News & Views

Hundreds stand together to Reclaim the Night

'Don't be silent, stop the violence' – five people who joined the annual march to Flagstaff Hill explain why the event is important to them

by Olivia Tollardo

Published November 05, 2026

Women Illawarra and Relationships Australia hosted their 11th annual Reclaim the Night march last week, lighting Flagstaff Lighthouse in purple to show solidarity against gender-based violence.

Reclaim the Night is a global activist event usually held in late October. It is a prelude to the UN's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which begins on 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and ends on 10 December (Human Rights Day).

What began as a grassroots movement in the UK circa 1977 has become an international rallying cry for justice and support for victims of violence. Now events around the world shine a light on women's safety, equality and rights.

And with rising domestic and family violence in the Illawarra, Reclaim the Night's call to action has never been more important.

The evening began on Thursday, October 29 with a powerful drum circle and speeches from organisers, who encouraged marchers to chant along the walk from Andrew Lysaght Park to Flagstaff Point Lighthouse.

"Don't be silent, stop the violence" echoed around Wollongong Harbour as the crowd of demonstrators, dressed in purple and carrying handmade placards, wound along the coastal path.

At Flagstaff Hill, under the glow of sunset and the lighthouse, speakers shared their stories. Musicians, poets and members of Circus WOW gave moving performances and the night ended with a candlelit vigil.

Ahead of the march, supporters told The Flame why the event is important to them.

"Reclaim the Night is one of the most important nights of the year, to show that we must stop the violence and stand together for a peaceful, safe community," said Tania Brown, Lord Mayor of Wollongong.

"The event is always emotional, especially when we get up to the lighthouse and people tell their stories.

"It really brings it home to people and shows just how important this is, and why we have to stand together."

"I'm 17, I've just finished high school and I'm here because me and my generation want to see patriarchal issues being dealt with differently compared to the past," said India.

"We don't want to grow up in a world with outdated problems and we want to see change."

"I have to be here," Fran told us. "We're representing women everywhere and showing them support."

Fran said a strong sisterhood was important.

"We need men here as well, standing up and supporting women. It's what society should be all about; supporting one another, being strong and fighting for the rights of women.

"If I known about it last year, I would have been here with bells on. I think more and more of this has to happen. It's got to be visual. It's got to be noisy.  We've got to make people think. Make people uncomfortable, because things have got to change."

Marlon was there to support his mum, and women across the Illawarra.

"First and foremost, I'm here to be a part of Reclaim the Night," Marlon said. "Domestic violence is a very serious issue and it's important that it's put into the spotlight.

"My mum was also doing some pretty serious drumming tonight as part of the drum circle, so there were a few important things for me to be supporting this evening."