Community Events

Media Release
28.9.19
Virtually Running against Gender-based Violence
Novocastrians are invited to join a virtual running challenge to raise funds to combat domestic violence in Australia. The event, which is open to everyone, is being organised by Run Against Violence (RAV) and supported in Newcastle by members of the women’s social running group, Nightstriders.
The run will be held during the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence which runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) until Human Rights Day (10 December). It is one of several activities being organised in Newcastle during the 16 day period.
For those new to the concept, a ‘virtual’ running challenge doesn’t mean sitting on the sofa and pretending to run! It is an online challenge for you to complete in real life, wherever you are based. The RAV Broken Hill to Sydney Virtual Team Challenge invites groups of up to 20 people to collectively retrace the 1300km of the real-world 2017 StepsTogether Ultramarathon. More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in the Challenge from all across Australia.
In Newcastle, the Nightstriders are already encouraging teams to take part. They will be organising group runs and social events, and are selling exclusive merchandise, based on the official colour of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, orange.
‘This run combines a lot of great elements – being active, being social and raising money for a really important cause,’ said Mel Nunn who is part of the Nightstriders and was nominated for a University of Newcastle Alumni Award for Regional Leadership last month, ‘The route from Broken Hill to Sydney was chosen because it links communities from remote areas to a capital city, reminding us that sadly at the moment domestic violence is a problem everywhere.’
Entries for the virtual run open on 18 October through the Run Against Violence website. The Newcastle merchandise deadline is 4 October – available via Sticky Tickets. ‘The singlets and shorts are surprisingly powerful,’ continues Mel Nunn, ‘As you’re running around Newcastle they prompt some really important and helpful conversations. We hope to sell as many as possible.’
The run and the merchandise will raise funds for community education programs about domestic violence and for Helen Maslen Scholarships at the University of Newcastle, supporting domestic violence survivors to improve their lives through access to higher education.
More information:
Mel Nunn: 0468 964 304
https://www.instagram.com/16daysofactivism.newcastle
https://www.facebook.com/16DaysActivismChallenge

Nova for Women and Children are holding their 2nd Annual Public Rally – this time at Warners Bay on Lake Macquarie.
The rally is to protest against gender based violence as part of the global campaign, the 16 days of Activism, Against Gender Based Violence.

We invite you to help us make our voices heard.

So far this year, 47 Women and 5 Children have been violently murdered in our country, and a local women’s support service and charity, Nova for Women says Enough is Enough!

Handmade in the Hunter Markets – where you will discover the variety and quality of goods grown, made and crafted by Hunter Valley artisans.

As the longest running and most popular, meet-the-maker market in the vineyards, you will meet and talk with the grower, maker or artist behind each of the expertly crafted and truly unique “Handmade in the Hunter” creations. We take great pride in the fact that when you buy something from us you are taking a little bit of the Hunter home with you.

Conveniently located near the three major concert venues (Hope Estate, Bimbadgen and Roche Estate), wineries, restaurants and Hunter Valley Gardens, Handmade in the Hunter Markets are also held to coincide with concert dates and other major vineyard events.

Come along to see, taste, try, buy and marvel for yourself at what the vibrant Hunter Valley artistic and creative community has to offer.

See our website for a complete list of market dates: http://www.handmadehuntermarkets.com.au
and our Facebook page for information on cancellations due to inclement weather. www.facebook.com/handmadehuntermarkets