Reception in Support of Darkness to Daylight 2026 and Challenge DV

Councillor for Doboy Ward, Councillor Lisa Atwood; Director-General, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, Ms Belinda Drew; Challenge DV Board Chair, Ms Jane Hedger and General Manager, Ms Linda Smith; volunteers, staff and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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

As Joint Patrons of Challenge DV, Graeme and I welcome you to Government House this afternoon, to thank you for your part in raising awareness and funds to help break the cycle of domestic and family violence in our state.

Every year—since 2014—the Darkness to Daylight event has delivered solidarity and hope, as thousands of Queenslanders take to the streets of Brisbane to show their support for a cause which affects so many. 

With every kilometre signifying a life lost to abuse, it is an incredibly powerful way of making a stand, and whether this is shown over 3, 10 or 110 kilometres, each step represents a united front to bring such violence out of the shadows.

Despite a hiccup with weather forcing the postponement of this year’s Darkness to Daylight, the 2026 event has been another outstanding success, and from the outset, I commend Mr Robert Reed OAM, of Minter Ellison, for bringing this important initiative to our state, and for giving people the opportunity to “run for a reason”. 

I was so proud to be there at Parliament House, bright and early on Friday morning, wearing my Challenge DV cap and hoodie, to take part in the 3km walk and to attend the closing ceremony. What a special occasion it was.

The presence of all of you here today, demonstrates what can be achieved when people from diverse backgrounds work together to address a social issue that is insidious, does not discriminate, and has detrimental effects that reach far beyond individuals and their families.

The strong partnerships that Challenge DV has forged across so many organisations and bodies within our private and public sectors, educational institutions, not-for-profits—and the general public itself—have built a vast and potent network. 

By rallying for change and opening up conversations about unacceptable behaviours, Challenge DV is drawing on the unique capabilities we each hold to make a difference. 

I am particularly grateful for the way young people are being included in this process, with programs such as “Why We Run”, building understanding and leading to grassroots cultural change—and I am delighted some of these students could join us today.

Through prevention efforts in our schools, sporting clubs, and workplaces, alongside bold advocacy endeavours, Challenge DV is ensuring that our future will be brighter and fairer.

Your involvement goes towards strengthening and broadening such initiatives, because it is the right of every individual in our society to live in peace, and with dignity. 

While we have some way to go before achieving this goal—with one in four women in this country experiencing a form of domestic and family violence4—we can take great heart from the monumental shifts that have occurred in our state and national approach, since the first Darkness to Daylight event was held. 

Graeme and I give our heartfelt thanks to all of the amazing partners, donors and individuals here today, who have once again offered their valuable support…and we congratulate the Board, executive, staff and determined volunteers of Challenge DV for striving each day to improve the lives of Queenslanders. 

Tonight, Government House will be lit in purple, as we stand with you to be make our state safer and more enlightened.