White Ribbon Day in Bendigo this year saw staff and volunteers from state, North West Region and District 2 come together to join over 400 people in the annual White Ribbon day event 'Bendigo Walks'.
“This is the third year CFA has participated in the local event and it’s wonderful to see CFA staff and firefighters come together for such a worthy cause,” said District 2 Operations Manager Trent McKinnon.
Guest speaker Jenny Yates shared her story of growing up in a family where violence was the norm and the impacts that had on her self-worth and her future choices. Jenny was followed by Hugh Martin who called on all men and boys present to change their behaviours and beliefs that feed gender inequality and excuse family violence.
All men were then invited to take the white Ribbon Day Oath “I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women. This is my Oath.”
Assembled behind a bold CFA banner members and fire trucks from Eaglehawk and Bendigo fire stations joined other community groups and organisations to walk through the main streets of Bendigo showing our support for violence prevention.
Author: Beth Taylor