The enditnow campaign in Australia has reached a significant milestone this year, with two rallies being held for the first time in Victoria.
The rallies, on Sabbath afternoon, August 23, will take place in the regional town of Bairnsdale and in Burwood, Melbourne. Both events aim to raise awareness, promote prevention and inspire change in the fight against all forms of abuse.
Tarnya Garner, director of Adventist Women’s Ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Victoria, said the Bairnsdale event is the result of a collaboration between the Bairnsdale Adventist Church and dedicated pastor and counsellor Faye Stothers, “whose passion for community wellbeing has helped bring this vision to life”.
The Burwood rally is a joint effort of the Women’s Ministry department, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the Children and Family Ministries department.
“At the heart of both gatherings are women of conviction and courage—women who believe deeply in fairness, equality and the wellbeing of people in every stage of life: men and women, children and the elderly alike,” Ms Garner said.
“Our message is clear and unwavering: No-one should ever be subjected to disrespect, harm or violence. The enditnow initiative stands for love, encouragement and transformation—and stands firmly against all forms of abuse. For those who have endured such pain, their greatest wish is that no-one else should have to experience it. That is why these rallies are not only about raising awareness, but also about prevention, education and inspiring change.”
Sydney will also host a rally on August 23 at Mountain View Adventist College featuring guest speaker Amanda Bews, director of Children and Family Ministries at the Australian Union Conference (AUC). The program will include a special address from the local Member of Parliament and a message from Greater Sydney Conference president Pastor Alban Matohiti, musical performances, and a sausage sizzle and dessert.
The annual enditnow online summit, hosted by the Australian Union Conference (AUC), is being held on Friday evening, August 22. The keynote speaker is Dr Paul Bogacs, counselling course convenor at Avondale University. The theme is “Headship theology, patriarchy and other dangerous ideas”. The event will also feature a panel discussion.
This year, in partnership with ADRA, the AUC is organising emergency “Go Bags” for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Filled with essential items donated by church members, the bags will be distributed by ADRA to support those in crisis.
Enditnow is a global initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence around the world.
HOW TO BE INVOLVED
Online Summit
When: Friday, August 22, 7:30pm (AEST)
Host: Maryellen Hacko
Keynote Speaker: Dr Paul Bogacs
Panel Members: Pastor Michael Worker, Charlene Luzuk, Megan Cousins, Dr Paul Bogacs
Theme: Headship Theology, Patriarchy and Other Dangerous Ideas
Livestream Links: Adventist Women Australia Facebook; Adventists Australia YouTube
Victorian Rallies
When: Sabbath, August 23, 2:30pm
Where: Burwood Community Church (cnr Huntingdale and Highbury Rds, Burwood) and Bairnsdale Adventist Church (455 Princes Hwy, Lucknow)
Sydney Rally
When: Sabbath, August 23, 3pm
Where: Mountain View Adventist College (John Eastwood Hall, 41 Doonside Rd, Doonside)
Keynote Speaker: Amanda Bews
