General news
22 August, 2025
Stop the silence and end the violence!
Bland locals unite to march against DV
WITH signs held high, voices raised in unity, and hearts full of purpose, the people of West Wyalong once again took to the streets last Thursday August 14 in a powerful show of solidarity against domestic violence.
Led by Letitia Payne and members of the West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Lands Council (WWLALC), the march began with a strong turnout and a police escort guiding the crowd through the main street and toward McCann Park. The march, now in its second consecutive year, was driven by a clear and urgent message: stop the silence, end the violence.
Among the special guests was former local and now nationally recognised advocate Kelly Lamb, whose decades-long work in social services has made her name synonymous with support for vulnerable women and families. Lamb spoke candidly at the McCann Park gathering, where a collection of local and regional service providers had also set up stalls to offer advice, resources, and support for those affected.
The day was more about raising awareness, it was about confronting the hard truths in our own communities, acknowledging the pain that too often goes unspoken, and committing to do better — together. It was also about encouraging men to speak up.
The numbers underscore the urgency. In the 12 months leading up to March 2025, New South Wales saw a 3.6% increase in domestic violence-related assaults, according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). More concerning still is the sharper rise in regional areas, including towns like West Wyalong, compared to Greater Sydney.
Sexual assault reports across the state rose by 6.4%, while retail theft incidents climbed 4.3%. Within the broader category of domestic violence, family violence incidents surged by 7.3% — outpacing the 4.9% rise in intimate partner violence. Even more distressing, there was a 9.5% increase in child victims of domestic assault.
For Letitia Payne, those figures are not just statistics — they’re stories of real people, real families, and real heartbreak.
“We can’t wait for someone else to fix this,” Payne said. “This is our home, our town, our families. That’s why we march. Because doing nothing is not an option.”
Last year’s inaugural march brought the issue into sharper focus locally, and this year’s event only solidified the community’s commitment to change. Elders, youth, service workers, police officers, teachers, parents, and children stood side by side, walking not just in protest, but in hope.
“Ending domestic violence isn’t just about punishment,” Payne added. “It’s about prevention, education, and community support. It’s about changing culture - and culture starts with us.”
As the march came to a close and the crowd at McCann Park lingered to speak with support services, share stories, and comfort one another, the spirit of the day was clear: West Wyalong is not turning away.
One town. One voice. One powerful message.
Stop the silence. End the violence.
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