If youth and enthusiasm are indications of success then the message of the inaugural Georges River White Ribbon Day walk will be heard for years to come.
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Organisers were expecting one thousand people to take part in the inaugural walk but there were many more than this with numbers boosted by students from local high schools.
They brought their own music and laughter, as well as commitment to the message with many wearing White Ribbon T-shirts.
The march was held to rally the community to stand up and speak out against domestic violence.
Georges River Council has encouraged schools, businesses, clubs and sporting groups to lend their support.
“Georges River Council recognises the incidence of domestic violence and the ongoing need to create awareness across all cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and ages,” mayor Kevin Greene said.
“The event is intended to be a positive force for change, encouraging White Ribbon
Supporters, including men, women and youth, to bring local expression to the White
Ribbon Campaign.”
The event was supported by Kogarah Community Services, 3Bridges, Moving Forward and NSW Police, as well as Georges River Citizen of the Year 2017, Ms Natalie Esdaile-Watts.
Participants in the 2.7km walk marshalled in Kogarah Park, Carlton and led by police, politicians and councillors, they marched up Jubilee Avenue, around the oval, Gray Street and into the heart of Kogarah.
And Kogarah took the marchers into its heart with many shopkeepers along Railway Parade coming out of their businesses to lend their support.
As the young marchers turned into Belgrave Street many started chanting “No more violence, no more violence,” before heading back down to Kogarah Park.
Their job is to now take the message out to the wider community.
For further information about White Ribbon Day visit www.whiteribbon.org.au
