Mackay Says No to Domestic and Family Violence – Rotary Respect Campaign

Each May, the Rotary Club of Mackay leads the Mackay NO to Domestic and Family Violence Campaign, calling on our region to stand united and say no to domestic and family violence.

Domestic and family violence affects thousands of Australians every year. However, together as a community, we can change attitudes, strengthen accountability, and build a culture of respect.

Why No to Domestic and Family Violence Matters in Mackay

Domestic and family violence is not just a private issue. It impacts families, workplaces, schools and the broader Mackay Region.

Prevention begins with:

• Promoting respect in everyday behaviour

• Challenging disrespect before it escalates

• Empowering young leaders to model positive relationships

• Encouraging victims and bystanders to seek help

Not all disrespect results in violence. But all violence starts with disrespect.

That is why our Mackay no to Domestic and Family Violence program focuses strongly on youth leadership and visible community action.

Mackay Purple Fridays – Wear Purple, Show Leadership

Every Friday in May, we invite schools, businesses and community members across Mackay to wear purple.

Purple Fridays are a simple but powerful way to:

• Demonstrate zero tolerance for violence

• Start conversations about respect

• Show younger generations that Mackay stands together

By wearing purple, you are sending a clear message:
Stop the silence. End the violence.

Be part of the campaign, know what to say and why you are saying it.

Download the Messaging Guide for the Purple Shirt Campaign

Guide Purple Shirt Message

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Learn more about Purple Fridays

School Programs – Educating the Next Generation

Prevention starts early.

As part of the Mackay No to Domestic and Family Violence campaign, we are delivering:

• R4Respect presentations to Year 7 and 8 students across Mackay high schools

• A Student Leaders Respect Breakfast

• Youth engagement activities promoting accountability and respect

By equipping young people with knowledge and leadership skills, we are breaking cycles of violence before they begin.

Respect in Every Step – March to End Domestic and Family Violence

On the final Purple Friday in May, the Mackay community gathers for the Respect in Every Step March.

Starting in the Mackay city centre and concluding at Blue Water Quay, this march demonstrates visible community leadership and solidarity.

When thousands of people walk together, the message is clear:

Mackay will not tolerate domestic and family violence.

Join the March to End Domestic Violence

How You Can Say No to Domestic and Family Violence in Mackay

You can support Mackay Says No to Domestic and Family Violence by:

• Wearing purple every Friday in May

• Encouraging respectful behaviour at home and work

• Attending the Respect March

• Sharing campaign messages on social media

• Supporting victims to seek help

Every action matters.

Together, Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence. Together, Mackay can lead the way.

Community Leadership Through Rotary

The Rotary Club of Mackay has a long history of community leadership. Through this Mackay says No to Domestic and Family Violence campaign, we are uniting schools, businesses, law enforcement, local government and families around one simple message:

Respect is everyone’s responsibility.

If you would like to partner with Rotary Mackay or support this initiative, please contact us.