Challenge DV’s Darkness to Daylight 10th Anniversary Event

Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP; Leader of the Opposition, Mr David Crisafulli MP; representing the Lord Mayor, Councillor Fiona Cunningham; Acting Queensland Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy; Challenge DV Chair, Ms Jane Hedger, Members of the Board, and CEO, Mr Keith Tracey-Patter; Darkness to Daylight Founder, Mr Robert Reed OAM; partners and sponsors; participants; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

I too, would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.  

As Governor and Joint Patron of Challenge DV with my husband, Graeme, I feel privileged to be a part of today’s event. 

Today, Challenge DV celebrates its tenth anniversary of staging the Darkness to Daylight Event, which raises awareness and critical funds to help in the fight against domestic and family violence.  

The sheer number of people involved in this event – whether they are running 110 kilometers, or three – is testament to the incredible work that you do. 

The number 110 has significant, and terrible, meaning, symbolising the estimated 110 Australian lives lost annually as a result of domestic and family violence.1  

It is a tragic statistic, and today, we take a stand against it. We take a stand to end domestic and family violence, which, as we know, does not discriminate. 

The victims of such violence can be found in all echelons of our society, in every community, in every state.  

However, Challenge DV asks you to imagine a world without family and domestic violence, and to help bring this vision to fruition.  

They seek to reach and help those in need by educating, advocating and empowering both individuals and the community. 

By raising awareness throughout the month of May, through programs delivered in partnership with their corporate partners, Challenge DV goes a long way to reaching and helping those who find themselves in a violent domestic or family situation.  

Financial support through sponsorships and events such as this, where much-needed funds are raised to assist those in most need, are essential to seeing the end of domestic and family violence in our communities.  

On behalf of the people of Queensland, I express my gratitude to Challenge DV for their organised and impactful approach to this shared responsibility, and thank every participant, donor and supporter for your contribution and commitment to creating a world free of domestic and family violence. 

It's been a privilege to take part. Thank you.