Gannawarra residents encouraged to choose respect

Published on 12 November 2026

Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, the Rotary Club of Kerang and other agencies are uniting this November and December as part of an annual global campaign to call out gender-based violence and encourage a future where everyone is safe, respected and equal.

Sixteen days of events are planned between Wednesday, 25 November and Thursday, 10 December as part of the Gannawarra: Choose Respect campaign, which coincides with the International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The Gannawarra: Choose Respect campaign builds on years of work championed by Council and local agencies to promote respect, gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.

"Since 2017, our community has come together to send a clear message that gender-based violence has no place in the Gannawarra. While there has been important progress, there remains significant work to do to create a future where everyone feels safe, respected and valued," Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Between July 2025 and June 2026 there were 218 reported incidents of family violence in the Gannawarra. More than 70 per cent of those affected by these violent incidents were female, with children and young people often also affected. These figures remind us that family violence continues to impact individuals, families and the wider community, and that prevention of violence remains everyone's responsibility.

"The Gannawarra: Choose Respect campaign demonstrates the strength of local partnerships. By working together with health services, community organisations, businesses, schools and residents, we can build a culture that promotes respect, equality and inclusion every day of the year."

*Data for Gannawarra Shire for year ending 30 June 2026: https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/latest-crime-data-by-area

The highlight of the campaign will be the annual Walk Against Family Violence, occurring from 10.30am on Wednesday, 25 November. Residents are encouraged to wear purple and join community leaders in walking from Victoria Square, Kerang to Northern District Community Health's Tree of Hope, then onto The Glasshouse for a presentation from a guest speaker and a barbecue lunch provided by the Rotary Club of Kerang.

Another highlight will be the launch of Women's Health Loddon Mallee's CARE in Action resource at The Glasshouse, Kerang on Tuesday, 8 December from 11.30am to 2pm. Former AFL footballer Mitch Brown will speak about leadership, vulnerability, resilience and creating cultures of respect and belonging.

Other highlights occurring during the 16-day campaign include:

• The My Happy Place exhibition. Featuring images from Kerang Technical High School students, this exhibition will be on display at The Glasshouse, Kerang from Monday, 23 November to Friday, 27 November.
• A special Gannawarra Library Service Story Time session at Sir John Gorton Library, Kerang on Wednesday, 2 December at 10.30am.
• Special Story Walks throughout the Cohuna central business district and Atkinson Park, Kerang featuring Mother Bruce by Ryan T Higgins.
• Displays at the Cohuna Library and Sir John Gorton Library featuring books and movies that explore equality, healthy relationships and empowerment.
• Lighting key Council and community assets purple during the campaign.
• Local cafés incorporating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence messaging on takeaway coffee cups.
• Local businesses distributing "Measure Twice, Act With Respect" tradesperson pencils to customers.
• Updating Gannawarra: Choose Respect toilet door campaign materials throughout the municipality.

"Preventing gender-based violence starts with the conversations we have, the behaviours we model and the standards we set in our homes, workplaces, sporting clubs and community groups. Every one of us has a role to play in creating positive change," Mr Rollinson said.

"Through initiatives such as the CARE in Action launch, community exhibitions, Story Time sessions and business partnerships, the Gannawarra: Choose Respect campaign provides practical ways for people of all ages to learn more about respectful relationships and how they can contribute to preventing violence before it occurs. Whether it is attending an event, starting a conversation or learning more about respectful relationships, everyone can contribute to creating a safer and more respectful Gannawarra."

The Gannawarra: Choose Respect campaign is supported by Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, the Rotary Club of Kerang, and regional organisations including Women's Health Loddon Mallee, Mallee Sexual Assault Unit, Mallee Domestic Violence Services, Mallee Family Violence Executive, and Mallee Accommodation and Support Program.

The campaign forms part of the Gannawarra Free from Family Violence Action Plan and is delivered with funding support from Respect Victoria, Safe and Equal, Victoria's peak body for specialist family violence services, and the Mallee Family Violence Executive.

If you think you or your friend, partner, colleague or family member is at risk of using violence, call the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491. If you are experiencing violence, call 1800RESPECT or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

TOP: The Gannawarra Walk Against Family Violence will be held on the opening day of the Gannawarra: Choose Respect Campaign on Wednesday, 25 November.