Be a Part of Something Epic!

Walk to end domestic violence returns to Whitsundays

The Whitsunday community is once again invited to be part of something truly epic, with the Epic Walk for Domestic Violence returning to Coral Sea Marina on Sunday, March 22.

Founded by former Dancing CEOs Brendan Smith (Network Ten) and Brendon Mann (Epic Hair Designs), the Epic Walk for DV is held alongside the annual Dancing CEOs campaign and raises funds for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). The organisation provides life-saving legal support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.

Originally a Brisbane-based initiative, the Epic Walk was brought to the Whitsundays in 2025 by the region’s former 'Dancing CEOs': Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit) and Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental), along with WLSQ Ambassador and local coordinator Katelyn Aslett-Collins.

Ms Aslett-Collins said last year’s inaugural Whitsundays Epic Walk was an incredible community event, bringing people together to share stories and raise vital funds.

“Following the success of last year’s Epic Walk, we are excited to bring this important event back to our community,” she said.

“Thanks to the incredible support shown through the Whitsundays Dancing CEOs campaign, Women’s Legal Service Queensland has committed to allocating even more funding back into our region.

“This means more families, not just across Queensland but locally, can access critical services when they need them most. For this reason, we are calling on our community to rise up and support this initiative once again.”

This year’s Epic Walk will be hosted by the Whitsundays’ 2026 Dancing CEO, Clarice Davis from McGrath Whitsunday.

Ms Davis said supporting WLSQ was something she felt deeply connected to.

“The work this organisation does to protect, empower and advocate for women and children in vulnerable situations is incredibly important,” she said.

“Having a community event like the Epic Walk that raises both funds and awareness makes a real and lasting difference. What I love most is that it brings together locals, families and businesses in a way that feels positive and meaningful. Everyone can take part, and every step truly counts.”

Ms Aslett-Collins said she hoped the Coral Sea Marina foreshore would once again be filled with purple shirts, smiling faces, dancing children and happy dogs, united in support of an important cause.

“We are also seeking business and personal sponsors to join the campaign, with several sponsorship levels available,” she said.

“We encourage teams, workplaces and community groups to get behind the event, raise funds and join the walk on the day. Rain or shine, the goal is to come together in a visible show of support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.”

Participants can register at www.epicwalkfordv.com.au

Sponsorship enquiries can be directed to kate@tastewhitsunday.com.au

Thanks to the generous support of initial sponsors Coral Sea Marina Resort, Belle Property, Bendigo Bank, Taste Whitsundays, Whitsunday Escape and Whitsunday Regional Council, more than $14,000 has already been raised.

Contributed with thanks to Sharon Smallwood.

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Photo credit: Phil Gordon - Riptide Creative

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