By Aneeka Simonis
ANTI-VIOLENCE campaigners will inject meaning to each step as they march the streets of Pakenham as part of White Ribbon Day.
It’ll be the sixth year locals – including families, welfare workers and police – have marched through the town in a show of intolerance toward family violence.
From noon on Friday 25 November, roads will be shut down to allow for the demonstration which starts from the library.
In previous years, walkers have held up anti-violence signs or worn similar clothing to get the powerful message across to the wider community.
A free barbecue will be held at the library after the walk.
Locals are also invited to take part in a range of other activities throughout the day.
‘The Clothesline Project’ has returned again this year, and invites people to write a message of hope on a T-shirt and wear it for the day.
The community will also be encouraged to ‘weave a star’ to contribute to the 10,000 stars Cardinia Shire is expecting to provide to Australians overall star collection to be displayed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast.
Cardinia Shire experiences high rates of family violence.
It has the second highest rate of reported family violence incidents in the southern metropolitan region, with one report every 75 minutes.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call triple-zero.
