Geographically, the Whitsundays might be a small, regional area of Queensland, but in terms of people power, its community is a force to be reckoned with – as evidenced by the turnout to Sunday’s inaugural ‘Epic Walk for DV’ and the sheer amount of money raised in support of women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Photo by Phill Gordon _ Riptide Creative
More than 400 people braved the heat, humidity and threat of rain, to walk 5kms from the Coral Sea Marina and stand in solidarity with those attending parallel events in the metropolitan areas of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Across all three events, a total of $321,339 was raised for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ), of which more than $56,000 came from the Whitsundays that day alone.
WLSQ Practice Director, Kimberly Allen, whose determination to walk in the Whitsundays saw her re-route flights through a pre-event wet season deluge, said she wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
“The Epic Walk for DV has been running for a few years now but this is the first year that it’s been here in Airlie Beach and what an incredible turnout for a truly epic morning,” she said.
“At Women’s Legal Service Queensland we’re so incredibly grateful for all the support from this community – we’ve seen this region and this community mobilise like nothing else and it’s making an incredible difference.
Katelyn Aslett-Collins, Candice Crossley, Amanda Camm MP, Alice Harriott, Kate Purdie and Sharon Smallwood – Photo by Phill Gordon _ Riptide Creative
“WLSQ is a statewide service so the support shown here today and in the other locations where the Epic Walks are taking place, will mean that we can help more women and children all across Queensland, and everything that everyone is doing – every step they’ve taken, every dollar donated, every raffle ticket sold, creates safer futures for women and children all across the state.”
Whitsunday MP, Amanda Camm, who is also Queensland’s Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, said having previously attended the Brisbane event, being able to now walk with her home community was especially significant.
“To see over 400 registrations from people who have come out today to support the Epic Walk is an incredible achievement for our community and the first of many, I’m sure, to come,” she said.
Photo by Phill Gordon _ Riptide Creative
“With the increase in domestic and family violence across our communities an initiative like the Epic Walk starts a conversation as well as raising incredible funding to support those who most need it, and in particular providing that legal support.”
Coral Sea Marina CEO, Kate Purdie, whose team co-hosted the event alongside her ‘other’ team of WLSQ fundraising ‘Dancing CEOs’ (Julie Telford – SeaLink Whitsundays, Candice Crossley – Whitsunday Transit, Alice Harriott – Whitsunday Family Dental, and team mentor, Katelyn Aslett-Collins – Taste Whitsundays), thanked the many sponsors, donors, walkers, and “all of the people who got involved today to make it a great success”.
“What an outstanding show of support we’ve had today from our local Whitsundays community – we’ve had incredible sponsors, volunteers, and so many people walking; we’ve had children, pets, families, co-workers and big teams,” she said.
Photo by Phill Gordon _ Riptide Creative
“It’s been an overwhelming success and we’re so grateful to our community for showing up for women and children who are impacted by domestic violence – on behalf of the Coral Sea Marina and Dancing CEOs, thank you all so much.”
Whitsunday Mayoress, Mel Collins, who is also the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Patron and who attended the event with her husband, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins, said a heartfelt “thank you” of her own in return.
“You’ve been tireless champions for this cause ladies; your leadership, energy and commitment over the past six months have helped bring this movement to life in our region, so thank you,” she said.
Ms Collins also paid tribute to the walk’s founders Brendon Mann (Epic Hair Designs) and Brendan Smith (Network 10).
“They understood that creating change starts with community and with courage,” she said.
“So together everybody, lets keep walking, keep talking, and keep building a safer future for everyone.”
Photo by Phill Gordon _ Riptide Creative
The four Whitsundays Dancing CEOs will now focus on the final major event in their campaign to raise money and awareness for WLSQ – the gala dance competition at Brisbane City Hall on May 31.
For more information and to stay up to date with their progress follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.
