Parliament hears about impact of domestic violence on the Coast

Following a number of high profi le domestic violence cases across the country this year, Federal Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks has spoken in Parliament on the devastating impact domestic violence has had on the Central Coast.

“There’s a sign on the Central Coast Highway at Erina that sends a very clear message to drivers heading towards Gosford every morning. “It says: ‘Police say No to Domestic Violence and So Should You’,” Ms Wicks said. “I’d like to do the same and say No to Domestic Violence, and echo the message coming from my community on the Central Coast that it’s time to have an important public conversation about this devastating issue.”

Ms Wicks also spoke about the first annual “Walk the Talk” event in Gosford on June 21. “Almost 300 people joined together to walk from Brian McGowan Bridge down to the Sailing Club, in what many have described to me as a poignant moment of solidarity in our community,” Ms Wicks said.

The event was attended by a number of local dignitaries, including members of the Brisbane Water Area Local Command. “Superintendent Danny Sullivan told me that there was a candle lit for every one of the 45 reported victims this year. “These candles were to give a voice to the now voiceless,” said Ms. Wicks.

“The candles lit up the dusk on the Winter Solstice – the darkest day of the year. “This was surely a symbol that there’s hope – we can change. “Every day is brighter from this point.”

Media release,
22 June 2015
Tim Sowden, Office of
Lucy Wicks MP
Emma Horn, journalist