From anger to action: Camperdown student leads march against domestic violence

The memorial walk starts at 5:30pm Friday.

Author

Zara Cuthbertson
March 13, 2026

A dark national truth sparked so much anger in 23-year-old Zoe Wilkinson, she felt compelled to do something about it.

The statistic: on average, one woman is killed every nine to 11 days by a former or current partner in Australia.

  • Wilkinson will lead a memorial walk through Camperdown tonight (March 13) to commemorate International Women's Day and push for stronger community action on domestic and family violence.

Why it matters: Wilkinson, who grew up in Camperdown and is now studying at Monash University, told the Brolga the event was born out of frustration.

🗣️“Violence against women is such a big issue in Australia … it's not really spoken about, [but] it's always there, underneath everything,” Wilkinson said.

🗣️“I was getting angry about it. And then I thought, ‘Hold on, I'm not actually doing anything about it either’.”

  • Wilkinson organised the town’s first memorial walk last year, which drew about 60 people for a morning walk and community conversation.

Gaining traction: Inspired in part by a display in the window of Camperdown cafe Excuse Me Katie’s highlighting the number of women killed by male violence in the previous 12 months, Wilkinson wanted to create a space for locals to learn more and talk openly.

  • This year’s event has expanded to include guest speakers, including Kerriann Campbell-Jones, chief executive of Warrnambool’s Emma House Domestic Violence Services.

  • Funds raised through ticket sales and a raffle will be donated to DV support organisation RizeUp.

The details: The march begins at 5:30pm outside Excuse Me Katie’s and continues to the Camperdown clocktower, before participants return for an information session and guest speakers.

  • If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help is available 24/7 by calling 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

In Western Victoria, Meli, Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Emma House, Orange Door and Child and Family Services Ballarat are also available to provide resources and support.