Central Coast Council is proud to announce its ongoing participation in the United Nations’ international ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December.
This year, the campaign theme is ‘Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.’
In partnership with the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee and local support services, Council is supporting two community walking events to raise awareness about violence against women and shine a light on domestic and family violence. The initiative aims to empower the community and create meaningful change on the Coast.
Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said he is urging the community to stand together and get involved.
“Everyone on the Central Coast deserves to feel safe and respected, whether they are interacting online or in person,” Mayor McKinna said.
“By taking part in these events, we send a clear and powerful message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated in our community. I encourage everyone to join us in supporting survivors and building a safer future for all.”
Two free community walk events will be held as part of the campaign, and all residents are welcome to attend:
• Thursday 27 November in Toukley, at Coles Toukley carpark from 5.30pm
• Wednesday 10 December in Gosford, at 364 Mann St (Coast Shelter) from 10am
As part of the campaign, Council will also distribute free copies of the award-winning children’s picture book, ‘Every Day I Like to Play.’ Developed in 2024 through a collaboration between Council and the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee, the book delivers positive, age-appropriate messages about respectful relationships and challenges traditional gender stereotypes within the home.
Community members are invited to pop into a local library to obtain a copy of the book.
Banners featuring pages from the children’s picture book will be displayed on Brian McGowan Bridge in Gosford and along Tuggerah Straight during the campaign to promote gender equality.
Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said that Central Coast Council remains committed to working collaboratively with key partners and the broader community through these events to prevent violence before it starts.
“Domestic violence is one of the largest threats to our community’s safety, and these initiatives have been shown to make a real difference.” Ms Smith said.
“The Central Coast has the second-highest number of domestic violence incidences in NSW so we need to be doing more to bring a stop to abuse before it occurs.”
Council also wishes to remind anyone impacted by domestic or family violence that they are not alone and that specialised support services are available across the Central Coast.
For details about the community walks, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/16days. To access support, search ‘family violence’ on Council’s website or free call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). Available 24/7.