HASTINGS residents have been asked to get behind the White Ribbon movement to stop violence against women, by turning out en masse for a coastal walk on Sunday 24 November.
Organiser Kylie Dowse said last year they had around 300 walkers and this year they were hoping to double that.
“We are throwing out the challenge for people to get behind us and support the walk,” Ms Dowse said.
The White Ribbon Coastal Walk is a free community event consisting of walking the Coastal Walk from Lighthouse Beach or Flynns Beach to the Town Green and is held the day before White Ribbon Day, which is the following day, on Monday 25 November.
On White Ribbon Day – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women — more than 1000 white ribbons will be handed out free in the CBD of Port Macquarie so people can wear them to show their support.
Ms Dowse, who is associated with a women’s refuge, said violence against women was a problem in the Hastings, as it was everywhere.
“We sort of think we live in idyllic Port Macquarie and are a safe retirement spot. But that is a fallacy – behind closed doors is where the violence happens,” she said.
She said there were almost 1000 reports of violence against women here last year, which was up on previous years, but she thought this was more because of growing awareness of the need to speak out rather than an actual increase in violence.
Sunday’s walk is suitable for anyone with at least moderate fitness, with a choice of a nine-kilometre walk from Lighthouse Beach or a three-kilometre walk from Flynns Beach to Town Green.
Free buses will depart from Town Green, taking participants to their choice of start for the walk, either Lighthouse Beach or Flynns Beach. At 8am buses depart from Town Green for Lighthouse Beach, with the walk commencing at Tacking Point SLSC at 8.30am. At 8.30am buses depart from Town Green, joining the walk at 9am from Flynns Beach.
Registration is essential and must be received no later than tomorrow. Forms are available at www.dyportmacquarie.org.au, Liberty Cottage (155 Gordon Street), SNAP (110 William Street) or the Port Macquarie Police Station.
Walkers are asked to wear a white T-shirt. It is also recommended that they bring a water bottle and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coastal walk between Lighthouse and Nobbys Beaches, nor is the walk suitable for strollers or prams.
This will be the fourth year of the walk, with a special cap planned next year for walkers who have made all five walks in a row.
