108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the National Rally Against Violence, where our community gathered over the weekend at Lions Park in North Bundaberg to unite against violence and declare that it has no place in our lives, homes, or hearts.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
At 2pm tomorrow, Saturday 27 July 2024, our community will gather at the Lions Park in North Bundaberg for a cause that transcends individual differences and speaks to our shared humanity: the National Rally Against Violence.
Some may question the impact of a rally. How can a mass meeting of people truly effect change? It’s a fair question. Measuring the direct outcomes of a rally—whether it shifts policies, changes minds, or eradicates violence—is complex. But perhaps we should shift our perspective. Instead of focusing solely on quantifiable results, let’s recognise the intrinsic value of our collective voice - where the actions taken are just as important as the direct impact or resulting change.
By participating in tomorrow's rally, we join a larger movement, transforming individual voices into a powerful chorus. It’s more than a gathering; it’s a statement—a resounding declaration from the frustrated community that violence has no place in our lives, our homes, or our hearts.
“We are here. We care. We will not tolerate violence.”
Violence doesn’t emerge out of nowhere. It’s learned, absorbed, and perpetuated. As adults, parents, and older siblings, our behaviour significantly influences the malleable, still developing minds of children. Harsh words, controlling actions, and physical aggression create and reinforce a culture of violence, which can be perpetuated across generations. When such behaviours are witnessed and experienced, especially by young people, they become normalised and are often repeated.
It’s time to break the cycle.
Seeking safe spaces to learn alternatives—to self-regulate, manage anger, and respond without violence—is not weakness. It’s strength. It’s courage. It’s acknowledging that change begins within us.
The National Rally Against Violence isn't just about making noise; it's about demanding meaningful change. As a community, we are calling for:
Equipping them to respond with empathy and understanding, addressing survivors’ needs.
Local organisations play a critical role in combating violence. More funding means expanded reach and impactful change.
And so, tomorrow, let’s make our presence felt and our voices heard, Bundy. I’ll be there, not just as an individual, but as part of the community demanding change, standing side by side with survivors, and speaking for those victims that cannot speak for themselves. Collectively, our voices will rise, sending a message loud and clear: "Enough is enough. Violence is not welcome here." I hope to see you there.
Please note: This website may contain references to, or feature images, videos, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.
