On Sunday, 22 March, communities across Queensland came together for Epic Walk for DV 2026. The event marked the fifth anniversary of one of Queensland’s leading community initiatives for domestic and family violence awareness and fundraising.
What began as a local initiative has grown into a powerful statewide movement. Each year, thousands of people walk together to support survivors, raise awareness and help create safer futures for women and children.
Most importantly, Epic Walk for DV 2026 raised vital funds for Women’s Legal Service Queensland, helping people affected by domestic and family violence access free legal assistance, advocacy and support when they need it most.
From Local Initiative to Queensland-Wide Movement
Epic Walk for DV was founded by Epic Hair Designs’ Brendon Mann in response to the rise in domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event began as an effort to bring people together and raise funds for services supporting those experiencing domestic and family violence. It quickly grew into one of Queensland’s most meaningful community events dedicated to awareness, prevention and practical support.
Now in its fifth year, the walk continues to shine a light on an issue affecting families and communities across Australia. It gives people an accessible and visible way to show their support while helping fund services that can make a meaningful difference.
A Record-Breaking Epic Walk for DV 2026
Epic Walk for DV 2026 was the biggest event in the walk’s history. For the first time, participants came together across four iconic Queensland locations:
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Airlie Beach
Each location created its own powerful sense of connection, hope and community spirit. Although participants walked in different parts of the state, they were united by the same purpose: supporting survivors and helping end domestic and family violence.
Expanding the event across Queensland also gave more people the opportunity to participate in their local community. Together, walkers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when people unite around a shared cause.
Walking 5km for Domestic Violence Awareness
Participants completed a five-kilometre walk before returning to vibrant finish-line events filled with entertainment, connection and community support.
For some participants, Epic Walk for DV 2026 was their first experience of the event. Others returned for another year to continue supporting a cause close to their hearts.
Every participant had a personal reason for walking. Some walked for survivors, some for loved ones and others for the safer future they want to help create. Whatever their individual motivation, everyone shared a common goal: to take a stand against domestic and family violence.
The event raised more than $360,000 in 2026. This extraordinary result will contribute directly to essential services that support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
Supporting Women’s Legal Service Queensland
Funds raised through Epic Walk for DV go to Women’s Legal Service Queensland. The organisation provides free legal assistance, support and advocacy to women affected by domestic and family violence and related legal issues.
These services can help women understand their rights, navigate complex legal processes and take steps towards safety. By supporting Women’s Legal Service Queensland, every walker, donor and sponsor helps make vital assistance more accessible to people facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
Every dollar raised can make a difference. In the same way, every step taken helps demonstrate that survivors are seen, supported and never alone.
Five Years of Epic Walk for DV Impact
As the event celebrates its fifth anniversary, the impact of Epic Walk for DV continues to grow. Since the initiative began, its community has raised more than $650,000 for domestic violence support services.
The legacy of the walk extends beyond fundraising. By bringing thousands of people together in a public show of solidarity, the movement has helped create broader awareness across Queensland.
Over five years, the Epic Walk for DV community has helped to:
- Raise awareness of domestic and family violence
- Encourage important community conversations
- Reduce stigma around seeking help
- Support essential legal and advocacy services
- Inspire collective action for meaningful change
- Remind survivors that they are not alone
Each year demonstrates that individual actions can combine to create a significant impact. One person taking one step may feel small, but thousands of people walking together can create a movement.
Supporting Women’s Legal Service Queensland
Funds raised through Epic Walk for DV go to Women’s Legal Service Queensland. The organisation provides free legal assistance, support and advocacy to women affected by domestic and family violence and related legal issues.
These services can help women understand their rights, navigate complex legal processes and take steps towards safety. By supporting Women’s Legal Service Queensland, every walker, donor and sponsor helps make vital assistance more accessible to people facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
Every dollar raised can make a difference. In the same way, every step taken helps demonstrate that survivors are seen, supported and never alone.
Five Years of Epic Walk for DV Impact
As the event celebrates its fifth anniversary, the impact of Epic Walk for DV continues to grow. Since the initiative began, its community has raised more than $650,000 for domestic violence support services.
The legacy of the walk extends beyond fundraising. By bringing thousands of people together in a public show of solidarity, the movement has helped create broader awareness across Queensland.
Over five years, the Epic Walk for DV community has helped to:
- Raise awareness of domestic and family violence
- Encourage important community conversations
- Reduce stigma around seeking help
- Support essential legal and advocacy services
- Inspire collective action for meaningful change
- Remind survivors that they are not alone
Each year demonstrates that individual actions can combine to create a significant impact. One person taking one step may feel small, but thousands of people walking together can create a movement.
Queensland Communities United for Change
The success of Epic Walk for DV is driven by the remarkable community that continues to support it. Walkers, sponsors, volunteers, donors and supporters all contribute to the event’s growing impact.
The walk is more than a fundraiser. It is a visible reminder that Queensland communities can stand together against domestic and family violence.
Public events like Epic Walk for DV help bring an often-hidden issue into the open. They encourage people to talk, listen and learn while giving supporters a practical way to contribute to services that help people experiencing violence.
Most importantly, the walk sends a clear message to survivors: your community sees you, stands with you and supports you.
Every Step Matters
As we reflect on five years of walking together, one message remains clear: every step matters.
Whether someone participated for the first time, returned for another year, volunteered at a finish line, donated, sponsored the event or helped spread the message, every contribution played an important role.
Epic Walk for DV 2026 was more than a one-day fundraising event. It was a movement dedicated to creating safer communities and supporting the people who need help most.
To everyone who has contributed to this journey, thank you. Together, we are making a difference—and the journey does not stop here.
Thank You for Supporting Epic Walk for DV 2026
The fifth anniversary of Epic Walk for DV showed what can happen when communities come together with compassion and purpose.
Through fundraising, awareness and collective action, the event continues to support vital domestic violence services across Queensland. Its impact belongs to every person and organisation that has walked, donated, volunteered, sponsored or shared its message.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Epic Walk for DV 2026 such a powerful milestone. Together, we can keep walking towards safer futures for women, children and families.
Sponsors of Epic Walk for DV 2026
The success of Epic Walk for DV 2026 would not have been possible without the generous organisations that supported this milestone event. Their contributions helped bring communities together across Queensland while raising vital funds and awareness for Women’s Legal Service Queensland.
We sincerely thank every Legacy, Platinum, Gold and Silver Sponsor, along with our Besties, for standing with us against domestic and family violence.
A Huge Thank-You to This Year’s Sponsors
Supporting an event across four Queensland locations requires an incredible community. Therefore, we are proud to recognise the businesses, councils and organisations that helped bring the 2026 walk to life.
Legacy Sponsors
Our Legacy Sponsors have played an important role in the continued growth of Epic Walk for DV and its mission to support safer futures for women and children.
Wolff Coffee Roasters
Wolff Coffee Roasters – Purpose Driven Coffee
Hanworth House
Hanworth House | Fundraising Events | Accomodation | Brisbane Event Hire | East Brisbane
Brisbane Macgregor Lions Club
Nova 106.9
Nova 106.9 – Brisbane’s Favourite Hit Music Station
Big W
Digital Synergy
Commercial Printing Brisbane Northside | Digital Synergy
Woolworths
Woolworths Supermarket – Buy Groceries Online
Platinum Sponsors
In addition, our Platinum Sponsors provided invaluable assistance throughout Epic Walk for DV 2026. As a result, we were able to bring communities together across four Queensland locations.
Brisbane City Council
Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
Billboard Advertising | Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
Lander & Rogers
Award-Winning Australian Law Firm
Mazda Aspley
New & Used Cars in Brisbane | Aspley Mazda
KAO
Kao Corporation Global Site｜Kirei—Making Life Beautiful
Taste Whitsundays
Coral Sea Marina Resort
Coral Sea Marina – Coral Sea Marina
Formulae
Formulae Compounding Pharmacists – Compounding Pharmacists
Gold Sponsors
Meanwhile, our Gold Sponsors helped strengthen the event’s fundraising and awareness efforts. Together, they supported walks across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Airlie Beach.
Clear Insurance
Welcome to Clear Insurance | Risk Advice & Insurance Broking
Move Bank
MOVE Bank | Home Loans | Car Loans | Everyday Banking
Zenoti
Zenoti — AI-Powered Software for Salons, Spas & Medspas
Titan Caravans
Sommerstone Logistics
Whitsunday Regional Council
Home | Whitsunday Regional Council
Yeah Buddy
Yeah Buddy – Running Gear for the Athlete in Each of Us
Kieser
Kieser Australia | Kieser Australia Physiotherapy & Strength Training
Bloom PR
Bloom PR | Boutique Brisbane PR agency and media training for brands with big ideas
EVO
Evo Hair Australia | Cruelty-Free Professional Hair Care Products
Shine Lawyers
Personal Injury & Compensation Lawyers – No Win No Fee | Shine Lawyers
City of Gold Coast
Silver Sponsors
Furthermore, our Silver Sponsors helped the event reach more Queensland communities. Consequently, their contributions supported our efforts to raise funds for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
L’Oreal Professional Products
L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Products | L’Oréal Professionnel AU & NZ
Instant Security Systems
Instant Security Alarm System Brisbane
Comfortel Salon Furniture
Salon Furniture & Equipment | Comfortel
Elite Supplements
Supplement Store Online Australia | Elite Supps
Whitsunday Escape
Whitsunday Escape™ Yacht Charters, Catamaran & Bareboat Sailing Holidays
Office National
Shop Office Supplies, Stationery & Furniture – Office National
SW Accountants & Advisors
The Branding Business
The Branding Business | Promotional Product Supplier
Wilson Security
Security Company Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth | Wilson Security
Explore Property
Driven Athletica
24/7 Gym & Functional Fitness | Airlie Beach, Cannonvale – DRIVEN Athletica
MotorOne Care Care
MotorOne » Premium High Performance Car Care Products
Besties
Finally, our Epic Walk for DV Besties made another important contribution to the success of the event. We are incredibly grateful to every organisation that joined us in walking towards safer futures.
Bendigo Bank
Credit cards, bank accounts, home loans and more | Bendigo Bank
Cloudland
Home – Cloudland – Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Kepler Keychains
Goldsworthy
Garden Bags Whitsunday
Green Waste Removal Proserpine | Garden Bags Whitsundays
Belle Property
Belle Property | Australia’s leading lifestyle real estate brand
Queensland Hire
Event Hire Brisbane – Marquees, Furniture, Lighting & More
Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors
Lawyers Mackay – Mackay Law Firm & Solicitors
Sunshine Coast Council
To every sponsor, supporter and community partner: thank you for helping make Epic Walk for DV 2026 possible. Your support allows this movement to keep growing, raising awareness and funding services that help women and children across Queensland.
