The Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond is inviting the public to join Ballina’s seventh annual Walk for Respect and Change on Friday 27 November 2026. Families, friends, workmates, schools, businesses and community groups are encouraged to walk together to say NO to domestic and family violence and YES to respectful relationships.
The walk and the preceding Youth Leaders Breakfast are part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from 25 November to 10 December.
This year’s Rotary and NSW Police campaign theme, ‘Let’s Talk About It’, encourages people to start conversations about what respect looks like at home, at school, at work and in the wider community.
The Community Walk for Respect and Change starts at 12.30pm on Friday 27 November 2026, going from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, next to Ballina Pool, to Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC).
Organisers say everyone is welcome. Bring someone with you and help send a clear message that domestic and family violence has no place in our community.
Respect starts with us
After the walk, participants are invited to stay at the BISC to hear from NSW Police and community speakers and enjoy music and dance performances by Ballina Coast High School students.
At the BISC, guest speakers will include:
- Sergeant Nicole Pitt, Domestic Violence Team Leader, Richmond Police District.
- Dave Harmon, Rotary International South Pacific Lead, Rotary Says NO to Domestic and Family Violence.
- Grant McGregor, community advocate, member of the Boaty Boys.
Youth Leaders Breakfast
Prior to the walk there will be a Youth Leaders Breakfast, on Thursday 26 November, from 7.30am to 9am at Cherry Street Sports Club. This will be free to attend, with breakfast included.
Student leaders from across the Northern Rivers will come together to explore respectful relationships, the impact of domestic and family violence, and how young people can lead change in their schools and communities.
Guest speakers will include:
- Dave Harmon, Past District Governor and project lead for Rotary Says NO to Domestic and Family Violence.
- Her Honour Judge Crittenden.
- Sarnia Ralston, Executive Manager – Projects QLD & NT, NAPCAN.
- Sergeant Nicole Pitt, Domestic Violence Team Leader, Richmond Police District.
The Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond is organising both events.
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