Banners, reading ‘domestic violence – no way!’ were held high as a group of over 50 walked from Bruxner to Millbrook Parks to highlight the menace of domestic violence in the community.

Organisers from the Tenterfield Health Committee and Community Hub said they had no idea what to expect but admit they were pleasantly surprised by the turnout to the inaugural walk on Saturday.

“We had no idea of what reaction we would get – whenever you do something new, people in the community don’t often want to be the first,” Health Committee member Ian Unsworth said.

“Well done to everyone agreeing to what we were publicising and showing the abhorrence of what we were highlighting,” he said.

Mr Unsworth said he was pleased that two young visitors from the U.S joined in the march.

“One girl was from Georgia and the other California – I asked them whether this was a problem there and they both said my word it is – it shows this isn’t a Tenterfield problem but an issue worldwide.”

Domestic violence was the second highest reported on crime over the last 12 months in Tenterfield.

Mr Unsworth said if they can go some way to encouraging more people to speak out then they have succeeded.

“Next year will be even better – it’s a horrible thing so let’s see what we can do,” Mr Unsworth said.

Michael Moore from the Health Committee mirrored those comments and was encouraged by the possibility of making the march an annual occurrence.

“We’re hoping to make it an annual thing – we’re fairly certain it will grow even more in time.

“I think anything that gives a visual to the issue is a success,” Mr Moore said.