Moonee Valley Walk Against Family Violence

Join our local Moonee Valley Walk Against Family Violence in Queens Park at 11:30am on Wednesday 27th November to help create a future where we are all safe, equal and respected.

What is this event about?

This event marks the beginning of Moonee Valley City Council's actions for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign started back in 1991.

Our local campaign, developed and delivered in partnership with cohealth, with support from Respect Victoria and Safe & Equal, is focusing on the theme 'Step Up': What can we all do, right where we are, to create positive change and see people no longer using violence in their relationships?

What can I expect on the day?

Speeches at the Sound Stage: Join with fellow community members from 11:30am to hear a special Welcome to Country, followed by speeches from Council and cohealth representatives as well as two powerful local anti-violence advocates: Emily Unity and Mary. All will be joined on stage by an Auslan interpreter.

Walk around the lake: After the speeches, we will begin a short walk around the lake. For those who cannot do so, or would prefer not to do so, seating will be available at the Sound Stage. Whether you're walking or seated, we encourage you to connect with those around you and talk about stepping up!

Lunch: When the walk is finished, a light lunch will be available to all. Vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten free options will be available.

Accessibility

If there's anything we can do to support your participation on the day, please get in touch. The following information may be useful:

• This event will be Auslan interpreted. The Interpreter is Sarah Field from Expressions Australia.
• Seating and some shade will be available.
• The walk will take place around the lake in the middle of Queens Park and along the border of Mount Alexander Road. The path is short and relatively flat and should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
  

Getting there

There is parking available around Moonee Ponds, however public transport is advised because spaces near by fill up quickly. There are many public transport options that bring you close to the Sound Stage at Queens Park. The following transport lines have routes that pass near Queens Park:

• Tram: 59 (tram stop is a two minute walk); 82 (tram stop is a five minute walk)
• Bus: 469, 476, 483, 504, 505
• Train: Craigieburn Line (stop at Moonee Ponds Train Station and walk 10 minutes)

What to bring

• The 16 Days campaign theme is orange, so if you have orange clothes, consider wearing them!
• Sun protection and water.
• Though the walk around the lake is short and flat, you may want to wear comfortable shoes

Any questions?

Get in touch with Moonee Valley City Council's Community Safety Officer Laura if you have any questions about the event. You can email [email protected] or call 9243 1022.

Family Violence support information

If you have any concerns about violence in your life, please know that you are not alone and help is available

If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for police and ambulance

If you are not in immediate danger, you can reach out to these organisations:

· 1800 Respect is a national 24/7 hotline operated by trained counsellors for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Please call 1800 737 732.

· Safe Steps helps people in Victoria who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing family violence. Call 1800 015 188 to contact them at any time, or you could try their live web chat service available 9am till midnight, Monday to Friday.

· The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence, and families who need extra support with the care of children. Visit The Orange Door website to find which of their fifteen locations across Victoria is closest to you.

· Easily search Safe and Equal for more services to meet your specific needs, such as Djirra for Aboriginal women, and InTouch for women of migrant and refugee backgrounds.

If you are using violence in your relationships, help is available to stop

Consider reaching out to No to Violence if you have concerns about your behaviour. Respectful relationships support is also available from Relationships Australia, who you can reach on 1300 364 277. If you’re a man, you could also try the confidential Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, available 24/7.

Host or Publisher Moonee Valley City Council