2025 Hunter White Ribbon Breakfast

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners on whose lands we work, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We encourage the future generations to embrace the traditional values of peace and love and to forge a future that is free of violence and the fear of violence for all.

The Hunter White Ribbon Committee is proud to be holding our White Ribbon Breakfast on Friday November 21st at McDonald Jones Stadium (Broadmeadow Rooms).  Held annually just before the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence — an international campaign running from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day) — this event encourages awareness and action against all forms of violence towards women and girls. Join us for a morning of insightful discussions, community engagement, and the shared commitment to creating a safer environment for all.

Why We Gather

Every woman has the right to live free from men’s violence. Achieving this is a hared responsibility. Change begins with questioning harmful attitudes, becoming informed, and promoting evidence-based actions that transform behaviours, systems, and communities.

The Hunter White Ribbon Breakfast is a public event open to all. Its purpose is to raise awareness, foster discussion, and explore solutions that make women’s safety a men’s issue too.

This Year’s Program

The breakfast will feature a powerful panel discussion exploring the hurdles and barriers faced by people experiencing domestic and family violence. It promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking conversation, with perspectives from those with lived experience, frontline services, and law enforcement who will share their insights around the theme: “How the system works — and how we can improve it.” It promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking morning.

Our panel includes:

Tabitha Acret – Devoted mother to Mackenzie Anderson and passionate advocate for victims of domestic and family violence. Tabitha is a Lived Experience Advisor for the NSW Government and is dedicated to driving systemic change to create a safer, more equitable future.

Prue Hughes – CEO of Family Support Newcastle Inc. With more than 25 years in the community services sector, Prue is a leader committed to building safe, supportive environments where women, children, and families can thrive.

NSW Police – Sharing front line insights into the challenges faced when responding to domestic violence as a crime.

A representative from the legal/justice space with knowledge and understanding of the in’s and outs of our laws and processes.

We look forward to welcoming our community to this important event — together, we can continue to raise awareness, foster conversations, and take action against domestic violence.

Supporting Local Action

Each year, event proceeds are directed to a local organisation working to prevent violence and support survivors. In 2025, we are proud to support the Hunter Domestic & Family Violence (DFV) Consortium — a collaboration of DFV and homelessness specialist services across the Hunter region, including Warlga Ngurra, Jenny’s Place, Got Your Back Sista, Family Support Newcastle, Carrie’s Place, Upper Hunter Homeless Support, Nova for Women and Children, and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services.

Together We Stand

The Hunter White Ribbon Committee, the DFV Consortium, and all individuals and organisations committed to ending violence against women, unite to STAND UP and SPEAK OUT! For those who have fought and gone before us — your voices will allways be heard.