Mayoral Column – Community safety at the fore of 16 days campaign

Wednesday, 3 December 2025

Penrith City Council is taking a stand against domestic violence – and I urge you all to be everyday heroes in our close community.

Council is once again supporting the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence movement (25 November to 10 December).

We are an organisation that strives to create a safer community for all and empower residents to lead happy and fulfilling lives. Change starts with us and our continued involvement in the 16 Days campaign shines a light on how we can help those experiencing domestic and family violence.

I call on everyone in this City – individuals, families, organisations and businesses to engage in meaningful conversations, participate in local events and learn the signs of gender-based violence.

You can get involved by participating in Council’s annual Walk Against Violence at the Nepean River this weekend. From 9am on Sunday 7 December, we’re asking residents to join our visible, united front.

At the end of the walk is the symbolic hero tree, where participants can write their pledge on a leaf-shaped tag. The branches become a moving display of respect, care, courage and solidarity.

Council has also engaged survivors and residents who have shared their words and voices to create a heartfelt poem that we turned into a video. You can see it on our Facebook page.

During these 16 days, we’re lighting up the Civic Centre orange – to illuminate hope and spark important conversations.

Find out more at penrith.city/16days

This campaign forms part of Council’s ongoing efforts to foster an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.

Through the generosity of the Penrith community, Council has also proudly donated more than 550 old mobile phones to DV Safe Phone, a charity that provides a lifeline for domestic violence victims and survivors.

Cr Todd Carney

Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 3 December 2025.