A Zone 8 movement driven by Rotary service

Launched at Parliament House during the 16 Days of Activism, Rotary’s expanding, zone-wide campaign against domestic and family violence is uniting clubs, governments and global partners in a coordinated movement to build safer, more respectful communities.

Rotary’s commitment to ending domestic and family violence continues to gain momentum across Australia and beyond. What began as a grassroots initiative has evolved into a zone-wide coordinated campaign, underpinned by Rotary’s enduring values of service, leadership, and community partnership.

National recognition and government engagement

This year’s campaign was launched during the internationally recognised 16 Days of Activism (25 November – 10 December), with a landmark event at Parliament House in Canberra, ACT. Hosted by the Federal Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence, the launch provided an opportunity for Rotary leaders and campaign partners – including NSW Police and the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Council – to present the campaign’s progress and future direction. This engagement reaffirmed Rotary’s standing as a trusted, community-led organisation capable of mobilising action at scale.

Club-led action across the nation

Rotary clubs across Australia demonstrated extraordinary initiative and creativity in delivering a wide range of community-based activities, including peaceful awareness walks; public forums and expert-led panel discussions; information stalls in local shopping centres; and high school presentations on respectful relationships.

Awareness displays at police stations

These efforts not only raised public awareness but also created safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue, particularly around a topic that is often difficult to address. The active involvement of young people was especially impactful, equipping the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to foster respectful, non-violent relationships.

Widespread participation and collaboration

The campaign’s reach this year was exceptional. Clubs from Districts 9560, 9620 and 9640 – from Cairns to the Gold Coast – led the charge in Queensland. In New South Wales, participation extended across Districts 9640, 9660, 9675, 9685 and 9705, including the ACT. In Victoria and South Australia, Districts 9790 and 9510 mobilised with strength, with cities like Adelaide witnessing multiple clubs and community organisations uniting to amplify their collective impact.

This spirit of collaboration exemplifies the best of Rotary – Service Above Self, united in purpose and committed to creating lasting change.

PICTURED: The School captains of Ballina Coast High School led the Walk against family and domestic violence through the streets of Ballina, NSW, during the 16 days of activism campaign.

Empowering youth through education

A central focus of this year’s campaign was the empowerment of young people. In partnership with NSW Police, Rotary supported school-based education sessions across the state. These sessions featured magistrates, police officers, mental health professionals and relationship educators, offering students critical insights into the dynamics of domestic and family violence and the importance
of early intervention.

Looking ahead

As the campaign continues to grow, Rotary is actively seeking to expand its partnerships with state and territory governments, law enforcement and community organisations. These collaborations are vital to increasing participation, enhancing Rotary’s public profile and deepening our impact in communities across Australia.

A global call to action

Rotary’s influence is now extending internationally. Clubs in Uganda, Nigeria and Cambodia have begun adapting the campaign to their local contexts, demonstrating the universal relevance of this issue and the strength of Rotary’s global network.

“This campaign has come at a critical time for our communities,” says David Muhindo, Project Lead District 9213 Uganda.

“Despite tireless efforts of CSOs and NGOs and human rights activists, domestic and family violence continues to affect women, children and men across Uganda. We strongly believe that when Rotary comes together leveraging its credibility, reach and peace building mandate; we can help shift mindsets, strengthen prevention and contribute meaningfully to conflict prevention and sustainable development.”

What began as a local initiative has become a global movement – one that continues to inspire action, foster hope and uphold Rotary’s unwavering commitment to building safer, more compassionate communities.

For further information contact Project Lead PDG Dave Harmon via 0401 956 996 or dharmon22361@gmail.com

PICTURED: District 9685 Governor Michele Ellery shakes hands with NSW Police.