Empty Shoes, Martin Place - Lou's Place — *Empty Shoes, Martin Place*

Lou's Place stood up again this year—raising awareness about Domestic and Family Violence and demanding real change. We partnered with the 2024 NSW Vigil Collective for our No More Empty Shoes campaign at Martin Place on 26 November, as part of the UN's 16 Days of Activism.

Empty shoes on plinths told the story—each pair represented a woman whose life had been stolen that year. We honoured survivors and stood with those still living in fear.

This issue belongs to all of us.

As our keynote speaker Darryl Gardiner put it:

"While female survivors' voices can never be replaced by a man's, it's critical that we, as men, add our voices to this conversation."

Delia Donovan (DVNSW CEO) and Daniel Principe (2025 NSW Australian of the Year nominee) challenged us all to take responsibility. Melinda Schneider's performances of My Voice and Courageous struck a deep chord.

The public walked among the plinths, each the bearing name and date of a woman lost in 2024. The most powerful moment came when those names were read aloud and roses placed beside each pair of shoes. The silence was deafening.

Yet there was hope. As Darryl said:

"Today, I want to speak not just about pain, but about the power of change. We aren't helpless bystanders. It starts with the courage to say, 'This is not acceptable.' This isn't just about stopping violence; it's about building a world on respect and kindness."

Thank you to everyone who stood with us. Your support made this year's vigil bigger and more impactful than ever. Funds raised are being used to support an additional DFV case worker at Lou's Place.

Together, we say: Unite Against Violence. No More Empty Shoes.

Please save Tuesday, 25 November for Empty Shoes 2025.

Photography by Amanda Lawson

Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes