Council backs 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based-Violence
Published on 30 October 2025
Mount Alexander Shire Council is standing with the community to support 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global movement that calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and gender-diverse people.
The international initiative was established by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage communities to take action to end gender-based violence.
Running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day), this year’s regional theme is: ‘We can change the story Loddon Mallee. Choose respect.’
Lisa Knight, Council’s Director Healthy Communities, said the campaign is a chance for the community to come together and take a stand.
“This year we’re inviting everyone to get involved, whether it’s through creative expression, conversation, or community events. It’s about choosing respect and showing that violence has no place in our Shire,” said Ms Knight.
“You can join a community walk against violence or come to a community gathering to share recipes, biscuits, cook with the CWA, crochet or knit and spark conversations about respect and resilience.
“The purpose is to support one another, share resources and make it known that Council does not tolerate gender-based violence in our community.”
Join the campaign by participating in one or more of the following activities:
- Crochet orange flowers to wear and share
- Join the community walk against violence at the Botanical Gardens on Wednesday 10 December, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Contribute to a community banner – Together we say yes to respect
- Come to a community gathering, Respect Starts at the Table, to share recipes, biscuits, cooking, crochet and talk about what respect means to you
- Submit a recipe on Shape Mount Alexander for our community cookbook designed to cook up respect and resilience together
- Enjoy the nightly art installation at the Northern Arts Hotel
- Get tickets to the Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show and see Council’s decorated truck
- Join an online event hosted by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee - Preventing Violence Beyond the Binary
- Join a screening at the Castlemaine Library – Unanswered Calls: Shining a Light on the Silent Victims of Domestic and Family Violence
- Pop into the Castlemaine Library and visit the 16 Days of Activism information hub
For event details, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/16daysactivism
Support and resources
Information and resources on gender-based violence will also be available in the foyer of the Castlemaine Library throughout the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
If you need help or would like to speak with someone about concerns of violence in your life, there are resources available:
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger, for police and ambulance.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence, help is available:
Learn more at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Support.
Image: Council staff Alanna Cooper, Manager Community Partnerships and Mel Fowler, Community Projects Officer