Join our Community Walk Against Family Violence 2024

Join our Community Walk Against Family Violence 2024

Published on 07 November 2024

One of Australia's most powerful and effective champions in the push to stop family violence will lead Mildura Rural City Council's 2024 Community Walk Against Family Violence later this month.

Council's Chief Executive Officer Martin Hawson said he was proud to reveal domestic violence survivor and former local Kim O'Reilly as guest speaker at this year's event, which would take place on Friday, 15 November.

"Our Community Walk Against Family Violence is about raising awareness in a very public way that family violence continues to be a major and very serious issue in our community," Mr Hawson said.

"Bringing hundreds of people together and marching through our city centre is a powerful way to do this.

"While Kim's story and what she's had to go through are shocking, the way she's been able to use that terrible experience to help countless others and bring about real change to prevent domestic violence at a national level, particularly in the sporting community, is truly inspiring.

"Having someone with the sheer courage and national profile that Kim O'Reilly has will elevate this important annual event for our community to another level this year."

Mr Hawson encouraged as many people as possible to join the walk.

"The more people who join us in our Walk Against Family Violence the bigger the impact, and the best thing is anyone can take part. Simply come along on the day and join us," he said.

Mr Hawson said another important element of the Community Walk Against Family Violence was the information and resources available at the conclusion of the event at Powerhouse Place.

"We receive great support from local service providers each year who either have a presence at the event and are on-hand to speak to the community, or provide a wealth of information for the community to access," he said.

"This can provide an invaluable resource for those in our community who may otherwise be reluctant to come forward and ask for help."

This year's walk will take place on Friday 15 November, starting in the Langtree Mall at midday.

The walk will take participants along Feast Street, down the Langtree Avenue connection and along Mildura's riverfront.

It will conclude at Powerhouse Place, where there will be a host of information stalls and displays from key local service providers involved in dealing with and preventing family and gendered violence.

For more information visit Join our Community Walk Against Family Violence | Facebook

KIM O'REILLY BACKGROUND

Kim O'Reilly is a victim/ survivor of domestic violence. she almost lost her life in 2019.

While her ex-partner was bailed and soon rearrested, he was welcomed to a roaring crowd on the football field for Dimboola three days after being released.

Kim was still recovering from her severe and life-impacting injuries.

A sentence of six years was given and a year later her campaign It's NEVER ok was created. It's NEVER ok is to provide education, understanding and awareness of domestic violence in organisations/sports/schools around the nation.

Kim's goal is to achieve all business and sports industries within communities small or large to have a supportive, fair and a powerful structure no matter gender, culture or status.

Kim was nominated for Australian of the Year for her advocacy work in 2022 which was a massive achievement. She continues to educate and speak out on her experience and the need for communities to create change and to push for our legal system to implement prevention sentencing and safer outcomes for victims.

ENDS

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