Meet the speakers and performers for the 2024 Walk Against Family Violence

The Walk Against Family Violence is fast approaching. Meet the speakers and performers you can look forward to seeing at this year's event.

Emcee: Clare Bowditch

The Walk will be hosted by musician, broadcaster, sometimes actor, speaker, author, creativity and well-being researcher, and dedicated mental-health-and-wellbeing advocate, Clare Bowditch. She has been a professional speaker, emcee, and large-scaled choir leader for over a decade, and regularly runs events and workshops on everyday creativity as an accessible tool through which to support wellbeing in our everyday lives. 

She is Not Your Rehab

Taimalelagi Mataio Faafetai (Matt) Brown (MNZM) and his life and business partner Sarah Brown (MNZM). Their tireless efforts to reach men who use violence and foster healing in place of intergenerational abuse culminated with the launch of She Is Not Your Rehab.

Women with Disabilities Victoria

Hannah Pennington is a Project Coordinator with Women with Disabilities Victoria. With front line experience working in mental health and disability support, Hannah has lived experience of disability and chronic illness, and will encourage the crowd to consider how women and gender diverse people with disabilities are valued and respected in their communities.

Victim Survivors' Advisory Council

Conor Pall is Deputy Chair of the Victorian Government's Victim Survivor's Advisory Council. A survivor and advocate for children and young people, his children's book The Shadow that Follows provides hope for children experiencing family violence.

Djirri Djirri dance group

We’ll also be treated to a performance by the Djirri Djirri dancers, the only female Wurundjeri dance group and Traditional Custodians of Naarm. The group is led by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung woman, Mandy Nicholson. Mandy is an artist, singer, song-writer, cultural mentor and Woiwurrung language specialist, and will address the crowd following the performance. 

Mama Alto

The speeches will conclude with a show-stopping rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' performed by jazz singer, cabaret artiste, and gender transcendent diva Mama Alto. 

Also at the Walk Against Family Violence

Be sure to check out The Red Shoes Installation on the steps of Old Treasury Building next to the Gardens. Presented by artist Laura Delaney, the work features pairs of red shoes representing Australian women whose lives have been taken by violence.

And stick around for lunch in the Gardens – bring a picnic or grab a bite from the A1 Bakery and Li’l Dumpling Vans. There will also be stalls from Zoe Belle Gender Collective, The RED HEART Campaign and Haus of Dizzy. 

Take a look at the Walk access key for more of what to expect on the day. 

We can’t wait to see you there!