CAV said it was proud to bring the tennis legend, bestselling author, and survivor to Benalla this November for an evening of truth, resilience, and hope, made possible through a major partnership with Benalla Rural City Council.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said council had proudly funded the event and subsidised ticket prices to ensure greater access for the local community.
"As mayor of Benalla Rural City, I’m incredibly proud to support this important event,“ she said.
“Family violence affects families in our community at a rate that is double the Victorian state average, and it’s an issue we cannot ignore.
“Jelena Dokic’s story of courage and resilience is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking up and standing together.
“This event is an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and take action as a community.
“I encourage everyone to come along and be part of this vital conversation.”
CAV acting chief executive officer Kasi Burge said it was proud to be bringing Jelena Dokic to Benalla as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“Her story is confronting, but necessary, because silence does not keep people safe,” she said.
“Listening to lived experience is one of the most powerful tools we have to drive real change.
“At CAV, we believe in community solutions, in truth-telling, and in hope. This event is about all of those values.
“The event is more than a speaking engagement. It is an invitation to the people of Benalla to take part in a conversation that matters.
“Abuse and violence are not issues that happen somewhere else, to other people.
“They exist in every postcode. And they continue when communities feel too unsure, too isolated or too powerless to speak up.
“Jelena’s story reminds us that abuse can hide in plain sight.
“It challenges us to ask what role each of us can play in creating a culture where violence is no longer tolerated, ignored, or excused.”
CAV has been working with individuals and families in Benalla for many years, providing outreach support to those impacted by family and sexual violence.
In addition to hosting Jelena Dokic in November, CAV delivered a series of wellness workshops for victim survivors last year.
“And we are looking forward to bringing more advocacy-focused events to the Benalla community,” Ms Burge said.
“This event, co-delivered with council, reflects a shared commitment to safety, connection, and change.”
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10 each year.
It calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls in all their diversity.
In Victoria, the campaign is led by Respect Victoria, in partnership with Safe and Equal, and brings together individuals, organisations, and communities to take action, raise awareness and promote equality and respect.
“CAV is also delighted to partner with Edgars Books and News, who will be on-site with copies of Jelena Dokic’s books available for purchase,” Ms Burge said.
Book sales will be open before the event and continue afterward, with an opportunity to have your copy personally signed by Jelena after the show.
“We are grateful to Edgars for their enthusiastic support and for helping make this special part of the evening possible,” Ms Burge said.
“This event may reach full capacity. With thanks to Benalla Rural City Council, ticket prices have been subsidised to just $10 to help make this opportunity accessible to as many community members as possible.”
The evening will include a keynote presentation from Jelena, followed by a Q&A session.
This event is part of a regional tour presented by CAV during the 16 Days of Activism — it will also be held in Wangaratta on Wednesday, November 26 and Wodonga on Thursday, November 27.
The event will take place at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre on Tuesday, November 25 from 6pm.
Tickets are available from 10am on Thursday, August 14 from events.humanitix.com/jelena-dokic-benalla/
For more Information on CAV, visit www.centreagainstviolence.org.au/
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