Community invited to 16 Days of Activism events

Published on 13 November 2025

West Wimmera Shire Council will host a series of community events as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

The three events, in Edenhope, Goroke and Kaniva, will bring together guest speakers from Women’s Health Grampians, The Orange Door, Victoria Police and the Wimmera Southwest Family Violence Partnership to explore ways communities can build safety, equality and respect.

The Edenhope event will be on Monday 1 December at 10.30am at the Edenhope and District Community Centre.

Speakers include Marg Murphy from Grampians Health, Melissa Morris from Women’s Health Grampians and a representative from Victoria Police.

The Goroke event will be on Thursday 4 December at 10.30am at the Goroke Community Complex, featuring Lou Hurley from the Wimmera Southwest Family Violence Partnership, Melissa Morris from Women’s Health Grampians and a representative from Victoria Police.

The Kaniva event will be on Tuesday 9 December at 10.30am at the Kaniva LINK Neighbourhood House.

Speakers include Renee Clarkson from The Orange Door, Melissa Morris from Women’s Health Grampians and a representative from Victoria Police.

Morning tea will follow each session.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said the events were an important opportunity to learn, reflect and take action at a local level.

“Family violence impacts every community, and awareness is key to change,” he said.

“These events will help people understand what support is available and how everyone can play a role in creating a safer, more respectful community.”

These events are supported by Safe and Equal on behalf of Respect Victoria, through funding that supports local prevention activities during the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, led annually by UN Women, runs from 25 November to 10 December and aims to raise awareness and encourage action to prevent and end violence against women and girls.

For more information, contact Council’s Community Support Officer, Amanda Munn, on 13 99 72.