Family violence awareness campaigner and 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty will deliver a free public address at the Gympie Civic Centre on Friday 5 May. 

Her presentation will be part of a special ceremony from 4-5pm that will see the University of the Sunshine Coast award Ms Batty an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her work in changing the way Australia views family violence. 

Ms Batty was named Australian of the Year for her tireless advocacy for family violence prevention after her nine-year-old son Luke was killed by his father in February 2014. Throughout 2015, she attended about 250 conferences and addressed 70,000 people.  

In Gympie, she will talk about her personal story and her campaign to drive attitudinal, cultural and systemic change in Australia to reduce violence. 

USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill has encouraged Gympie residents to attend the event and hear about Ms Batty’s inspirational work. 

“Rosie Batty is a wonderful and sincere communicator who has been able to place domestic violence on the national conscience,” Professor Hill said.  

“Through sharing her personal tragedy she's empowered countless individuals and communities to share their stories and talk about creating a better society.” 

Seats are still available for this ceremony. Registrations can be made online.

— Terry Walsh