Colourful Lake Macquarie foreshore displays call for end to gender-based violence

newy.com.au – Trees along the Warners Bay and Toronto foreshores have been wrapped in colourful yarn for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, led by Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle and supported by Lake Macquarie City Council from 25 November to 10 December.

The public art-style displays aim to draw attention to the prevalence of violence against women and girls, using a highly visible stretch of foreshore to prompt conversations, reflection and action in the community.

Lake Macquarie City Council said the initiative has grown this year, expanding beyond the Warners Bay foreshore to include Toronto foreshore, creating two prominent locations where residents can encounter the campaign’s messages in their daily routines.

Council Manager Community Partnerships Matt Holloway said the installations were designed to be both striking and symbolic.

“Every tree wrapped in yarn represents our shared commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive community,” he said.

“We invite everyone to visit the foreshore, take in the message and join us in saying no to gender-based violence.”

The 16 Days of Activism concept began in 1991 and has since become a global movement, mobilising millions of people and organisations to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms and call for stronger laws and services to protect women and girls.

Each year, the campaign runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November through to Human Rights Day on 10 December, linking efforts to end gender-based violence with broader human rights goals.

According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner, making prevention and support services a continuing priority.

“That makes this campaign a vital opportunity to drive change and promote equality,” Mr Holloway said.

An official launch for the Toronto display will be held on Friday 28 November 2025 at 10am at Toronto Library, tirrabiyangba, bringing together community members and service representatives to mark the local start of the campaign.

Residents are encouraged to visit both Warners Bay and Toronto foreshores throughout the 16 days, where they can walk among the decorated trees and reflect on the messages of hope, support and collective responsibility woven into the displays.

Council has directed people seeking further details about the campaign and related local services to the Lake Macquarie Domestic Violence Facebook page.