Community says enough is enough

THIS month the Ballarat community gathered to remember the lives of Rebecca Young, Samantha Murphy and Hannah McGuire, and rally against men’s violence towards women.

The event was organised by community leader Sissy Austin and attended by more than a thousand people from Ballarat and across the state.

The rally began at the Ballarat Station before participants walked down Lydiard Street and a series of speeches and performances were held at Camp Street’s Alfred Deakin Place.

Speakers included the friends and family of Rebecca Young, Samantha Murphy, and Hannah McGuire, as well as politicians, support workers and feminist writer Clementine Ford.

“We gather here first and foremost to wrap our arms around the families of Rebecca Young, Samantha Murphy and Hannah McGuire,” said Ms Austin.

“Families who are experiencing unimaginable grief, loss and sorrow who within their heartbreak have come here tonight and to raise awareness of men’s violence against women in our communities throughout Ballarat.”

Hannah Leonard attended the rally to remember her friend Hannah McGuire.

“We knew Hannah quite well, she had an impact on our lives and

I think the devastation that’s hit Ballarat in the last two months has been quite horrific,” she said.

Ms Leonard said she wants members of the community to know they can seek help and support.

“You are not alone, seek support where you can and if you feel like you’re alone tell someone,” she said.

Attendee Inga Hamilton said the community needs to be open and willing to learn.

“I am really sad that we have to be here today, but this isn’t about blame, it’s about change,” she said.

“It’s about change in a system that is just broken and we certainly can’t have one sixteenth of Australia’s deaths so far [this year] on our hands.

“That’s something we can change as a city, as a community.”

Event organiser Sissy Austin spoke at the rally next to images of Hannah McGuire, Rebecca Young and Samantha Murphy. Photo: MIRIAM LITWIN

Inga Hamilton, Hamish and Grace Hamilton attended the rally. Photo: MIRIAM LITWIN

Hannah Leonard, Laura Dunston and Portia Hughes held up banners in honour of Hannah McGuire. Photo: MIRIAM LITWIN