Minister for Health, Roger Cook and Armadale MLA, Dr Tony Buti, have again rallied cyclists to join them in the 2017 Ride Against Domestic Violence which departed from Busselton on Saturday morning, and made a pitstop in Bunbury on its journey.
“This is the second year of the ride which will take 2 days and traverse 300km before finishing at McCallum Park, Victoria Park, on Sunday afternoon.” Dr Buti said.
“The focus of the ride is to raise awareness of domestic violence.
“We will also be collecting donations on the way and all profits from the ride will go to five women’s refuges to help women and children escaping domestic violence.”
The ride departed Busselton at 6am on Saturday and made a quick breakfast stop in Bunbury just after 8am.
Member for Bunbury Don Punch and local councillor Betty McCleary stopped by to welcome the 15 strong group of cyclists into the Bunbury Runners Club.
The ride is expected to conclude at McCallum Park in Victoria Park at 12pm on Sunday, May 27.
Dr Buti invited members of the public to ride with the group for the final leg of the journey from Armadale to McCallum Park.
“We are extending an open invitation to the public to enjoy a sausage sizzle and mingle with the riders and support crew when they stop for a break in Armadale.”
“At the conclusion of the ride a reception will be held at McCallum Park with Member for Perth, Tim Hammond as MC and WA Treasurer, Ben Wyatt as guest speaker.”
“Domestic violence is not okay. We all need to stand together against this ongoing crisis where women and children are overwhelmingly the victims.”
Roger Cook said he couldn’t agree more.
“Two women a week are killed by an intimate partner in Australia, and in Western Australia 156 women have died from domestic violence in the past decade,” he said.
“We need to let victims know that there is support available and when they ask for help they will be taken seriously.”
