A snap rally in Ballarat will be held tonight to remember the lives of three women who were allegedly murdered at the hands of male violence this year.
Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire were killed within three months of each other. All three women lived in and around the rural Victorian town of Ballarat.
Former Greens Senate candidate and Djab Wurrung woman Sissy Austin organised the rally, called Enough is Enough – Snap Rally Against Men’s Violence in Ballarat. It will start from 5:30pm tonight at Ballarat train station.
Austin, who was also attacked in 2023 whilst out on a run in Lal Lal, near Ballarat, said she is feeling “quite emotional” about how much momentum the rally has gained in the last 24 hours.
“But I think that signifies the need for us all to come together,” she said in an Instagram story.
On the Facebook event page, Austin writes that it is time for all members of the Ballarat community – men and women – to come together and remember the women “who should still be here with us today”.
“Women are not feeling safe in our town,” the event description says.
“Women are living on eggshells, living on edge. Putting on the runners and going for a run feels like risk taking behaviour, it is not and we shouldn’t be feeling like this.
“It is not normal for our beautiful bushlands to become known for a place where mens violence is perpertrated on our bodies.”
Men have also been asked to attend the rally to show solidarity with the women of Ballarat.
“We must stand in solidarity, to fight for justice and to feel less alone,” the description reads.
“This is a national crisis and should be treated as such.”
The snap rally was sparked following the deaths of three Ballarat women in the space of just three months in 2024: Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire.
In February this year, Samantha Murphy was allegedly murdered by 22-year-old Patrick Orren Stephenson, when she set out for her usual Sunday morning jog in Ballarat. Victoria police have received fresh intelligence on her disappearance and alleged murder, and today, investigators are following the new lead, searching the Enfield state park, roughly 25 km south of Ballarat.
Days later, authorities discovered the body of 42-year-old mother of five Rebecca Young in her home near Ballarat. According to police, her partner allegedly murdered her, before he took his own life at the scene.
Earlier this week, a 21-year-old man faced court for the alleged murder of 23-year-old Hannah McGuire. Her body was found in Scarsdale, outside of Ballarat, last Friday. Police say McGuire and her alleged murderer, Lachie Young were known to each other, with several media reports indicating they were living together as partners and recently ended the relationship.
The office of Catherine King confirmed with Women’s Agenda that the federal member for Ballarat will be attending the rally, which kicks off at 5:30pm tonight from Ballarat train station.
The rally will finish at Camp Street with speeches and performances from local artists. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own signs and candles for the event.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
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