Reclaim the Night March Returns to Warners Bay Foreshore, Calling for Safer Streets

A global movement focused on women’s safety will see the Warners Bay Foreshore come alive this week as the Reclaim the Night march returns, advocating for safer streets after dark.

The annual event, now in its tenth year at Lake Macquarie, will bring together community members, women’s safety advocates, and survivors of violence. They will march along the foreshore, raising awareness and calling for change.

Lake Macquarie City Council’s Community Planner for Children and Families, Jessica Salvador, highlighted the importance of the event in creating a platform for those impacted by violence to share their stories and push for safer communities.

“This is a vital opportunity for survivors and their allies to be heard and to advocate for safer spaces in our community,” said Ms Salvador. “It’s a reminder that everyone has the right to feel safe, no matter where they are or what time it is.”

The event is designed to be family-friendly, featuring live music by Teasha and Mari, support services, a barbecue hosted by the Warners Bay Girl Guides, giveaways, and lawn games. The activities will take place at the Warners Bay rotunda before participants march along The Esplanade.

“This year, we’re inviting the entire community to join us and gain access to essential support services, including Nova for Women and Children, Survivor’s R Us, and others involved in the Lake Macquarie Domestic Violence Committee,” added Ms Salvador.

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows that the rate of sexual assault remains higher across all nine Hunter local government areas than the overall NSW average. Events like Reclaim the Night aim to highlight these concerning figures and drive action.

Sheena Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of CALM Inc, which will also be participating in the event, shared her thoughts on the broader impacts of the issue.

“The increasing cost of living is placing added strain on families, which, in some cases, is leading to increased violence,” Ms Harvey said. “Every individual deserves to feel safe, and this event is about uniting the community to take a stand against violence.”

The first Reclaim the Night rally in Australia was held in 1978, and it has since continued as a yearly event advocating for a strong response to violence against women. The Lake Macquarie march is part of this ongoing movement, which calls for safer spaces locally and worldwide.

For further details, visit lakemac.com.au.