At 12pm on Tuesday 25th November, the NSW Vigil Collective invites you to stand with us in Martin Place at the : Unite Against Violence – No More Empty Shoes Vigil.
WHAT IS THE VIGIL?
As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes Vigil is a one-day installation in Martin Place Sydney.
Each pair of shoes represents a women or child who we have lost to domestic and family violence in 2025.
Some important points if attending:
1) Please wear orange shirts Zonta says No. At 11:30 there will be a group photo on the stage to show solidarity as one voice.
2) We have been asked to be there between 10:30 & 11. Collect a badge from the information table to wear. From 11am there will be classical guitar music
3) Speakers are Commissioner Hannah Tonkin, Delia Donovan, Tabitha Acret mother of victim,
4) Names of all the current victims will be read and their date of death, as well as the names of the 15 children. Whilst this is taking place a rose will be given to a member of the community for that victim.
5) A shoe display for each victim and child supported by Dressed for Success
6) Flashmob Sydney Philharmonic Choir singing 'Your the Voice'.
7) Photo opportunities at the conclusion 1pm with politicians present or other dignitaries
We look forward to seeing a 'sea of orange'.
We also extend an invitation to all to visit our trees at Circular Quay, we will also have some handouts to pass through the crowd to visit our display.
This is a wonderful opportunity for exposure of Zonta and the work we do.
After this we can walk down to Circular Quay and visit our installation of trees.
At 12pm as each name is read, a flower is laid in their honour while the Sydney Philharmonic Choir performs a moving reminder of lives stolen by domestic and family violence.
The Vigil 'No more empty Shoes' is a combined vigil of over 30 frontline agencies and support services across NSW. Including CEO DVNSW Delia Donovan, Barnardos and Lou'sPlace sponsored by the City of Sydney. The aim is to remember the 51 women and 15 children (including a 6 month old) and animals lost to domestic violence this year. It is a privilege and an honour for Zonta to be standing amongst this group.
Join us to honour and remember the women and children who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence in 2025.
Date/time: 25 November at 12pm
Location: Martin Place, Sydney CBD, between Pitt and Castlereagh St.