The strong turnout shows people are ready to listen, ready to learn, and proud to come together to talk about what matters.
Jelena Dokic is more than a former world number four tennis player. She is a survivor and a voice for resilience.
At just 16, she shocked the tennis world by defeating world number one Martina Hingis at Wimbledon.
Behind those victories was a story of enormous personal struggle, including years of abuse at home and battles with her mental health.
Now, Jelena speaks openly about her journey in her bestselling books Unbreakable and Fearless, and on stages across Australia.
She shares not just her successes, but also the courage it takes to keep going when life is hardest.
Her honesty is inspiring people everywhere to face tough issues such as family violence and mental health struggles with strength and compassion.
Centre Against Violence chief executive Jaime Chubb said the community response showed just how much people want to engage.
“This demand tells us something important. People want to be part of these conversations,” Ms Chubb said.
“Jelena’s story is about survival, courage and hope — experiences that connect us all.
“By coming together in such numbers, our region is showing that it is ready to face difficult issues like family violence and mental health stigma, and to do so with compassion and solidarity.”
Support for these events has come from a strong network of partners.
The Benalla event has been generously supported by Benalla Rural City Council, together with funding from Safe and Equal, Respect Victoria and the Victorian Government’s Free from Violence initiative.
This series of events forms part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10 each year.
The campaign calls for an end to violence against women and children and invites communities to stand together, raise awareness and take action to create safer homes and safer communities.
With Benalla and Wodonga sold out (waitlists available) and only a few seats left in Wangaratta’s larger venue, this tour is a chance for people to hear a story that is moving, powerful and deeply human.
The community response already shows one thing clearly: together, we are ready to listen and ready to learn.
Edgars Books and News will be on site at each event, with Jelena’s books available for purchase and signing.
Tickets for the Wangaratta event, on November 26, are available via wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/An-Evening-with-Jelena-Dokic-Strength-Resilience-Hope/
