Students to pedal in push against violence

ST Patrick’s College students will be getting back on their bikes for the second annual Break the Cycle event.

The 24-hour spin-cycle fundraiser will be led by the college’s student council and aims to raise awareness around respectful relationships.

“Being an all-boys school, there’s a stigma around it about the mistreatment of women,” school captain Hugo Johnston said.

“For us doing this simple initiative it changes the way a lot of boys act and think around it, especially the younger boys because that’s where it stems from.”

Funds will again be raised for Raven Collective, a local organisation that employs women who have experienced domestic violence.

Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $5000.

“The leadership of young men in events like Break the Cycle is crucial in fostering a culture of respect and accountability, paving the way for a future where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated,” Raven Collective founder Natalie Illingworth said.

“Beyond practical assistance, we provide vital emotional support through therapies including art, financial literacy, mediation, and self-esteem programs, helping women rebuild their lives with dignity and strength enabling them to continue to provide a lifeline for women seeking safety, support, and empowerment.”

School principal Steven O’Connor thanked the students for their leadership and said the initiative reflects the institution’s values of character, community and compassion.

“The boys are really keen to send a message to the college community and the broader community that any form of disrespectful behaviour, any form of violence against women, is just not acceptable,” he said.

“We very much talk to the boys often about the importance of character, community, compassion and I think this event in a lot of ways encapsulates all of those values.”

This year’s event will also include an online silent auction and local businesses who would like to get involved can contact Ebony Corden at St Patrick’s College via [email protected] or phone 0413 224 437.

The event will take place on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August.

If you or someone you know is dealing with issues resulting from sexual or physical abuse, help is available from CASA on 1800 806 292 or casacv.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au, and 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.