Members from District 2 joined together with their local community in Bendigo on Wednesday, 28 November to walk against the scourge of family violence.
The community event was held as part of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and an initiative of Greater Bendigo against Family Violence. A community action showcase with key speakers was held prior to the walk. Malmsbury Fire Brigade Captain Tony Stephens was invited to speak.
"If we create and foster a culture and environment where every member of the community sees CFA as a viable volunteering option, then our reach into towns can be broad, deep and long lasting and we can be a voice for what is right," Tony said.
"We can model what is acceptable. This helps prevent and break the cycle of domestic violence. CFA is stepping up and making change. But we can’t be complacent, and we have a long way to go."
Representatives from Spring Gully Primary School - a lead Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships School responsible for role modelling and supporting other schools, Victoria Police, Anglicare and a wealth of other agencies and organisations came together on the day and joined with community members of all ages following the walk for some lunch and a stirring hip hop performance.
The walk was also kindly supported by trucks and members from both Strathfieldsaye and Bendigo Fire Brigades as well as the Volunteer Sustainability Team and District 2 Operations Manager Bill Johnstone.