As the Northern Rivers prepares to mark the annual global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the community is invited to come together for a powerful evening of celebration and purpose at the Women Up North Gala, to be held on Saturday, 8 November at the Lismore Workers Club from 6pm.
Hosted by Women Up North Housing Inc. (WUNH), the gala will raise critical funds for women, young people and children experiencing and at risk of Domestic Violence and the Bugalma Bihyn Aboriginal Women’s Refuge, a culturally safe and trauma-informed space for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
WUNH Executive Officer, Jillian Knight-Smith, says, ‘The event comes at a time when domestic violence rates in regional NSW are rising at alarming levels. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, domestic violence-related assaults have increased by up to 24% in some regional areas, with Northern NSW among the hardest hit.
‘In the 12 months to June 2025, 11 children were killed in domestic violence incidents—the highest number in a decade. [bocsar.nsw.gov.au].’
Call to action
‘This is not just a gala – it’s a call to action,’ said Knight-Smith.
‘We are seeing more women and children in crisis than ever before. The community’s support is vital to ensure we can continue to provide safe housing and support services.’
‘The gala will feature live entertainment, guest speakers, dinner, raffles, and auctions—all in support of WUNH’s mission to provide safety, dignity, and hope to women across the region’.
Tickets are available at www.wunh.org.au or call 02 6621 7730.
About Women Up North
‘Women Up North has been consistently supporting our community since 1987. Last year we won the Regional award for Community Organisations’.
‘Women Up North manages our budgets and resources carefully we are a registered charity and donations to our organisation are tax deductible. We can be trusted to ensure funds go directly to supporting women and children and young people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. The gala also serves as a lead-in to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign running from 25 November to 10 December, which calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. In NSW, the campaign is supported by local councils and organisations through events, education, and community engagement. [nsw.gov.au]’.
‘By attending the gala, you’re not only supporting a local cause – you’re joining a global movement,’ Knight-Smith added. ‘Together, we can create a future where every woman and child is safe, respected, and free.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
