‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ - Gandhi

"In 2004 I decided enough was enough and continue to be frustrated by the lack of public awareness about sexual assault.  Whilst the Federal Government launched its attempt at highlighting violence against women in the community, the advertising campaign ran for around 3weeks in the middle of the year, many people I know never even received the so-called brochures and then all was quiet again.  Sexual assault continues to be a crime where the prevalence iS on the increase and the conviction rates are on the decrease.  We cannot wait for our Governments to act anymore, we must do what we can to educate the community and raise public awareness. " (G.J. McMillan - survivor)

I would like to see organised our largest event ever with one exclusive aim;

 to educate communities about sexual assault crimes in Australia. 

I would like to see a small group walk from the North Coast of NSW to the steps of Parliament House in Sydney/Canberra during October 2006. I had hoped this would have occurred in 2005, however with the new addition of a baby and more planning than I had envisaged it has slowed down planning.  Ideally wouldn't it be great to see people walk from every area of their State and converge on their Parliament for Reclaim the Night ??????? What better way to work off some of those frustrations!!. 

Logistically there is a great deal of organising, we are certainly looking for support and helpers before, during and after our trek. A full outline of the route will be provided early in 2006.  It would be great to see community groups on route putting together their own events as the 'walk against violence' group passes through their community. Please contact COURAGE if you can assist in anyway.  Monies raised will be donated to current sexual assault and rape crisis services.

Some of the ideas being suggested;

• Collect and deliver the words/voices of victims and survivors and hand-deliver to Parliament (art, poetry etc)
• Speak with community groups along route
• Gain the support of victims and survivors throughout the State, in joining parts of the walk at various intervals and on arrival in Sydney/Canberra.
• Distribute literature which highlights the needs of victims and survivors to community groups/schools along route.

What do we need ?

• Support vehicles/accommodation
• Publicity/Public relations (media/advertising/marketing)
• Catering
• Sponsorship?
• Insurance
• Committee (organising, public relations etc.)

Hopefully a chat room can be established in the next few months to keep us all up-to-date with the progress. 

If you would like to be a part of this amazing event, if you can organise something in your local community, help along the way, if you have a skill, experience or enthusiasm you would like to share, please drop me a line at Courage.  Look forward to 2006!!

Glenda

courage@tsn.cc