Global women’s safety movement takes to Lake Mac

Published on 21 October 2024

Empowering women to safely walk the streets after dark, the powerful Reclaim the Night march will take to Warners Bay Foreshore this week.

Women’s safety advocates, community members and survivors of abuse will march along the foreshore, demanding safer streets for women.

Lake Macquarie City Council Community Planner Children and Families Jessica Salvador said the event, which is now in its tenth year, was a significant platform for raising awareness and fostering change.

“This event gives survivors and allies a chance to voice their experiences and call for safer communities,” she said.

“It’s a reminder that everyone has the right to feel safe, wherever they are, at any time.”

This year’s instalment will be a family-friendly event and host a live site at the Warners Bay rotunda with support services, live music from Teasha and Mari, a barbecue with Warners Bay Girl Guides, giveaways and lawn games.

The evening will conclude with a march along The Esplanade, with women, children and men invited to join in the experience and be part of the change towards safer spaces.

“We’re encouraging the community to come along and gain access to vital support services, including Nova for Women and Children, Survivor’s R Us, Staying Home Leaving Violence, Community Activities Lake Macquarie family support and many more services that contribute to the Lake Macquarie Domestic Violence Committee,” Ms Salvador said.

According to the Australian Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the rate of sexual assault is higher in all nine Hunter local government areas than the NSW rate.

CALM Inc Chief Executive Officer Sheena Harvey said CALM will be at the event connecting with people and providing important information.

“We are seeing the added pressure of the rising costs of living leading to,” she said.

“Every child and young person deserve to feel safe. This event is about coming together as a community and saying no to violence.”

Australia’s first Reclaim the Night rally was held in 1978 and continues as an annual event, demanding an acceptable response to violence against women in our community and across the globe.

For more information, head to lakemac.com.au.