As Ballarat remembers Samantha Murphy a year on from her disappearance, another local resident is raising awareness of the violence and harassment faced by women and gender-diverse runners.
Founded by attack survivor Sissy Austin, the first national Take Back the Track Day is striving for people around the country to run freely without fear or intimidation.
Ms. Austin was attacked whilst out for a run at Lal Lal in 2023 and has since campaigned strongly against gendered violence.
The movement will officially launch this Sunday at Athletics Victoria’s Cathy Freeman Room at Albert Park from midday, before the national Take Back the Track Day on February 16th.
Supporter of the movement, Deb Lowah-Clark from the local Koori Engagement and Action Group, says this is a vision about making women and gender diverse runners feel less alone.
“This [is] striving to develop the growing movement that recognizes the unacceptable experiences,” she says.
Ms. Austin has been contacted for comment.
To learn more about the day and the movement, visit their website.
