Focus on youth with rotary club to host domestic and family violence march

HUNDREDS of people will line the main street to support the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond with its annual community walk as part of ongoing efforts against domestic and family violence in the region.

The walk will be held at the visitor information centre and conclude with speeches from police and community members at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre on Friday, November 28.

Rotary club member David Harmon started the event in 2019 and said it has made a big difference in the Ballina region.

“We’ve noticed in Ballina over the six years that it’s a totally different place now with the conversations that are being had,” he said.

“I believe women in the region are feeling a lot more heard, believed, validated and supported.

“That shows up with the increased reporting with the Ballina police from the victims.

“The police are very proactive in the space, its at the top of the list and they’re working alongside us.

“This model that started here has been adopted by rotary clubs across Australia and in 20 countries across the world with the whole-community approach.”

This year, the theme focuses on youth with the rotary club hosting a breakfast for school leaders at Cherry Street Sports Club on Thursday, November 27.

The rotary club already has a partnership with Ballina Coast High School where it runs its Love Bites Respectful Relationships program.

The breakfast will host students from Evans Head to Tweed and inland from Lismore out to Kyogle.

“Raising awareness is a critical first link before educating and providing support that will help young people,” Mr Harmon said.

“We know about 40 per cent of youth are exposed to some form of violence and it can have a real impact on their lives.

“It’s about addressing the issues and helping us with early intervention and the support mechanisms we can put around young people.”