Thursday, November 27, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Yarn Against Harm Brings Advocacy Into Public View

Soroptimist International Mackay (SI Mackay) officially launched the Yarn Against Harm installation last Monday, 24 November 2025, at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Playground, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Led by SI Mackay and created with contributions from across the community, the Yarn Against Harm installation became a vibrant and meaningful display aimed at raising awareness, sparking conversation, and showing solidarity with survivors of violence. The installation will remain on display for the duration of the international campaign, from 25 November to 10 December.

The space is wrapped in orange, the official colour of the 16 Days campaign, symbolising hope, determination, and change. As part of the initiative, SI Mackay also arranged for the Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building on Gordon Street to be illuminated in orange, an in-kind show of support from Mackay Regional Council and a striking visual reminder of the campaign’s message.

SI Mackay Member Tanya Williams said the installation reflected the club’s ongoing commitment to advancing the rights, safety, and wellbeing of women and girls.

“Soroptimist International has branches all over the world, and here in Mackay our club has proudly served the community for almost 50 years.”

Throughout the campaign, SI Mackay encourages the community to visit the installation and use it as a prompt for important conversations, from discussing respectful relationships with children to reviewing workplace policies that contribute to safer, more supportive environments.

“Ending violence against women requires all of us,” Tanya said.

“Every conversation, every action, and every commitment matters.”

Photo source: Soroptimist International Mackay

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