Move for MADA Family Fun Run: How Families Can Help Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Some events are about more than a fun morning out. The Move for MADA Family Fun Run is one of them.

The Maitland Against Domestic Abuse (MADA) Committee is proud to announce Move for MADA Family Fun Run & Event, taking place at Harold Gregson Park on Sunday, September 20th. 

Now in its third year, this Maitland community event brings families together to raise funds and awareness for children and young people affected by domestic and family violence.

Move for MADA is organised by MADA, a local not-for-profit that raises awareness of domestic abuse and connects people to specialist support services. This year’s event is focused on raising funds specifically for children and young people impacted by domestic and family violence, supporting their safety, care and recovery.

“Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, supported and free from violence. Raising awareness and ensuring access to support services are critical in helping break the cycle of domestic and family violence and creating safer futures for children and families.” MADA Committee

Event Details

Move for MADA is held at Harold Gregson Park, Maitland with distances of 1km, 2km or 5km, walk or run at your own pace. There’s a pre-event warm up session before the run kicks off, so families can arrive a little early and get the kids moving before the main event.

It is a genuinely family friendly morning, with a course suited to all ages and fitness levels, plus live music, kids’ activities and a sausage sizzle.

But underneath the fun run format is a cause that touches more local families than many of us realise.

Move for MADA welcomes people from all walks of life to run, stroll, push or walk in support of those who have experienced, are experiencing, or may experience domestic and family violence.

How to Get Involved

Entry is by donation, with every dollar going toward MADA’s programs for children and young people. There’s a few ways to get involved:

• Adults can register with a $25 donation entry.
• If you would rather grab a keepsake, a Move for MADA T-shirt is $50 and includes your fun run entry.
• Families or workplace groups can also enter a Team Run of 10 adults for $200, which includes T-shirts for the team.
• Kids and teens under 18 can take part for free, which makes this an easy one to bring the whole family along to.

Registrations are through the Humanitix link on the MADA website, or you can register on the day at Harold Gregson Park. Check the Facebook event for the latest updates.

What to Expect on the Day

Beyond the run itself, Move for MADA is a free community event open to everyone, whether you’re taking part in the run or just coming along to support.

On the day you can expect live music and a relaxed festival atmosphere, children’s activities to keep the younger ones entertained, a BBQ and coffee cart for a well earned bite afterwards, merchandise stalls, and short talks from MADA Committee members and support services sharing their stories.

“Having previously experienced domestic abuse in my own home, I’m extremely motivated to make known the support services available, and to help others feel safe to reach out and get help. Looking back, I wish I had been able to recognise the signs sooner and reach out. That’s why we’re bringing this event to the community, and that’s why we’re encouraging everyone to educate themselves on this important topic”. MADA Committee Member

It’s a reminder of why events like this matter. Behind the fun run, the music and the sausage sizzle is a community looking out for its own, and a chance for local families to be part of that.

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Frequently Asked Questions