Challenge DV’s Darkness to Daylight 12th Anniversary Event

Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services; Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Amanda Camm MP; Acting Queensland Police Commissioner, Mr Shane Chelepy; Director-General, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, Ms Belinda Drew; Councillor for Wynnum Manly, Councillor Alex Givney; Challenge DV Chair, Ms Jane Hedger and CEO Mr Keith Tracey-Patte; Founder of Darkness to Daylight and Special Counsel at MinterEllison, Mr Robert Reed OAM; partners and sponsors; participants; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I, too, begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people.

As Joint Patron of Challenge DV with my husband Graeme, I am honoured to be taking part in today’s 12^th Anniversary Event together with all of you here today.

It must be said that that the best way––the only way––we, as a community, can take on the perpetrators of domestic and family violence is by banding together to defend the rights of those it most affects, and that is disproportionately the women and children in our communities.

And even then, our collective goodwill must be backed by concrete and sustained action by our policymakers and supported by the ongoing efforts of those who fundraise and sponsor Challenge DV and other groups committed to the prevention of domestic and family violence.

Thus far, despite our best efforts, this insidious abuse of human rights remains pervasive in our society. Each year, on average, 110 people die from domestic and family violence in Australia. According to recent data, in Queensland, about half of all assaults and nearly one-in-three property damage offences are linked to family and domestic violence.

Such statistics are intolerable and highlight the ongoing prevalence of abuse. They also overshadow any slight improvements over time, which while noteworthy may only serve to distract us from such deplorable facts as the widespread prevalence of violence against women and the ongoing, tragic regularity with which lives are lost at the hands of intimate partners.

Continuing to address this issue––in equal parts public health and human rights––is paramount, and the initiatives we have seen to date go a long way toward doing this. Workplace programs, awareness training, partnerships, refuges and support networks have all proved essential elements of a much wider platform of enterprise and resources delivered through Challenge DV.

In 2024, more than $350,000 was raised to assist in this movement for change. This is certainly one statistic I hope we can improve upon in 2025. Money raised can provide face to face domestic and family prevention training in community sporting clubs or help community groups recognise and address domestic and family violence.

It can fund administration support for the Combined Women’s Refuge Group, or presentations in schools to educate young people. It can provide administrative support for the Men’s Behavioural Change Program.

Whether undertaking the 3-kilometre or 110-kilometre walk or run, your contribution forms a valuable part of this event. I too am proud to be wearing my Challenge DV commemorative shirt and cap for my 3-kilometre walk today, and to be representing all Queenslanders in expressing my gratitude to Challenge DV for its incredible work in this sphere.

A resounding thank you to all those here today, from government, council, major sponsors, donors and other supporters, Challenge DV staff and all members of the public here today.