Greater Shepparton unites for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

A series of free community workshops and information sessions will coincide with the 16 Days of Activism, beginning on Monday 25 November in recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and running until Tuesday 10 December 2025, International Human Rights Day, at various locations across Greater Shepparton and online.

Approximately 20 sessions will be delivered by local and Melbourne-based presenters across a broad range of topics which will cater for everyone.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the workshops are an important opportunity for residents to learn, connect and take action.

“Council is proud to work with our partners to deliver these free sessions which will provide participants with information and practical strategies which support respect and safety. This can in turn help reduce incidents of family violence and violence against women within our community. We encourage everyone to take part,” he said.

Several key sessions will run throughout the program, some of which include safety and connection for multicultural women, understanding coercive control, workshops on supporting women at work, therapeutic DRUMBEAT for women, a session on protecting yourself as you get older, and many more.

The highlight of the program is two specialist presentations by Dr Stephanie Wescott on combating online influences which impact the behaviour of boys and young men, with one session designed for educators and one for parents and caregivers.

Council’s Social Equity Project Coordinator, Lisa Lymbery, who has been working alongside the Goulburn Valley 16 Days of Activism Working Group, said the sessions are an important way for the community to come together to achieve the shared goal of providing safety for residents.

“These workshops give people practical tools and a supportive space to learn about respect, safety and equality. When we all take part in the 16 Days of Activism, we show that our community stands together in the fight against gender-based violence,” she said.

The workshops have been funded through Respect Victoria’s 16 Days of Activism grassroots initiative and the Victorian State Government’s Free from Violence Program.

Council also invites the community to look out for messages across billboards and social media during the 16 Days period. These messages will highlight themes of respect, equality and the right to feel safe.

Tap here for more information and to register for the free workshops

The Walk Against Family Violence will also form part of Greater Shepparton’s broader commitment to the campaign. The walk will be held on Saturday 22 November 2025 from 12pm to 2pm at Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton, with the walk commencing at 1pm. The event will bring the community together to take a visible stand against family violence and show support for a safer, more respectful region. More information can be found at shepp.city/wafv

For further information or to list an event on Council’s official 16 Days of Activism 2025 webpage, please contact Council’s Social Equity Project Coordinator on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au