DV rally shows support of city

Hundreds of Toowoomba residents marched alongside the rest of the nation to draw vital attention to the gender violence crisis in the community and broader Australia.

The annual Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day March and candle lighting ceremony was hosted by Domestic Violence Action Centre and Toowoomba Together Inc.

Chair of Toowoomba Together Tony Rehn said it was heartening to see a huge turnout at the 2024 march on Wednesday, especially a large number of secondary education providers and their students.

“We haven’t seen a turnout like that for some time,” he said.

“I would never say that we can’t re-educate anybody, but we have a better chance at building a stronger child than we have repairing a broken adult.

“Part of the message Together Toowoomba is trying to get across is about gendered equality, health, respect, healthy relationships – it’s not just about what we don’t want, it’s about what we do want to replace that with and if young people are hearing those messages then we have a very good chance of breaking the cycle for the next generation.”

In the lead-up to the event, Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald said he was looking forward to helping spread “a powerful message of support, hope and resilience to those affected” by family and domestic violence.

“TRC councillors and our CEO also signed up to the Not Now, Not Ever, Together. pledge a short four months ago in December 2023,” Mr McDonald said.

“I stand alongside my elected colleagues in doing what we can locally to raise awareness, make a difference.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732