Around 300 people from across the Far South Coast on Friday morning marched at Narooma to raise awareness about domestic violence for White Ribbon Day.
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The day was organised by the Far South Coast Local Area Command of the NSW Police and attended by emergency service personnel from NSW Ambulance, RFS, NSW Fire & Rescue, SES, Marine Rescue, Fisheries, Roads and Maritime Services, as well as members of sports groups, men’s groups and local government.
Students from Narooma Public School spread out to form a big white ribbon on Narooma golf course that was photographed from the air by the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter.
Westpac Life Saver Helicopter CEO Stephen Leahy said domestic violence was a very important issue and the Moruya-based helicopter and crew were eager to participate and help with the aerial photo, which can be seen in our gallery above.
All the participants then marched down from Narooma Golf Club down to NATA Oval where the Welcome to Country by local Yuin woman Lynn Thomas took place followed by speeches.
Local commander Detective Superintendent Peter O’Brien thanked the organising committee, saying they did a fantastic job and noting that the only way to tackle domestic violence was to make it socially and culturally unacceptable.
“One in three women experience assault, sexual assault or verbal assault, which is way too high for a civilised society,” he said. “The only way we can continue to achieve results is without a doubt is with you people. We plan to run this every year.”
Assistant Commissioner and corporate spokesman on domestic violence for NSW Police Michael Fuller urged everyone to ask themselves what small role they could take against domestic violence.
“Unless we start having these conversations, the next generation of women will suffer,” he said.
Local Detective Inspector Kevin McNeil spoke about domestic violence in the Aboriginal community, praising Wallaga Lake women Marlene Tighe for having great courage to speak out.
Ms Tighe was the victim of a horrific bashing at the hands of her partner in 2013, who struck her with a hammer and blinding her in the left eye. He was charged with attempted murder.
She said she was motivated to speak out against domestic violence on the 7.30 Report after attending the Yula Panaal Cultural and Spiritual Healing Program on the Central Coast.
“I wanted to get out that there is life after domestic violence and that you can move on and get your voice out,” she said. “It feels really good that the community is coming together on this issue.”
Eurobodalla Shire Council mayor Lindsay Brown lead the oath against domestic violence – “ I will stand up, speak up and act to prevent domestic violence against women.”
With the formalities over, the crowd enjoyed sandwiches made by Narooma Rotary and wandered around the various stalls and attractions set up on NATA Oval.