Motorcycle group Ride Against Domestic Violence riding to end domestic and family violence

A southwest Queensland man is determined to continue raising awareness of domestic violence in an eye-catching way. FULL STORY

Dozens of Ride Against Domestic Violence members jumped on their bikes and pulled on their tutus for the recent ride through Northern NSW, raising awareness of domestic violence. Photo: Ride Against Domestic Violence/Facebook

A Stanthorpe man is standing against domestic and family violence, raising awareness in a rather colourful way.

The spate of horrific stories of domestic violence across the country became too much for Gary Fawcett, who 18 months ago decided to buy a ‘postie’ motorcycle and a pink tutu.

Mr Fawcett continued to gain support for his Ride Against Domestic Violence, with the funds from the group’s recent trip donated to Stanthorpe police, for financial assistance to victims of DV.

Stanthorpe man Gary Fawcett began Ride Against Domestic Violence in early February 2023, making the first solo ride on his 'postie bike' while wearing a pink tutu to spark a conversation. Photo: Ride Against Domestic Violence/Facebook

“The whole point of wearing the tutu is to get people out of their comfort zone’s, men and women to show that we don’t tolerate this kind of behaviour,” he said.

“We hope it will influence young people to pull it up when they see it because it’s inexcusable.”

Motorcycles and pink tutus aside, the group also holds an annual market which over the weekend raised an estimated more than $2000 which was donated to the Granite Belt Neighbourhood Centre.

“It’s been rewarding but it’s also very sad that we have to do it all, we all need to just step up and call it out,” Mr Fawcett said.

Ride Against Domestic Violence held their recent 'Trash n Treasure' market on December 14, with an estimated amount of more than $2000 donated to the Granite Belt Neighbourhood Centre to assist victims of domestic violence. Photo: Ride Against Domestic Violence/Facebook

Mr Fawcett said he’s noticed an increase in the number of survivors who are reaching out for help.

“I’ve had people approach me after having seen the signage on my ute and thank me because they didn’t know where to get help,” he said.

When it comes to stigma in rural and regional communities, Mr Fawcett said he finds it’s the older generations who seem to be in denial.

“They seem to believe it’s only happening in other towns, they don’t realise it’s also happening in there’s,” he said.

“City or country, it’s a problem everywhere.”

Mr Fawcett said he’s hoping to expand the group’s awareness events in the New Year and is looking to hold an auction in mid-2025.

For anyone interested in helping Mr Fawcett and his cause, more information is available via the Ride Against Domestic Violence Facebook page.