The Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary Club’s Purple Fridays initiative is known across the Northern Rivers, with businesses, sporting clubs and schools wearing the distinctive shirts.

The ‘No to Domestic Violence’ campaign aims to encourage conversations and create safer spaces where survivors feel comfortable speaking up.

Ballina Public School principal Stacie Luppi was among the first in the town to go purple when the idea was suggested in March 2023, along with the school’s staff.

Other schools have followed suit, including Cabbage Tree Island Public School, Maclean High School, The Rivers Secondary College Kadina High Campus and Ballina Coast High School.

Ballina Coast students will also participate in the Ballina Shire Steps Up Against Domestic and Family Violence Walk on the 29 November.

NSW public schools are proud to send a clear message that domestic and family violence – which predominantly affects women and girls - is not acceptable in any community.

Today, 25 November 2024, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

This year’s theme is ‘Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls’.

• For more information on the United Nation’s call to action visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
• For more information on schools participating in Rotary’s Purple Fridays initiative: https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2024/09/06/federal-government-moves-against-domestic-violence-ballina-residents-step-up-their-fight/