Campaspe Shire Council and Echuca Regional Health are proud to announce the Movers and Shakers Market event as part of the 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to challenge violence against women and girls which takes place annually between 25 November and 10 December.
The event is set to take place on Thursday, 28 November, from 4pm to 7pm and will be held at Echuca Arts Precinct, located at 13-17 Murray Esplanade.
Attendees will enjoy live acoustic music performed by a local artist Amelia May, while exploring various stalls showcasing talents from local women and girls. The event will also feature health and wellbeing stalls offering free women's checks, including blood pressure and risk screening. Additionally, there will be food stalls and craft stalls from local artisans.
Director Communities, Jo Bradshaw said that the event will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in our community, but more importantly to raise awareness around the epidemic of gender-based violence.
"By participating in this event, we hope to raise awareness and encourage active bystander intervention to create a safer and more supportive community for everyone.
"During the 16 Days of Activism, the community will also notice the Council building illuminated orange in the evenings as a way of showing our support for the campaign," she said.
"Violence of any kind impacts the person experiencing it, the impacts on children however, are not as a witness, rather as a victim. For 16 days every year we campaign for gender equity to end gender-based violence. We urge everyone to also remember our children," said Cynthia Robins, Executive Director Community Services at Echuca Regional Health.
"Early childhood adversity can lead to toxic stress that directly affects growth and development. Recovery is possible, yet, prevention makes our community a better place. Please join us, as we join hands for a world free from violence," she requests.
Support services in the region will also host stalls, offering local information and wellbeing supports. This event aims to celebrate the achievements of women and unite the community, whilst igniting conversations and raising awareness, calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
"We hope to see many community members come together to support this important cause," said Ms Bradshaw.
