Around 50 people in the community took part in the global Reclaim the Night movement last Saturday.
Hosted by Whitsunday Counselling and Support this first-ever local march to raise awareness about sexual violence and the right for everyone to feel safe at night.
The walk began at Coral Sea Marina and ended at the Airlie Beach foreshore stage, where participants gathered to share food and conversation.
Manager of Whitsunday Counselling and Support Sharon Parker said the inaugural turnout of around 50 people was encouraging. “
It went really well, and we’re hoping to grow it each year,” she said.
The event was held as part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month and received strong community support. Local police joined the walk, along with representatives from Zonta and staff from MP Amanda Camm’s office.
Reclaim the Night is an international campaign that began in the UK during the 1970s as a protest against violence towards women and restrictions placed on their freedom of movement after dark. The movement challenges the notion that women should modify their behaviour to stay safe, instead calling for accountability from perpetrators and a cultural shift towards shared community responsibility.
Sharon said she hopes the Reclaim the Night walk will become an annual event in the Whitsundays. “It’s a message that deserves to keep growing,” she said.
Members of Whitsunday Counselling and Support at the start of the march
Whitsunday Police Station attended the march
Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
