Community
7 December, 2025
Community marches for change against violence
Guest speakers at the event included Women’s Health Grampians’ Luke Baker and St Arnaud Acting Inspector Tim Thomson, who both spoke of their witnessing of violence in their professions.
IT WAS a sombre feeling in the Queen Mary Botanic Gardens last Tuesday as the community came together to take steps towards eliminating violence against women and girls.
An event run by Northern Grampians Shire Council marked the first day of the 16 Days of Activism, a campaign that is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and the importance of collective action to create a safer world for women and girls everywhere.
Guest speakers at the event included Women’s Health Grampians’ Luke Baker and St Arnaud Acting Inspector Tim Thomson, who both spoke of their witnessing of violence in their professions.
“I’m not just part of Victoria Police, I’m a husband and a father,” Inspector Thomson said.
“It’s our job as men to teach our young men what the expectations are and that masculinity does not equal violence.
“We need to do our part too.”
The event concluded at the park before attendees marched down to Market Square for the rest of the afternoon.
The St Arnaud Lions Club put on a BBQ while residents had the opportunity to share stories and support with each other.
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