Greater Dandenong Walk Against Family Violence: A Legacy of Courage and Community (Council News Article November 2025)

Since 2013, the Greater Dandenong community has united annually to reject family violence. Each year, community members have marched in solidarity, joined by powerful voices - survivors, advocates and performers - who share their stories to inspire change and promote a world free of violence.

At the inaugural event, anti-violence campaigner Phil Cleary spoke about his fight for justice following the death of his sister. In 2016, entertainer and survivor Colleen Hewitt moved hundreds with her story and song. The following year, football legend Kevin Sheedy stood alongside survivor 'Rebecca' to raise awareness.

Though the pandemic halted public gatherings in 2020 and 2021, the community maintained the momentum with virtual walks to keep the conversation alive. In 2022, advocate Tarang Chawla shared the heartbreaking story of losing his sister Niki to domestic violence. In 2023, survivors Liana Papoutsis, a human rights lawyer, and Melanie Rowe, a former police officer, shared their experiences.

In 2024, keynote speaker Simone O'Brien shared her harrowing experience of surviving a brutal attack by her ex-partner. After ending the relationship, Simone was assaulted in her home in front of her children and left with life-altering injuries. Her story is one of extraordinary resilience - having undergone more than 50 surgeries, she now travels the country raising awareness about the red flags of abuse and the importance of reporting violence. "We need to protect everyone from these perpetrators," she urged.

Join us for the 2025 Walk Against Family Violence This year's Walk Against Family Violence will be held on Tuesday 25 November. Meet at the Dandenong Market at 11am and walk to Harmony Square to hear from guest speakers.

Join the walk and help us send the message that Greater Dandenong says 'no to family violence'.

This event is delivered in collaboration with Dandenong Market, Interfaith Network, Orange Door, Wellsprings for Women, Safe + Equals, WAYSS, WHISE (Women's Health in South East) and supported by Victoria Police.

Stories That Shape Us: Reframing Masculinity Today Author Francesca Cavallo discusses her book Stellar Stories for Boys of the Future and the topic of reframing masculinity. She will be joined by two
community leaders and together they explore how stories, men's circles and youth workshops can inspire healthier, more inclusive understandings of masculinity.

Join us on Saturday 29 November, 4pm at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre.

If you're concerned about a friend or family member, or you're experiencing gendered violence, call '1800 Respect' on 1800 737 732.