The Zonta e-Club Central and Southern Australia Inc, Australia, launched the 16 Days of Activism in Bass Coast with a community event aimed at raising awareness and taking action against family violence. The initiative brought together key stakeholders and community members to emphasize that family violence is never acceptable and to highlight the rising rates of violence in the region.

The event, which marked the start of 16 Days of Activism, was connected to Active Bystander training, an online forum with guest speakers, and a social media campaign. Key stakeholders supporting the initiative included the Bass Coast Shire Council, Corinella Community Centre, Victoria Police, Gippsland Women’s Health and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault.

The event began with speeches from Sandra Burns and newly elected Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Hallstead, setting the tone for a unified stand against family violence. The walk was led by the club president, alongside Sandra Burns, carrying the Zonta Says NO banner as a powerful statement of advocacy.

Local media, including The Sentinel, were informed of the initiative to amplify awareness and encourage community participation in the 16 Days of Activism campaign.