Crown Street Mall is one of many Wollongong buildings lit up orange to call attention to gendered violence. Photo: Unite 2500.
A blaze of activity has marked the start of 16 days of activism against gendered violence in the Illawarra.
Buildings across Wollongong have lit up orange to call attention to the scourge of violence against women in Australia.
The IMB Bank is one of the buildings taking part in the campaign.
Chief executive Robert Ryan said the bank was proud to play a role in building awareness of the issue.
“We all need to speak out about it and recognise it’s prevalent in our community,” he said.
“I’d like the community to learn this is happening right next to us.”
Other buildings lit up include Wollongong Central Keira Building, Town Hall, Wollongong Art Gallery, City Beach Function Centre, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach and the Crown Street Mall lights.
IWD Illawarra Committee Co-Founder and Chair Vicki Tiegs said the campaign was a call to action for the community for every day.
“Women and girls of all ages deserve to be safe within their own community and that can only happen with the support of everyone around them,” she said.
“To do that we need to remember the women killed, become aware of what is happening to our family, friends, workmates and neighbours, and stand up in support of those experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.”
The annual Rose Vigil at McCabe Park, hosted by Women Illawarra and the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, paid respects to 53 women killed in Australia since the 2024 vigil was held.
Jess Davidson, general manager of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, said it was vital to recognise, remember and honour the women as people.
“They had a life, they had families, they had jobs, things they were passionate about, things they were angry about,” she said.
“They deserve not to be forgotten.”
Once again the park was predominantly filled with women of all ages and all walks of life.
Many teared up as the names of dead were read aloud by Women Illawarra general manager Michelle Glasgow.
She said if anything was going to change, men must step up.
“It is heartbreaking,” she said.
“These are women losing their lives in the most violent of circumstances largely at the hand of men.
“The most disheartening part is that year on year the male voice doesn’t join us in calling for change.
“This is a male violence issue and it’s women who suffer.
“We would like to see the men in the Illawarra step up and take the lead in ending gendered violence.”
Representatives from Healthier Illawarra Men attended the vigil.
Treasurer Chris Smith said the eradication of male violence was men’s responsibility.
“It starts with us,” he said.
“There’s a bit of apathy and not enough empathy. We need to talk about it more.”
Shellharbour City Council, in partnership with Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour, led a community event to launch the global 16 days of activism campaign at Shellharbour Civic Centre.
The event brought together local leaders, advocates, and community members to raise awareness, honour victims and survivors, and inspire collective action towards a safer, more equal society.
