The Rotary Club of Benalla held a community barbecue following its successful inaugural ‘Say no’ walk.
Benalla Rotary has held its latest social project, organising the inaugural ‘Say no to domestic and family violence and yes to respectful relationships awareness walk’.
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The community event, which was part of Benalla’s 16 days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence, took place on Friday, November 28
The walk, which was attended by more than 80 local people, was followed by a community barbecue under Benalla library.
A club spokesperson said it had made a commitment to raise awareness and support those affected by domestic and family violence.
It was a sunny day in Benalla for the Rotary club’s first ‘Say no’ walk.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
It was also part of a multinational Rotary campaign of action, which started with the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond in 2019.
“Benalla holds the ninth-highest rate of family violence incidents per capita in Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
“The statistics are confronting, and it was great to see our community walking down Bridge St united, raising awareness and making a stand against this unacceptable crime.
“Many local businesses have already shown support for the campaign and ‘Say No Purple Fridays’ will continue with businesses, Rotarians and residents wearing purple shirts keeping the message visible, raising awareness and showing support for those affected by domestic and family violence.”
More than 80 local people took part in Benalla Rotary’s walk on Friday, November 28.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
For anyone who wishes to purchase a ‘Say no’ purple shirt, contact the Rotary club via secretary@benallarotaryclub.com, and wear your shirt on a Friday as Rotary raises awareness in our community.
Attendees at the walk included members from the Rotary Club of Benalla, FCJ College teachers and students, members from the Benalla Homelessness Response Group, Rotary district governor elect Paul Meigel, Benalla Rural City Councillor Puna Hewa Gunaratne, Bendigo Bank staff, local residents and Benalla police officers.
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