Epic Walk for DV brings fundraiser to Airlie Beach to raise money for Women’s Legal Service Queensland

For the first time, a life-changing domestic violence awareness movement is taking its first steps into the Whitsundays. Here’s how you can be involved.

Epic Walk for DV 2024 in Brisbane. Photo: Contributed

This March the fourth annual Epic Walk for DV is heading to Airlie Beach to take a stand against domestic violence and raise money for a valuable cause.

For the first time the fundraising walk will be held in two locations, Brisbane and Airlie Beach with Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs taking on the role as hosts at Coral Sea Marina.

The event will raise funds for Women’s Legal Service Queensland which an Epic Walk for DV spokesperson said would provide critical legal support with funds going directly toward the delivery of free legal advice, court representation, and safety planning.

“Many women feel trapped because they don’t have the legal knowledge or financial ability to leave,” they said.

“Women’s Legal Service Queensland guides them through the legal system, helping them escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.

The event which started in Brisbane has now expanded to the Whitsundays. Photo: Contributed

“This year the funds raised will help to establish a graduate program at WLSQ to employ emerging lawyers to help more women and children in need of legal assistance.”

While the key focus of the event is fundraising, the spokesperson said it was also an important conversation starter.

“Many women use the day to share their personal experiences and it’s also a chance for others to learn more about the life-changing legal support offered by Women’s Legal Service Queensland,” they said.

“The walk has become a powerful platform for connection and education.”

Epic Walk for DV 2024 in Brisbane. Photo: Contributed

Brendon Mann and Brendan Smith founded the event in 2021 when domestic violence cases surged, and they saw an urgent need to help Women’s Legal Service Queensland.

Over the last four years Mann and Smith have raised over $800,000 with thousands of people having participated.

This year they have expanded with the spokesperson saying because Women’s Legal Service Queensland is a statewide organisation it was important to raise awareness across the state to ensure more women learn about the support available to them.

Team Whitsundays mentor Katelyn Collins (centre) with 2025 Dancing CEOs Alice Harriott, Candice Crossley, Julie Telford, Kate Purdie who will be hosting the event. Photo: Contributed

Katelyn Aslett, a fellow Women’s Legal Service Queensland ambassador, who lives in the Whitsundays approached them to bring the walk to Airlie Beach for the first-ever Whitsundays Epic Walk for DV.

The walk starts and finishes at the Coral Sea Marina with breakfast, games and live entertainment included.

Coral Sea Marina CEO, Kate Purdie, said the Epic Walk for DV was designed to be “epic in name and impact rather than in nature”.

“This is going to be a fun, family-oriented event, so bring the kids, the dogs, your friends and your workmates, and sign up to start your own fundraising journey – either as individuals or as your own teams that wider circles of friends and extended family can sponsor and support,” she said.

The Epic Walk for DV will be held on Sunday 30 March 2025 at the Coral Sea Marina with registration at 6am for a 7.30am start. Advance online sign-ups are essential and can be completed at www.epicwalkfordv.com.au

Originally published as Epic Walk for DV brings fundraiser to Airlie Beach to raise money for Women’s Legal Service Queensland