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The Rotary Clubs of Mackay Region’s Respect in Every Step march aimed to empower students and the wider community to denounce and report Domestic and Family Violence
Massive crowds turned out on May 30th to denounce Domestic & Family violence, in the Rotary Clubs of Mackay Region’s Respect in Every Step march.
1000 students were in the mix, with the march focused on educating and empowering students to understand the community’s expectation of respect and healthy relationships; and extend the message to the wider community to reinforce the importance of creating a safe environment for all.
Domestic Violence is a prominent issue across Queensland, with Police responding to 183,747 DFV-related call outs across Queensland between July 2024 and June 2025. That’s an average of 500 incidents every day – or one every 3 minutes.
“If you or someone you know is at risk, help is available,” QPS Deputy Commissioner Tims said.
“Reach out to police and specialist support services if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence – your report could save a life.”
Chants for change echoed through Mackay’s city centre last Friday as the community united to take a stand against domestic and family violence during a powerful march from the River Street carpark to Bluewater Quay.
Students, teachers, police officers from various departments, frontline emergency services, domestic violence advocates, business owners, community leaders and dignitaries marched side-by-side in support of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
Among those attending was Mayor for Mackay Greg Williamson, Member for Whitsunday and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, along with Rotary Club representatives and community members from across the region.
While the march itself may not directly change the circumstances surrounding domestic and family violence, Mayor Greg Williamson said events like these play an important role in educating and empowering younger generations.
“For us, domestic and family violence prevention in our community has got to start with the generations before us.” Mayor Williamson said.
He said the strong turnout, which included around 1,000 students, was encouraging and highlighted the importance of investing in young people to help create lasting change.
“They’re our future… and what we really need is for them to stay invested in preventing and stopping domestic and family violence.”
District Officer Superintendent for Mackay and the Whitsundays Dean Cavanagh said domestic and family violence continues to have a major impact across Queensland communities, accounting for around 80 per cent of police workloads.
He said the march was a powerful display of courage and unity, particularly with so many students involved.
“This march is a great visual representation of the community coming together with courage to speak out against domestic and family violence,” Superintendent Cavanagh said.
“It’s really good to see the students here.”
“Ultimately, it’s the next generation that needs to stand up, understand the impact this has on the community, and speak out against it.”
The march formed part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month activities held across the region, encouraging conversations around respect, safety and support within the community.
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000). If you don’t want to speak to the police you can also call DV Connect on 1800 811 811 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24 hours, 7 days a week). You can also go to the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month website for more details and support.
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