Despite COVID-19 throwing their plans into disarray, the organisers of Cessnock Walks Kawuma 2020 have praised the event as a resounding success.
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With this year's walk cancelled due to crowd restrictions, the event moved online, and also has a display set up in the former Advertiser office in Vincent Street.
More than 1100 people took selfies saying no to domestic and family violence, which is almost double the amount of people who took part in last year's inaugural walk, and exceeded the committee's goal of '1000 pictures, one word'.
Committee members were out and about in the Cessnock CBD last Wednesday (which was the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women), engaging with over 200 locals handing out merchandise, collecting more selfies and discussing the issues.
Cessnock Walks Kawuma chairperson Sonia Sharpe thanked the committee for their dedication to the campaign.
"Their hard work behind the scenes to raise awareness for people to get help with domestic and family violence is second to none," she said.
"Their services and their own kindness meant we beat our goal of 1000 people appearing in photos to say no to domestic and family violence. A job well done!
"A special thanks to our volunteers for giving up their own time to help us on the day as it was very much appreciated."
Photos can be viewed at facebook.com/cessnockwalkskawuma, and the photo display and 'Why Didn't She Leave' shoe exhibition will remain in place at 155 Vincent Street throughout the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 to December 10).
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Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
