The Walk Against Family Violence is fast approaching. Meet the speakers and performers you can look forward to seeing at this year's event.
Emcee: Jamila Rizvi
The Walk will be hosted by author, podcast presenter, and gender equality advocate Jamila Rizvi (she/her). Jamila's working life tells its own story. From politics to media, she has walked the corridors of power in Canberra, was editor in chief at Mamamia and is now Deputy Managing Director of Future Women.
Antoinette Braybrook, Djirra
For over two decades Antoinette Braybrook AM (she/her) has worked at the frontline of Aboriginal women’s safety as the CEO of Djirra, a position she has held since the service was established in 2002. Antoinette is a highly regarded advocate and public speaker, who gives voice at state, national and international levels, to Aboriginal women who have experienced family violence.
Victim Survivors' Advisory Council
We’ll hear from three members of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council (VSAC); a collective of diverse people from across Victoria with lived experience of family and sexual violence that ensure they are consulted in the family violence reform program.
Zaiba (she/her) joined VSAC to bring the voices of women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to the council. Coming from a medical background, she wants to raise awareness that the severity of coercive control, such as emotional and psychological abuse, can have the same effects on the brain as physical abuse.
Katie Alexander (she/her) is the Co-Chair of VSAC. She is a writer, health professional and lived experience leader who works at local, state and national levels advocating with people who are disproportionately impacted by family violence due to gender, race, sexuality, ability and age. She is currently creating conversations about the unmet needs of regional and rural victim survivors.
Annie King (she/her) is the Co-Chair of VSAC. She is a young survivor-advocate who joined the council with a clear vision: to amplify the voices of children and young people and ensure they are seen, heard and included in critical conversations and decision-making processes.
Anu Krishnan, Kulturbrille
Anu Krishnan (she/her), Kulturebrille founder, is a passionate advocate for gender equity and safety for all. Anu brings a nuanced understanding of the complex intersections between gender, culture, and belonging. In 2019, Anu received the Community Innovation Award at the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Multicultural Awards Program for her flagship Prevention of Violence against Women leadership program.
Joe Ball, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities
Commissioner Joe Ball (he/him) is a proud transgender man. He is a longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate with a 25-year career in disability, housing and homelessness, and social services. Joe was previously CEO of Switchboard Victoria for eight years, where he led the establishment of Rainbow Door, the statewide LGBTIQA+ family violence and mental health helpline.
Djirri Djirri dancers
We’ll also be treated to a performance by the Djirri Djirri dancers, the only female Wurundjeri dance group and Traditional Custodians of Naarm. The group is led by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung woman, Mandy Nicholson. Mandy is an artist, singer, song-writer, cultural mentor and Woiwurrung language specialist, and will address the crowd following the performance.
Vika & Linda, with Mark Seymour
The speeches will conclude with a performance from Vika & Linda, with Mark Seymour.
Vika and Linda Bull are revered for their genre-spanning versatility and soul-stirring performances. With enduring influence and boundless energy, they have been one of Australia’s most treasured vocal duos for over 35 years.
Mark Seymour (Hunters and Collectors, Mark Seymour and the Undertow), is a frequent collaborator with Vika & Linda. He is known for writing some of Australia's most enduring songs; for him, songwriting has always been a tool for emotional survival, and about making a connection through stories with real people across the country.
Also at the Walk Against Family Violence
Be sure to check out The Red Shoes Installation on the steps of Old Treasury Building next to the Gardens. Presented by artist Laura Delaney, the work features pairs of red shoes representing Australian women whose lives have been taken by violence.
You’ll also see The Lost Petition – an ongoing textile artwork that lists women and children who have lost their lives to male violence in Australia from 2008. This work is 30 metres long and proceeds to grow in length as women and children’s lives continue to taken by men’s use of violence. Artist Dans Bain will be bringing the work to the Walk.
And stick around for lunch in the Gardens – bring a picnic or grab a bite from the A1 Bakery, Cornutopia and Li’l Dumpling vans, or a hot or cold drink from the Captain and Co coffee cart.
There will also be stalls from Haus of Dizzy, What Were You Wearing, Australian Femicide Watch, YoungLuv, Gammin Threads, Queen Victoria Women's Centre, and Zoe Belle Gender Collective.
Take a look at the Walk access key for more of what to expect on the day.
We can’t wait to see you there!