Unique Event raises awareness and hope - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Western Sydney Community Legal Centre
Key Facts:Unique event as part of the 16 Days of Activisim Against Gender-Based Violence raising awareness and hope for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
Media Alert/Advisory
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Event
10.30am Monday 24th November 2025
The Wishing Tree of Hope Art Installation
For Family & Domestic Violence
Bringing messages of hope, healing and solidarity is the driver for the Wishing Tree initiative from the team at the Cumberland Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) and Parramatta Council as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The Wishing Tree is a powerful, interactive art installation where the community is invited to write messages of hope, healing, and solidarity on colourful tags and hang them on a tree. Over the 16 Days, the tree will “bloom” into a vibrant symbol of strength and unity against domestic and family violence. Business and even schools in the area have got on board and created colourful and powerful messages of hope.
When: 10.30am Monday 24th November 2025
Where: Parramatta Library (foyer) at PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square, Parramatta
What: A media conference will be held at 10.30am followed by members of the community including school students placing messages of hope on The Wishing Tree.
Media Conference Speakers
CEO, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre, Mr John Hallam
DFV Specialist Worker, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre, Ms Paris Hobbs
Superintendent Barry Vincent, Commander, Parramatta Police Area Command
Manager, Parramatta Women’s Shelter, Tania Smith
For more information, visuals or interviews contact Cecelia Haddad at Western Sydney Community Legal Centre at [email protected] or call 0411 264 948.
Media Release
The Wishing Tree of Hope Art Installation
For Family & Domestic Violence
Bringing messages of hope, healing and solidarity is the driver for the Wishing Tree initiative from the team at the Cumberland Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) and Parramatta Council as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The Wishing Tree is a powerful, interactive art installation where the community is invited to write messages of hope, healing, and solidarity on colourful tags and hang them on a tree. Over the 16 Days, the tree will “bloom” into a vibrant symbol of strength and unity against domestic and family violence. Business and even schools in the area have got on board and created colourful and powerful messages of hope.
WDVCAS is part of the Western Sydney Community Legal Centre (WSCLC) and provides support, safety planning, guidance and empowerment through information and referrals to social support and legal services, risk assessments and safety plans, court advocacy and court support for women and children. The team is calling on the community to help give hope to others through messages of support.
WSCLC has recently taken on the management of the North West Sydney and Nepean-Blue Mountains Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Programs which will now come under the WSCLC banner, alongside our Cumberland Women’s WDVCAS program.
“Family and domestic violence remains one of the most urgent challenges facing Western Sydney. Last year we assisted over 5,800 women and children experiencing family and domestic violence in Western Sydney, but we know there is a much greater need for services like ours. We understand it’s a big step for someone to ask for help, and we are hoping The Wishing Tree project will raise awareness of the support available and encourage those in need to reach out,” said CEO, WSCLC, Mr John Hallam.
Violence isn’t always physical and this year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism is UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls. Digital tools are increasingly being used to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls and includes online crimes such as stalking and surveillance, grooming and sexual exploitation, harassment and image-based abuse.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the wishing tree is more than a symbol of hope and resilience, it's a visual tribute to survivors and a collective call for change.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe, that's why we're calling on our community to unite and support those who are experiencing family and domestic violence," Cr Zaiter said.
"Each message shared brings us a step closer to action against abuse - we're sending a powerful message that there's no space for violence in our community."
The Wishing Tree messaging is a reminder that those experiencing family and domestic violence are not alone, their voice matters and help is available.
The team from WDVCAS will be at The Wishing Tree each day to answer inquiries or provide support to those who might need it.
The Wishing Tree will be located in the Parramatta Library at PHIVE from 25 November until 10 December 2025. The team is hoping the whole community will get behind the cause and help make this a true symbol and show of support to those experiencing domestic and family violence.
-ends-
About us:
Western Sydney Community Legal Centre (WSCLC) delivers quality people centred services in Western Sydney to people experiencing situations of disadvantage and vulnerability enabling people to achieve a fair and equitable outcome as they navigate the justice system.
WSCLC is a public company limited by guarantee, governed by a Board of volunteer skills-based Directors who are generally local residents
and professionals with an interest in social justice. WSCLC is accredited by the Community Legal Centres Australia.
Contact details:
For more information, visuals or interviews contact Cecelia Haddad at Western Sydney Community Legal Centre at [email protected] or call 0411 264 948.