On Wednesday, May 6, community members are invited to walk from 5.00pm from the East Gippsland Shire Council Corporate Centre, 273 Main Street to the Bairnsdale Rotunda, or meet there.

At the Rotunda, an evening of reflection and solidarity with music, guest speakers, a free barbecue, and a shared candle lighting at dusk (candles provided) will be held.

If you can’t attend in person, you are welcome to light a candle or pause at home in solidarity. The Corporate Centre in Bairnsdale will also be lit in purple from 6 May through to the end of the month as a visible show of support.

This initiative is in partnership with Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, Gippsland Community Legal Services and our Youth Ambassadors.

This global initiative shines a light on the importance of respect, equality and safety — values that help every person in our region feel supported and included.

Throughout the 16 Days, you’ll see signs of our commitment across the community, including:

• CEO Fiona Weigall, Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, Deputy Mayor Cr Tom Crook, Crs Arthur Allan, John White, Joanne Eastman, Bernie Farqhuar, and Acting Manager Community Resilience and Emergency Management, Janette Schimleck joined members of Inner Wheel Club of Bairnsdale on the Corporate Centre steps with orange floral tributes & campaign signs to stand against gender-based violence for the beginning of 16 Days of Activism.

• The Corporate Centre, Bairnsdale is illuminated in orange, the colour of hope for a future free from violence.
• A large hand (up) art installation at the Corporate Centre entrance which has been created by local artist, Lee Nickless and a group of young artists.

• Some of our staff are wearing “Hands Up to Change the Story” t-shirts.

If you need help:

In an emergency call: 000

Safe Steps: 1800 015 188

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24 hours)

No to Violence Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491

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