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It is time again to walk to show your support for victims of domestic and family violence, by taking part in the White Ribbon Coastal Walk from Lighthouse Beach to Town Green on November 26.
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The free community event, consists of a coastal walk from either Lighthouse Beach, Flynn’s Beach or Town Beach Kiosk to the Town Green in Port Macquarie, raising awareness for White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Ahlia Westaway-Griffiths, Program and Community Education Officer, for The Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, said the event is for the community to show their support.
“The White Ribbon Coastal Walk is a fantastic way for people living in domestic violence situations to see overwhelming community support, in such a positive way,” Ms Westaway-Griffiths said.
“Being in a violent situation is often very isolating and we have women come to us and say that people don’t or won’t take them seriously but for them to see such a public display of support can be very beneficial to them,” she said.
“Often times women can be afraid that when they do make contact with someone they will be laughed at, so the event is a way to show women who may be in a domestic violence situation that there are people who are willing to listen to them when they find their voice, and are ready.”
The walk, which is in its 9th year, is supported by the Hastings business community along with members of the public and Ms Westaway-Griffiths said that each year the event gets bigger.
“Last year we had over 500 people participate with groups and services volunteering along the way encouraging people,” she said.
The event is open to all members of the public and with the addition of the one kilometre walk from the Town Beach kiosk, everyone is invited to attend.
“The Town Beach to Town Green track was added so that people with prams or mobility issues could participate, so we are hoping for a great whole of community response on the day.”
“There will also be free buses from Town Green to both Flynn’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach on the morning of the walk so that people can park in town.”
Registration forms are essential and can found at Liberty Cottage, 155 Gordon Street or at SNAP, 110 William Street or online here with applications closing on November 24.