Council takes on Darkness to Daylight Challenge to tackle Domestic and Family Violence

The annual challenge held in Brisbane raises funds to increase awareness of domestic and family violence, symbolising those lives lost and the ones left behind.

Community Development Councillor Jan Kelly said Council stands firmly behind the cause and is joining with OneGovCQ in a collaborative public service effort to help discourage and prevent this serious social issue.

“Every year approximately 110 people die from domestic and family violence in Australia,” Cr Kelly said.

“This is an alarming and distressing statistic, and unfortunately, our region is not immune to the scourge of domestic and family violence. Council’s ongoing campaign to help prevent domestic and family violence has been running for some years now through various initiatives. The Darkness to Daylight Challenge provides another fantastic opportunity to shed light on an issue that affects many people within our local community.

“Although May's Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month is almost over, Council wants to continue keeping the message alive within the Capricorn Coast region.”

Cr Kelly encouraged the community to take part in the walk by simply turning up at the Yeppoon Lagoon by 5.45am to mark the start at 6am of a 5km circuit heading north along the foreshore pathway and back to the Lagoon. Cr Kelly is pleased to know St Ursula’s College students will also be taking part in the challenge.

“Raising public awareness against totally unacceptable domestic violence is very important, and having these young ladies walking alongside other walkers will clearly add depth to the message we hope to spread,” Cr Kelly said.

Money raised as part of the challenge will support Australia’s CEO Challenge (ACEOC) to continue their work raising awareness of domestic and family violence in the workplace and supporting services on the frontline, including children who have had to flee their home to escape violence.

“Through quality education, policy development, expert training and partnerships we provide organisations with the tools they need to better respond to domestic and family violence in their workplaces,” Cr Kelly said.

“It is only when we all work together that we can break the cycle of violence.”

Council is absolutely committed to keeping our residents and wider community safe. A big part of ensuring that safety is ensuring our residents have the right information and know where to find help via DVConnect on 1800 811 811.

If you have any questions about Family and Domestic Violence, please come and see our wonderful team at Council’s Community Centre or phone them on 4913 3840. For more information, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/domestic-family-violence-prevention-month

For more information on the Darkness to Daylight Challenge, visit https://www.australiasceochallenge.org/events/darkness_to_daylight/

WANT TO WALK WITH US? Just turn up on the day and help us bring domestic and family violence out of the darkness and into the daylight. No registrations required. Join us for a light breakfast afterwards at the Yeppoon Lagoon!

WHAT: 5KM WALK/RUN WHEN: 30 MAY 2019 from 6am – 7am WHERE: YEPPOON LAGOON