23 October 2025, 3:59 AM
More than a hundred community members gathered on Wednesday night for Reclaim the Night Northern Rivers 2025, a powerful annual event calling for an end to gender-based violence and the right for all women and gender-diverse people to feel safe in public spaces.
Held in the heart of Lismore, the evening began with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Jenny Smith, followed by a symbolic performance by the Nini-Nahri-Gali dancers and moving contributions from Lesley Hudson Moon, Ayla Wollumbin and Lavender. The International Songs of Justice Group then led a vibrant march through the CBD, celebrating resilience and amplifying the voices of survivors.
This year’s event carried particular urgency for the Northern Rivers, where domestic and family violence rates remain alarmingly high. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the Richmond-Tweed region, including Lismore, recorded a domestic violence assault rate of 651.8 per 100,000 people, well above the state average of 457.5. The impacts of recent floods have only intensified the crisis, with local services reporting increased demand and more complex cases.
Organised by a coalition of local advocacy groups, service providers, and volunteers, the event focused on safety, solidarity, and systemic change. Attendees marched together to reclaim public spaces as places of freedom and safety. Special thanks go to CWA Bangalow, Zonta Northern Rivers, Women Up North Housing and Women’s Health Northern Rivers for funding the event.
“Reclaim the Night is more than a march, it’s a movement,” said Mandy Nolan, event coordinator and MC. “It’s about challenging the culture of silence and demanding real action to end violence in our homes, workplaces, and streets.”
The event also honoured lives lost to gendered violence and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to a safer, more inclusive future.
Reclaim the Night Northern Rivers is part of a global movement that began in the 1970s. It reminds us that safety is a right, not a privilege, and that change begins with collective action.