Join our White Ribbon Walk and say NO to violence against women

Published on 10 November 2017

Mildura Rural City Council is inviting Sunraysia residents to join us in saying NO to violence against women by taking part in our White Ribbon Walk later this month.

Our annual White Ribbon Walk is our major event of the year in support of White Ribbon, which is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end men’s violence against women and girls, as well as promoting gender equality, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.

Mildura Mayor and White Ribbon Ambassador Mark Eckel said this year’s event would start in the Langtree Mall at midday on Friday, 24 November, taking participants down the Langtree Avenue connection to Mildura’s new-look riverfront where it will conclude with a community barbecue.

Cr Eckel encouraged Sunraysia residents and businesses to show their support for White Ribbon by taking part in the walk.

“As the level of government closest to the community, local government plays a key role in working towards gender equality and preventing violence against women in Victoria,” Cr Eckel said.

“Critical mass was the driving force behind my support for Mildura Rural City Council becoming a White Ribbon-accredited workplace.

“I would encourage all councils to be engaged. They are significant employers in their municipalities, particularly in rural Victoria. This means councils are in a unique position to help drive the social change needed to achieve a society free from violence.

“Violence against women is a massive problem, not only in our community, but across the world.

“By taking part in events such as our White Ribbon Walk, we are saying very publicly that this is not acceptable, as well as raising awareness about the issue and how to prevent it happening.

“As our region’s first White Ribbon-accredited organisation, we can play a lead role in achieving these goals through events such as this month’s White Ribbon Walk.”

As part of this month’s walk, several prominent local organisations will feature displays at the community barbecue, including Mallee Sexual Assault Unit and Mallee Domestic Violence Service, and Sunraysia Community Health Service, which will showcase its Men’s Behaviour Change Program and Multi-disciplinary Centre Community Health Nurse program.

Other organisations include Mallee Family Care’s Murray Mallee Community Legal Service, Lower Murray Water, The Christie Centre and Centacare.

And for residents keen to more prominently display their support for White Ribbon, a group from Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council will be doing White Ribbon henna tattoos, there will be White Ribbon face-painting and Mildura Arts Centre staff will be providing materials for people to make their own White Ribbon to plant in a garden along the Langtree Connection.

Merchandise will also be available to purchase in the Langtree Mall each day from Monday 20 November until the walk from 12pm till 2pm. Purchases can also be made on the day of the walk from 11am to 12pm, as well as at the end of the walk.

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au