WESTERN Port Respectful Relationships marched in solidarity among the beautiful backdrop of Hastings foreshore on Tuesday 25 November as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.
Joining the march was Paul Mercurio MP and local councillors Marsh, Stephens, Gill, Roper, and Williams, as well as Victoria Police, support services, and community, to build community awareness on the first day of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
The group is coordinated by Wallaroo Community House Good Shepherd, and is made up of local community members, and community agencies including Family Life, Westernport Community Support, Headspace, and Mornington Peninsula Shire.
The line up of speakers included Detective Senior Sergeant Kay Morgan from Somerville Family Violence Investigation Unit, Erika Mercado, Good Shepherd Financial Independence Hub Practitioner, Dr Helen Keleher, an adjunct Professor at Monash University with extensive expertise in gender equity and the prevention of gender-based violence, and Marcus Harwood, a Western Port Secondary College school captain.
They were joined by stallholders providing information to the community including The Orange Door, South East Water, Southern Womens Action Network (SWAN), Headspace, Shed 11, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Family Life and Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand.’
First published in the Western Port News – 3 December 2025
