The Bundaberg community will come together to stand against sexual violence when Reclaim the Night returns to Buss Park on Friday 30 October.
Hosted by Phoenix House, the event invites people of all ages and backgrounds to show support for those impacted by sexual violence.
Bundaberg Regional Council has supported Phoenix House’s ‘Cultivating Safety, Connection and Belonging’ project through a $4,700 Community Service Grant.
The project includes activities delivered during Sexual Violence Awareness Month in October.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said Reclaim the Night highlighted the power of community support and collective action.
“Council’s Community Service Grants Program helps local organisations raise awareness, strengthen connections and support those who need it most,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Preventing violence is a shared responsibility and Reclaim the Night encourages our community to stand together for safety, respect and a future free from violence.”
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Safe Spaces, Thriving Places is a collaborative initiative focused on improving safety, activation, amenity and business confidence within the Bundaberg CBD.
Bundaberg Regional Council has signed the DFV Free Community Commitment Statement led by the Domestic and Family Violence Free Community Group committee.
More about Reclaim the Night event
Phoenix House invites the community to stand together against sexual violence on Friday 30 October.
This October, Bundaberg will add its voice to communities around the world as Reclaim the Night returns to Buss Park, bringing people together to stand against sexual violence and affirm everyone’s right to live and move through their communities safely and without fear.
Hosted by Phoenix House, the Bundaberg region’s specialist sexual assault support service, Reclaim the Night will take place on Friday 30 October from 5pm, inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to stand alongside people impacted by sexual violence and walk together for safety, respect and freedom.
Held during Queensland’s Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the event reinforces this year’s message: No More Silence – Prevent Sexual Violence.
Reclaim the Night is a long-standing global movement challenging sexual and gender-based violence.
It’s an event that provides an opportunity for communities to show solidarity with victim-survivors, reclaim our public spaces and demand a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and free from fear.
Phoenix House CEO Tara Perkins said the event was an opportunity for the Bundaberg community to come together and make a clear statement that sexual violence must not be met with silence.
“Reclaim the Night is about standing alongside people impacted by sexual violence and showing them that they are not alone.
“Preventing sexual violence takes all of us. It means challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, respecting boundaries, listening without judgement and creating a community where people are treated with dignity and respect.
“Every person has a role to play in building safer communities, and Reclaim the Night is an opportunity for Bundaberg to stand together and say clearly: No More Silence – Prevent Sexual Violence.”
The evening will begin at Buss Park, with participants gathering for speeches from Tara Perkins, as well as victim survivor and author Trish Wyatt, before marching together along Bourbong Street.
The evenings event will also feature local musician Kara James, and an opportunity to sit and reflect in the park after the march.
Community members are encouraged to bring a sign, bring a friend and add their voice to the message.
Whether attending as an individual, with family and friends, or representing a local organisation or community group, everyone is welcome.
Phoenix House has supported the Bundaberg region since 1995, providing safe, supportive and trusted counselling for children, young people and adults who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, sexual violence.
As October draws to a close, Reclaim the Night is a reminder that the message must continue beyond one event or one awareness month.
By listening, learning, challenging harmful behaviours and supporting those impacted, the community can help create a future where everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and free from sexual violence.
Reclaim the Night – Community March and Gathering
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: From 5pm
Location: Buss Park, Bundaberg
Cost: Free – everyone welcome
For further information, contact Cristel Simmonds at Phoenix House on (07) 4153 4299 or email csimmonds@phoenixhouse.com.au
About Council’s Community Service Grants Program
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community Services grants program aims to provide assistance to local community groups and organisations who make positive contributions to the quality of life in the Bundaberg Region.
The available financial assistance per community service grant application for eligible projects or events is up to $5,000.
Community Service grants are offered four times per financial year.
Find out more information and how to apply here.
