Let’s Chat Gippsland

“Let’s Chat Gippsland” is an annual community campaign that began in November 2021 as part of the annual international United Nations (UN) 16 Days of Activism initiative.  

“Let’s Chat Gippsland” is focused on the primary prevention of gendered violence. The campaign highlights the significant difference conversations can make – whether at home, work, sport, schools and in the wider community – in shifting mindsets, attitudes, and creating real change for gender equality. The campaign runs for 16 days starting on the 25 November to the 10 December each year. 

Conversations for Change 

We want everyone to feel safe, equal and respected. We want to make sure that everyone in Gippsland understands what the 16 Days of Activism is about and how they can get involved to help prevent gendered violence in Gippsland.  

Walks

Sun 24 – 26 Nov:

Rolling the Rail Trail – Orbost to Bairnsdale more info

Mon 25 Nov:

5:15pm | Yarram Walk For Respect – Yarram Secondary College, Yarram more info

6:00pm | BBQ, Smoking Ceremony and Candlelight Vigil – Yarram Memorial Park, Yarram more info

Mon 25 Nov: 

2:30pm | To the Beach & Back 16 Days Community Walk – Corinella & District Community Centre, Corinella more info

Thu 28 Nov:

2:30pm | LRH 16 Days of Activism Walk Against Gender-Based Violence – Agnes Unit, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon more info

Fri 29 Nov:

4pm | Wellington Walk Against Family Violence – Sale Clocktower, Sale more info

Wed 4 Dec:

10:45am | Walk against Family Violence – South Gippsland Hospital, Foster more info

Wed 4 Dec:

10am – 2pm | BIG Respect Photo Pop Up – By PollyannaR – Leongatha Memorial Hall, Leongatha more info

12:30pm | Walk against Family Violence – Leongatha Memorial Hall, Leongatha more info

Online Webinars

Mon 25 Nov:

11am – 12pm | Bringing the Margins to the Mainstream: A conversation on what works to address violence against women with a disability – FREE Online Webinar hosted by Victorian Women’s Health Services Network Register Here

Tue 10 Dec:

7pm – 8:30pm | Men Supporting Safer Communities: Join The Conversation – FREE Online Webinar hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council and South Gippsland Shire Council Register Here

Activities

Fri 22 Nov:

11am – 12pm | Cuppa and Chat – Leongatha Community House, Leongatha more info

Sat 23 Nov:

Yarram Combined Churches Women’s Morning Tea & Men’s Breakfast – Men’s breakfast at the Regent Supper Rooms. Women’s Morning Tea at Café Aga more info

Sun 24 Nov:

11am – 2pm | Hands Up for Respect a Colour Fun Event – Davison Oval, Bairnsdale more info

Mon 25 Nov:

2pm | Launch Day by East Gippsland Police and Aboriginal Community Protocols Against Family Violence – GLaWAC, Kalimna West more info

Tues 26 Nov:

12pm – 3pm | Empowering Voices: Eat, Yarn, Heal – GEGAC, Bairnsdale more info

Until 2 Dec:

Keira Sloetjes Art Exhibition – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul more info

Thu 5 Dec:

6:30pm | Film Screening: Battle of the Sexes (Billie Jean King Story) – Yarram Regent Theatre, Yarram more info

Training and Professional Development

Various Dates:

9:30am – 12:30pm | Professional Training – Presented by Bass Coast Shire Council more info

Tue 26 Nov:

10:30am – 12pm | All Come Out To Play – Professional Development for Early Years Educators – 1 George Street, Moe Presented by Playgroup Victoria more info

We are asking any organisation or community group to become Let’s Chat Gippsland partners. By being a partner, you are helping us create campaign and messaging unity across Gippsland in the fight to prevent gendered violence.  

Becoming a partner will also allow you to receive campaign updates and have access to Let’s Chat resources, including information on responding to disclosures, dealing with resistance and backlash, and specialised support services. By becoming a Let’s Chat partner, you’re also letting the communities know your stance on ending gendered violence.     

Become a campaign partner by reaching out to us here admin@gwhealth.asn.au

View the Let’s Chat Toolkit below or download the PDF here.

Campaign Partner Involvement 

Campaign partners can help share campaign messaging either through social media campaigns or by holding an event. Events and campaign messaging can help generate conversations and give people a safe space to: 

Engage: with others in a safe space to hear and contribute to conversations. 

Educate: themselves on new ways of thinking and have the opportunity to share their knowledge and new ideas. 

Acknowledge: the past and the work that needs to be done to generate growth and change.  

By being a Let’s Chat partner you can help spread the word that everyone can play a part in ending gendered violence.

Support Services

We encourage all partners to have information on support services at events, included in social media messaging or campaign collateral. A full list of local and national support services can be found on the Gippsland Family Violence Alliance website here.  

We encourage partners to utilise Gippsland Family Violence Alliances STOP Family Violence cards and posters which can be ordered for free on their website here.