RIN Initiatives Domestic and Family Violence Prevention On behalf of the Rotary Club of Mackay, you’re invited to support the Mackay Says No to Domestic and Family Violence campaign throughout May 2026. May Domestic and Family Violence Prevention MonthMackay & The Whitsundays Together, let’s show how much the Mackay community values respect. It starts with respect. Say no to domestic and family violence. What is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month? Each May, communities across Queensland come together for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month to raise awareness, encourage action, and send a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated. In Mackay, Rotary is leading a visible, community-wide campaign focused on youth leadership, respectful relationships, and public action. Working alongside schools, workplaces, families and local partners, the campaign aims to build a culture where respect, accountability and speaking up are part of everyday life. We aim to: Promote respect in everyday behaviour and relationships. Challenge disrespect before it escalates. Empower young leaders to model positive relationships. Encourage victims and bystanders to seek help and speak up. This year’s program includes Purple Fridays, school-based R4Respect sessions for Year 7 and 8 students, student leadership initiatives, and the Respect in Every Step community march. The March Respect in Every Step: March to End Domestic and Family Violence Friday 29 May 2026 · Assemble 11:30am On the final Friday in May, the Mackay community will gather for the Respect in Every Step March to take a public stand against domestic and family violence. Marchers will assemble in the car park opposite St Patrick’s College on River Street, then walk through the Mackay city centre to Blue Water Quay. Students, workplaces, families and community groups are all encouraged to attend and stand together in support of respectful relationships and safer communities. Not all disrespect results in violence. But all violence starts with disrespect. Join the March View Campaign Page
Wear Purple on Fridays Wear purple every Friday in May to make respect visible. Purple Fridays are a simple but powerful way to show Mackay stands together against domestic and family violence. Wearing purple across schools, businesses, sporting clubs and community spaces helps spark conversations and reinforces a zero-tolerance message. Stop the silence. End the violence.
Support Young People Help strengthen youth leadership and respectful relationships. Rotary Mackay’s 2026 program includes R4Respect presentations for Year 7 and 8 students, a Student Leaders Respect Breakfast, and youth engagement activities that encourage accountability, empathy and positive role modelling. Prevention starts early, and young people are central to long-term change.
Join the March Walk with the community on Friday 29 May 2026 at 11:30am. The Respect in Every Step March brings together students, schools, workplaces, families and community groups for one of the region’s most visible statements against domestic and family violence. Assemble opposite St Pat’s College on River Street and march together to Blue Water Quay.
Partner or Advocate Help amplify the message through partnership, advocacy and shared visibility. Rotary Mackay is bringing together schools, businesses, local government, law enforcement and community leaders around one simple message: respect is everyone’s responsibility. You can support the cause by sharing campaign messages, encouraging respectful behaviour, and helping victims know support is available.
Contact Details Please contact Michael Buckeridge from Rotary to partner with the campaign, request more information, or get involved in this year’s activities. Michael Buckeridge Past Rotary District 9570 Governor 2019–2020 Phone: +61 418 879 260 Email: michael.buckeridge@rotarymackay.org.au Contact Michael Learn More About Purple Fridays