Community
27 November, 2025
Shedding light on domestic violence important for the Highlands, Wollondilly and Southern Tablelands
As part of the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, of which this year’s theme is ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against all Women and Girls’, the Southern Highlands, Wollondilly and Southern Tablelands are doing their part to assist those affected by domestic and family violence as well as address conversations to help change.
As part of the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, of which this year’s theme is ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against all Women and Girls’, the Southern Highlands, Wollondilly and Southern Tablelands regions are doing their part to assist those affected by domestic and family violence as well as address conversations to help change.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign was first launched in 1991 and has since become a United Nations-led movement.
Last Friday 21 November, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and officers attended the Step Out, Speak Out walk from Randwick to Coogee, and this was just one event along with thousands of other events to be held across Australia.
The Southern Highlands started their proceedings with their Light Up Wingecarribee Orange campaign.
Over the 16 days, Council's Civic Centre in Moss Vale and Briars Pub at Burradoo will be illuminated in orange to show solidarity with those affected by domestic and family violence and to spark conversations about change.
There will also be several other events held over the 2-week period, which are listed here below.
1. Light the Night Vigil of Remembrance, The Briars Inn, Burradoo
Local domestic and family violence protection service Pop In will be hosting a special vigil tonight at the Briars from 7-8pm to honour the 58 women and 22 children’s lives lost to domestic and family violence across Australia so far this year and to stand united for a safer future.
In a deeply moving tribute, glowing lanterns will be placed to form the word NO – each one representing a life tragically lost this year due to domestic violence and abuse.
Staff, volunteers, and service partners will join in this act of remembrance, followed by a minute’s silence.
The evening will conclude with a drone capture of the illuminated tribute, spelling out the shared message - We say NO to domestic violence and abuse.
Nibbles and drinks will also be generously provided by The Briars Inn.
For more information visit www.popin.org.au/16daysofactivism, or follow them on Instagram @popin_aus.
2. Bowl Out Domestic Violence event, Highlands Entertainment Centre
This Friday night at the Highlands Entertainment Centre in Mittagong, in partnership with Wingecarribee Shire Council and the Southern Highlands Domestic Violence Forum (SHDVF) are encouraging everyone to bring their families for an evening of fun, prizes, and community connection — all while supporting locals affected by domestic and family violence.
The event will run from 5:30 pm – 9pm at the Highlands Entertainment Centre, 2/205 Old Hume Highway, Mittagong.
Cost is $10 single or $25 for families.
Bookings are essential by visiting the Try Booking link at www.trybooking.com/DGUUU.
3. Empire Cinema – ‘Wicked: For Good’ Film Screening
Families can enjoy the second instalment of the Wicked movie series with friends — a fun night out with meaning next Friday 5 December from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Cost is $20 a ticket.
The Empire Cinema is located at 327 Bong Bong St, Bowral.
To book visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1482842.
WOLLONDILLY AND SOUTHERN TABLELANDS EVENTS
Events are also being held across the Wollondilly and Southern Tablelands over the 16 days which started on Tuesday (November 25) and run through until Wednesday December 10.
The SayNo2DV Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee are holding their 12th breakfast raising awareness around domestic and family violence.
It will be held at the Camden Civic Centre, Oxley St, Camden next Wednesday December 3 from 6:45am- 9am, with this year’s keynote speaker Kristy Drower talking about her long journey through systems and healing.
She will talk about how she turned her pain into power and where she is at now.
Bookings for the breakfast are unfortunately closed, however contact the event organiser Tanya Whitehouse on 0412 903 392, and she may be able to assist you.
The Camden Police Area Command also have one of their vehicles down at Narellan Town Centre where anyone can talk with their Domestic Violence Team as well as members of the SayNo2DV Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee.
Anglicare Goulburn, in partnership with Rotary and Hume District Police, are also hosting a Goulburn Domestic Violence Walk this Friday November 28, starting from 10:50am at the rear of Carol James Real Estate in Cartwright Place.
Participants will then turn left into Verner St, and left again into Auburn St. They will then proceed down Auburn St into Montague St and into the grounds of Belmore Park, where some short speeches will be heard and then Rotary will host a free BBQ and drink for everyone.
For more information contact Anglicare Goulburn on 4823 4000, and if you or anyone in your family is experiencing domestic or family violence, urge them to contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for assistance.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, Wollondilly