16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

The global ‘16 Days’ campaign is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The City of Ballarat is joining with member organisations of the Communities of Respect and Equality Alliance (CoRE) to host several events throughout the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.

Join us for the launch of the Hope of Tomorrow - Stories of Resilience art exhibition. As part of the launch, you can post a ‘Respect is…’ message and/or tie an orange ribbon to show your hope for a future free from violence.

Date: Monday 25 November
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton Street North, Ballarat Central, and Sebastopol Library

Join the Ballarat Walk Against Gender-based Violence to show your support for safe, respectful communities free from violence.
The 500-metre walk will commence on Lydiard Street North near the Mair Street intersection and walk to Sturt Street, turning left and entering Camp Street with speakers to follow at Alfred Deakin Place.

Things to know:

• Wear orange
• Carry a water bottle
• Bring colourful signs and banners
• Dogs on leads may join
• The walking track is wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchairs are available on request from the Town Hall.

Date: Friday 29 November
Time: 5:30-7pm
Location: From corner of Mair and Lydiard Streets, Ballarat, ending at Alfred Deakin Place
Free event. All welcome.

More than 150 CoRE member organisation representatives will come together to hear from experts and learn how businesses, workplaces and community organisations can play a role in ending gender-based violence by promoting respect and equality. The forum will have a focus on men leading the change to prevent gender-based violence.  

Date: Tuesday 3 December
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Mercure Ballarat, 613 Main Road, Ballarat
CORE members only. Bookings required. SOLD OUT

Multicultural youth, aged 15-23 years old, are invited to attend this workshop hosted by Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council that will empower them with information about how to promote respect and equality for all in their communities, as well as information about relevant support services available to them.

Date: Tuesday 3 December
Time: 4-6pm
Location: 25-39 Barkley Street, Ballarat East

Bookings required via humanitix 

*This event is strictly for multicultural youth aged 15-23. 

Join us at Ballarat Library for a special Wriggle and Rhyme Storytime session to support 16 Days of Activism.

Date: Monday 9 December
Time: 10.30am
Location: Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton Street North, Ballarat Central
Free event. No bookings required.

Join us for the launch of Change Our Game – a new video series showcasing Ballarat’s gender inclusive sports and recreation clubs. Sport has the power to create positive change. It can bring our communities together and give us a sense of belonging. Celebrating everyone’s participation in sport, regardless of gender, helps create a culture where everyone feels safe and equal.

Date: Tuesday 10 December
Time: 6-7pm
Location: Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility, 917 Pleasant Street South, Ballarat 
Free event. No bookings required.

Enrol now in one of the free, online learning opportunities

Are you Safe at Home? 

We all have a role in recognising and responding to family violence. People experiencing abuse need the support of people in all areas of their life.

This free 20-minute eLearn session will empower you to have safe and respectful conversations about family violence. Learn how to ask  ‘Are you safe at home?’, listen without judgement and offer support. By asking the question and offering support you can make all the difference to someone’s journey to safety.

Enrol in the Are You Safe at Home? eLearn session.

Men as Allies training

This free, two-hour eLearn course will help you understand your role as an ally in promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence and disrespect. On completion, you’ll receive a certificate.

Enrol in the Men as Allies eLearn session. 

Introduction to Gender Equality training

This free, 45-minute eLearn course will teach you about gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence. On completion, you’ll receive a certificate.

Enrol in the Introduction to Gender Equality eLearn session. 

See, Hear, Believe: Responding to Domestic and Family Violence in LGBTQ+ Communities

This free, 45-minute online training course for frontline workers will teach you about how to support LGBTIQA+ people experiencing family violence. On completion, you’ll receive a certificate.

Enrol in the SEE, HEAR, BELIEVE | LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation eLearn session.
 

Ballarat Townhall Clocktower and Fountain

The Ballarat Town Hall clocktower and fountain will be lit up orange from 25-28 November and 5-7 December to show that Ballarat says no to family violence and all forms of gender based-violence. Orange is the colour designated by the United Nation’s ‘UNiTE to End Violence’ campaign and represents an optimistic future free from violence for all.

Parent Place

Drop into Parent Place to participate in a range of activities that promote gender equality. 

• “You can be anything” dress-ups
• Inclusive activity spaces
• Themed storytimes
• Themed handprint art

For more information, visit the Parent Place Facebook page. 

Ballarat Libraries

Pop into your local library and check out the 16 Days display with recommended books for kids, teens and adults.

For opening hours, see visit Ballarat Libraries

Collection points for merchandise

Come and collect your free 16 Days of Activism merchandise and resources from your local library, the City of Ballarat Customer Service Centre, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council or Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative:

• Ballarat Library: 178 Doveton St North, Ballarat Central
• Sebastopol Library:  181 Albert Street, Sebastopol
• Wendouree Library: Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre (Gillies St North entrance)
• City of Ballarat: The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong St South, Ballarat
• Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative: 5 Market St, Ballarat
• Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council: 25/39 Barkly St, Bakery Hill
   

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, support is available. 

You can contact:

• 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732 (24 hours)
• Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (24 hours)
• Orange Door in Ballarat on 1800 219 819

If you are experiencing family violence, concerned for your safety, or in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance.