Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

A few moments ago Bendigo's walk for White Ribbon Day, an international day for the elimination of violence against women, ended. This year over 600 people gathered at the Bendigo Town Hall and, after speeches, walked through our town, acknowledging the importance of today. I acknowledge the role that our local media, the Bendigo Advertiserand WIN TV, have played in bringing this issue to the forefront of so many people's minds and in ensuring that nobody forgets the significance of today.

I acknowledge the role of employers like Keech Australia, which has a predominantly male workforce, who allowed their workers to come and participate in today's walk. I acknowledge the local support agencies, including the Annie North centre, a refuge, which works tirelessly to ensure that women are supported when it is most needed. I acknowledge the role of our service clubs and, in particular, the Zonta Club of Bendigo, which for years has partnered with our local police in the City of Greater Bendigo to ensure that events like today happen. Most importantly, I acknowledge the women who have stood up and spoken out, who have ensured that none of us forget the trauma that they face. Finally, I acknowledge Jacinta Pompei, who is our local girl who lost her life to violence. She was murdered by her partner earlier this year. May we not forget.

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