiser Neha Samar said people had become desensitised to violence.
“We need to stop normalising it,” she said.
The women, along with fellow organisers Sam Spinks and Maddi Thorpe, are encouraging everyone to attend the rally, especially men.
They said it made more of an impact when men stood up for women.
“Prevention is better than the consequences of domestic violence,” Ms Kavci said.
The rally begins at 11am at the northern end of Victoria Park Lake.
Supporters will assemble on the big grassed area near the amenities block before marching down Welsford St past the police station, turning east on to High St to pass the courthouse and then south on to Wyndham St to return to the lake.
They’re hoping to create an art installation along the marching circuit using the signs and placards supporters bring along to stay in place after the rally and continue drawing attention to the growing issue of gender-based violence in Australia.
Once back at the lake, guest speakers will address the crowd before the microphone is opened up to members of the public who want to share their stories surrounding gender-based violence.
Organisers strongly encourage people to come forward on the day to help spread the message to inspire change in attitudes, behaviours, laws, funding and, ultimately, lower statistics.
Participants are encouraged to wear orange and/or purple on the day.
To stay updated on event details, follow the Goulburn Valley Against Violence Facebook page.