16 Days of Activism
What is the 16 Days of Activism?
16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is a widely recognised global campaign that signifies action towards ending violence against women and girls around the world. It runs every year from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and ends on 10 December (Human Rights Day). During the 16 Days of Activism, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
Indigo Shire Council proudly joins the annual campaign and encourages all Victorians to work together to prevent violence against women. We recognise that we have a role to play in the prevention of violence. Our Councillors will observe the campaign at the November 25 Council Meeting.
Through funding provided by Safe + Equal, we have hosted activities to help our community get involved in the campaign and champion positive messages of gender equality, while raising awareness that gender-based violence, including family violence is unacceptable.
2025 Events
Walk Against Violence
In collaboration with Beechworth Health Service, Chiltern Neighbourhood House, Quercus Beechworth and Yackandandah Community Centre there will be three community walks against violence. The walks provide opportunities for the surrounding communities to show their united front against violence towards women and girls.
By joining this walk you can take action to prevent family violence and violence against women. You can demonstrate your solidarity with people who've experienced violence. After each gentle walk you will have the opportunity to hear from your Family Violence Police Officers and the Centre Against Violence and other services.
People of all genders are welcome. Bring your workmates, friends, family, chosen family – and even your dogs! Wear orange if you can, bring a water bottle, and don’t forget colourful signs and banners, gold coin donation (optional).
Rutherglen - Wednesday 26 November
The walk commences at 4:00pm from the Apex Park BBQ shelter off Murray Street, Rutherglen and follows a gentle circuit around Lake King before returning to the BBQ shelter. You are invited to stay for afternoon tea.
Beechworth - Saturday 29 November
The walk commences at 10:00am from the playground at Lake Sambell playground, Beechworth and follows the walking path adjacent to McConville Ave to the Chinese Gardens. Join us for morning tea afterwards.
Yackandandah - Wednesday 3 December
The walk commences at 4:00pm from the Yackandandah Sports Park at the Indigo Epic Trailhead, off Wellsford Street, and follows a gentle walk along the Yackandandah Creek. You are invited to stay for afternoon tea.
Storytimes
You’re Fabulous As You Are by Sophie Beer
Come along for a book, songs, and activity at all Indigo Shire Libraries!
Presented by UMFC Child and Family Services Team in collaboration with Indigo Shire Council.
- Wednesday 26 November, 10:00am - Rutherglen Library
- Thursday 27 November, 9:30am - Yackandandah Library
- Thursday 27 November, 10:00am - Beechworth Library
- Friday 28 November, 11:00am - Chiltern Library
Left Write Hook
Centre Against Violence (CAV) is proud to announce that the internationally acclaimed Left Write Hook program is coming to North East Victoria in April 2026.
The initiative will bring two major opportunities to our communities. First, public screenings of the award-winning documentary Left Write Hook will be held in Benalla, 20 April at 6.30pm and Beechworth, 21 April at 6.30pm, giving audiences an intimate and powerful look at the journeys of survivors who took part in the program.
Second, hands-on workshops will be offered in both towns, specifically designed for victim survivors of family and sexual violence to experience the transformative combination of writing and boxing that is at the heart of the program.
Victim survivors interested in taking part can register here.
For more information about Left Write Hook visit their website. For updates, visit Centre Against Violence.
Why is it important?
Gender based violence is a prevalent and distressing issue in Australia, and while the statistics are confronting, we know that it is preventable.
Stopping gender-based violence starts with addressing gender equality. We all have a role to play in changing attitudes and creating a more equitable world.
Did you know?
- 1 in 2 women have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15
- 1 in 4 women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15
- 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual assault since the age of 15
- 1 in 3 LGBTIQA+ people have experienced violence from a partner, ex-partner, or family member
- 3 in 5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by a male intimate partner.
(Data Sourced: Safe+Equal, 2025)
Useful contacts
If you or someone you know is experiencing gendered violence, support is available.
- In an emergency call Police on 000
- Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or safesteps@safesteps.org.au for crisis support, information, and accommodation.
- 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for 24/7 phone counselling and referrals
- Orange Door on 1800 354 322
- The Rainbow Door on 1800 729 367, a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline that supports individuals and families of all ages and identities.
- InTouch 1800 755 988 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for support for migrant and refugee women and their communities.
- Djirra on 1800 105 303 for emotional, cultural and practical support for Aboriginal women and their children who are dealing with family violence or have experienced it in the past and are still not safe.
Ways to learn more