The Bendigo Library was lit up with colourful orange decorations on Tuesday morning to mark the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, an international campaign which runs from the 25th of November until International Human Rights Day, on the 10th of December.
The event was set up by the City of Greater Bendigo, at the Bendigo Goldfields Library, and saw various stalls offering different services from around Central Victoria, including The Orange Door, Anglicare, Loddon Mallee Women’s Health, Zonta, arc justice, and the Centre for Non-Violence, all with pamphlets and information to share. Guests were encouraged to wear orange, and the venue was a vibrant sea of colour, with decorations, coffee cups, lanyards, pens, bottles, wristbands, ribbons, badges, hats, and even orange-themed doughnuts — all designed to amplify awareness of the campaign.
Youth Mayor Levity Camilleri, who MC’d the launch event, opened with a heartfelt and thought-provoking speech about this year’s global theme for the 16 Days of Activism: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.” Levity reminded us that so much of life is shared online, and everyone deserves to feel safe in digital spaces. She emphasized that real change means shifting from victim-blaming to prevention and education, creating environments where women and girls can thrive without fear. Levity highlighted how the campaign gives us the chance to speak up, build awareness, and work toward a future where respect exists both offline and online.
The launch event was attended by City Councillors, including Councillor Abhishek Awasthi and Councillor Damien Hurrell, in addition to several youth councillors, the Victoria Police for community engagement and coffee with a cop, in addition to multiple community members to celebrate and show their support to the campaign. Storytime was also given, enjoyed by parents and children of all ages, and delivered by local Police Officers. Songs, stuffed toys and even bubbles helped the youngest in our community feel safe and supported.
The library walls were brightened by an exhibition of colorful kites designed by local primary school students for the 16 Days of Activism campaign, each adorned with inspiring messages and vibrant artwork. Victorian Police officers were also present, inviting community members to share a coffee and conversation at the Red Well Café. Their presence aimed to provide a friendly, approachable face and break down barriers, helping people feel more comfortable engaging with police both in everyday settings and when seeking support or making a report.
But the activism doesn’t stop at the library. There are many events planned over the 16 days of activism, from sports activities, crafts sessions, webinars, and more! All listed in the Greater Bendigo 16 Days of Activism events calendar, further linked below.
Bendigo 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence main webpage: https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/events/16-days-activism-against-gender-based-violence
Calendar: https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/City-Greater-Bendigo-16-Days-of-Activism-calendar-of-events-2025-Version-2.pdf
The events are definitely worth checking out, offering something for everyone of all ages.
I was fortunate to speak with several groups at the 16 Days of Activism launch event, and I’ve included a summary of each below for anyone who missed the event and wants to learn more about the services and support available in our community.
- The Working Women’s Centre for Northern Victoria, an organisation that provides legal services, employment, and migration advice for all women and non-binary people across Northern Victoria, from Mildura Rural City to Mitchell Shire, including Bendigo. They are primarily a legal service; however, there are plenty of additional programs and assistance that they provide. For more information, head to their website at https://wwcvic.org.au/.
- Women’s Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM) works across Northern Victoria to prevent family violence and promote gender equality through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Their initiatives challenge harmful gender stereotypes using pledge cards, awareness campaigns, and resources distributed to over 120 health clinics and kindergartens. WHLM also provides multilingual materials in languages such as Tagalog and Karen, ensuring inclusivity for diverse communities. Through programs like the Collective Action for Respect and Equality (CARE) Partnership and practical tools such as the Gender Equality Toolkit and Raise Them Equal Toolkit, WHLM empowers families, schools, and organisations to foster respectful relationships and create lasting cultural change. Learn more and access resources at whlm.org.au.
- The Victorian Police were also helpful with their chats as part of the 16 Days launch event during Coffee with a Cop. They mentioned that they offer liaison officers for family violence, LGBTQI+ issues, and more. They also offer school talks on any topic and run Blue Light programs across Central Victoria, which give young people a further opportunity to connect with their local police force. The Blue Light program offers one-on-one mentoring, skateboarding event days and upskilling opportunities, and more throughout the city of Greater Bendigo. To check out more about what they offer, go to their website at https://www.bluelight.org.au/bendigo-blue-light/
The Police also advised that any complaint or problem involving gender-based violence can be referred to them, with staff trained in sensitivity towards such matters.
If you or someone you know is experiencing gender or family-based violence, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or contact the local police with 000.
