A United Front Against Gender-Based Violence
Tuesday, 2 December 2025
On Wednesday 26 November 2025, a passionate group of advocates, students, and community members marched down High Street to send a powerful message: gender-based violence has no place in our society.
This year’s Walk Against Violence was not only a community event but also a significant learning experience for students involved in the Unite project as part of their final assessment. The students played an active role in planning, promoting, and participating in the march, applying their course knowledge to a real-world campaign.
Certificate IV in Community Services student Ruby Sidebottom explained, “We’re working towards getting the word out there and help people understand the statistics around gender-based violence and just how big it is in Australia and how much it does affect people. We’ve also set up some information stalls for community services that are around the area, so that people that do need help can see what there is in Albury Wodonga.”
Around 200 locals, advocates, and support workers gathered to raise awareness about domestic and family violence, an issue that continues to impact lives across the region. According to recent police data, Wodonga recorded over 1,000 family violence incidents in the past year, equating to more than 2,300 incidents per 100,000 people, almost double the Victorian state average. These sobering statistics highlight the urgency for action and education around gender-based violence.
During the event, participants were encouraged to wear orange, the official colour of the United Nation’s global 16 Days of Activism campaign, which began last week. Even the trees along High Street were adorned in orange, symbolizing hope and shining a light on an often unseen issue. The event also featured information stalls and interactive activities from local support services, ensuring that those in need or those unaware of available resources could connect with help. This initiative reinforces the message that support is out there and that no one has to face violence alone.
On behalf of the Wodonga TAFE Community Services & Health department and our event co-leads Junction Support Services, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the organisations that supported this important event, including Lavington Jindera Little Athletics Centre Wodonga Men’s Shed, Infinity Coordination and Supports, Woolworths Wodonga, Zonta Group, Upper Murray Family Care, and Rotary. We also extend our gratitude to everyone who attended and helped make this day a powerful statement of unity and hope.
If you or your organisation woulld like to be involved in next year’s event, which is already in early planning stages, please reach out to course coordinator Cathy Prior to register your interest.