Gosford’s Mann St was a sea of orange on Wednesday, December 6, as hundreds of Coasties came together to Walk against Domestic and Family Violence.
The walk in solidarity – along Mann St Gosford to Kibble Park – was designed to raise awareness of domestic and family violence on the Central Coast.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the walk, presented by the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee, demonstrated a genuine show of support for Coasties whose lives are impacted.
“The walk was such an emotional place of love and power … it was a real show of support for all the mothers, daughters, aunts and children whose lives are irreparably affected by domestic and family violence,” she said.
“It was fantastic to be among members of the Central Coast community who were walking shoulder-to-shoulder in the city of Gosford to shine a light on this issue.
“What a fabulous display of solidarity.
“It’s truly heartbreaking to think that approximately 52 women die in Australia every year (through domestic violence-related incidents).
“That’s one woman a week.
“It can affect anyone in our community.”
A feature of the day was the For the 52 artwork honouring the lives of women and children lost to domestic and family violence, which greeted walkers when they arrived at Kibble Park.
The bold, eye-catching art installation in and around a large jacaranda tree, by practising artist Minka Gillian in collaboration with the Country Women’s Association and commissioned by the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee, comprised an orange-coloured figure donning an orange dress, featuring a large heart at its centre.
The branches of the jacaranda were brimming with 52 orange umbrellas with eyes.
Orange is the official colour of the UN’s current program to end violence against women.
At the walk’s conclusion, participants placed dozens of remembrance flowers at the base of the jacaranda.
Each flower, carefully crocheted by members of the Country Women’s Association from across the Central Coast, paid tribute to the victims.
Gillian said her art installation was created in acknowledgment of those who had either lost their lives to domestic and family violence, or had felt its impact.
“For the 52 is aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and promoting a community -driven response to address this pressing issue,” she said.
“The installation calls for action, encouraging community involvement and safeguarding the vulnerable, particularly children affected by domestic violence.
“The eyes encourage everyone to be vigilant and speak up if they witness or suspect abuse.
“By harnessing the power of art, colours, and symbolism, For the 52 seeks to touch hearts, inspire action and foster a community that stands together against domestic violence, creating a safer and more compassionate world for all.”
Sharon Walsh from the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee said the event was a solid success.
“It was terrific seeing so many people from across a broad spectrum of community service organisations present, such as Zonta and the NSW Police,” she said.
“Domestic and family violence is such a significant community issue.
“We do as much as possible to reach out to as many community groups, small and large businesses, groups, organisations and individuals as we can to encourage people to collaborate with us to make lasting change.”