Members of the Lake Macquarie Liquor Accord have had enough of the rise in family and domestic violence cases in the LGA.
And, after more than 4,000 incidents being reported in 2025 alone, they’ve decided to take a proactive stance to combat the issue.
The organisation, comprising key stakeholders from local pubs, bottle shops and clubs, is joining forces with Lake Macquarie Police District and Lake Macquarie City Council to send a clear message to everyone: alcohol is never an excuse for violence.
All parties gathered at the Belmont 16s Sailing Club on Tuesday 14 October to launch a new initiative, aimed at tackling the crisis head-on.
“This is not just a campaign,” Lake Macquarie Liquor Accord chair Scott Williams said.
“It represents a long-term, continuous commitment to reducing alcohol-related harm and building safer communities across Lake Macquarie.
“Our core objectives have always been enhancing the responsible service of alcohol; improving safety and security; ensuring the wellbeing of residents; and cooperating with police and the community to improve local outcomes.
“But, the basis of this latest initiative is raising awareness of family and domestic violence in Lake Macquarie.
“As licensed venues, we have a responsibility to shine a light on this matter.
“We need to work alongside police and support services… and ensure that our community knows help is available.”
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander Superintendent Tracy Chapman APM strongly threw her support behind the campaign, too.
“Domestic and family violence is one of the most confronting issues we face as a community,” she said.
“In NSW, police respond to an incident every three minutes.
“Yet, we know this is just the tip of the iceberg.
“So, we all have a role to play in speaking up and challenging the silence that allows this behaviour to continue.”
Alongside this initiative, the Lake Macquarie Liquor Accord is backing a wider crusade to highlight abuse comes in many forms: emotional, financial, psychological and physical.
“Women and families who may be experiencing any of this are encouraged to reach out to 1800RESPECT, a 24/7 national counselling and referral service,” Mr Williams said.
“Information is also being shared to help locals recognise the signs of abuse and understand the steps they can take if they are in an unsafe domestic environment.”
People struggling with alcohol-related aggression are urged to seek help, too.
They can access confidential support by contacting the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visiting https://ntv.org.au/mrs/getting-support/
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