About Run Against Violence
While our origins were in running, our impact has grown into a national movement focused on grassroots community development, connection and violence prevention.
From awarenessto action
Run Against Violence is a volunteer-led Australian not-for-profit organisation working to prevent domestic and family violence before it starts. Our work is driven through two connected initiatives.
Broken Hill to Sydney Team Chase
Each year, thousands of Australians join the Broken Hill to Sydney Team Chase, a 1,300km virtual team event inspired by Co-Founder Kirrily Dear’s ultramarathon from Broken Hill to Sydney in 2017.
Teams walk or jog together over 19 days, collectively covering the distance while raising awareness and starting conversations about domestic and family violence prevention.
The Team Chase is about far more than fitness. It creates visibility, connection and community ownership of the issue while generating funding for prevention initiatives across Australia.
16,000 Participants
The Broken Hill to Sydney Team Chase draws participants from 316 local government areas across Australia and globally.
1.7 Million Kilometres
That’s how far our community has moved together. Every kilometre has helped turn movement into meaningful impact.
128,000 Conversations
The estimated number of conversations our participants have had about family violence prevention during the event.
1068 Facilitators Trained
We have funded the training of more than 1000 respectful relationship education facilitators in communities across Australia.
$565K Invested
Every dollar donated is invested into our communities through trackable initiatives that are making genuine progress toward ending family violence.
60% Invested in Regional Areas
Our programs support young Aussies in regional, rural and remote areas where local services are limited and facilitator funding is often hard to find.
Zero DFV, together
Zero DFV is the long term prevention strategy developed by Run Against Violence to help communities create lasting cultural change. Rather than focusing only on crisis response, Zero DFV works upstream by helping communities strengthen the social conditions that reduce the likelihood of violence occurring in the first place.
The initiative supports communities to build awareness and understanding, strengthen leadership capacity, expand respectful relationship education and improve coordination between local organisations, services and community groups.
Zero DFV recognises that preventing domestic and family violence requires whole of community participation. Schools, sporting clubs, businesses, councils, services and everyday community members all have a role to play in creating safer, healthier and more respectful communities.
Our Story
In 2017, solo ultramarathon runner Kirrily Dear ran 1,300km from Broken Hill to Sydney to give a voice to the often silent victims of family violence. What began as one woman’s journey has led to a nationwide movement.
Our Team
Kirrily Dear
Acting Chairperson, Co-Founder
Kirrily is the Co-Founder of Run Against Violence, taking the lead in community-driven efforts to prevent domestic and family violence across Australia.
Kirrily Dear, Acting Chairperson & Co-Founder
Kirrily Dear is a seasoned strategist and innovator dedicated to the primary prevention of domestic and family violence. With over 20 years in business strategy, she shifted focus in 2014 and founded Run Against Violence, the largest community mobilisation movement of its kind in Australia.
Kirrily also developed the groundbreaking Zero DFV strategy, the first comprehensive framework uniting whole-of-community efforts to eliminate domestic and family violence. Her innovative leadership and dedication are not only addressing a critical issue but also igniting a movement to transform lives and create safer communities for all.
Brad Smithers
Treasurer, Co-Founder
Brad, Co-Founder, Head Crewie, and Treasurer of Run Against Violence, brings sharp logistics expertise and steady leadership to every challenge.
Brad Smithers, Treasurer & Co-Founder
Brad Smithers is a Co-Founder of Run Against Violence and serves as Treasurer, playing a key role in shaping the organisation since its inception. Known as RAV’s Head Crewie, Brad brings sharp logistics expertise and steady leadership to every challenge, ensuring complex events run seamlessly. His ability to keep things moving, both on and off the course, as been instrumental in helping RAV mobilise thousands of participants and grow into Australia’s largest grassroots prevention movement. Brad is always up for a run—any distance, any time—as long as it’s on a scenic trail.
Annie Sievers
Secretary
Annie brings over 30 years experience working with individuals and families to overcome adversity and lead a better life.
Annie Sievers, Acting Secretary
Annie has 30+ years working with individuals and families to overcome adversity and lead a better life. Starting as a PE Teacher she pursued a Masters in Sport Science majoring in Behavioural Psychology to build on her health and wellness advocacy focusing on eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Annie then transitioned to a Family lawyer and mediator and is passionate about domestic violence prevention and spreading the message throughout the community.
Sean Richardson
Board Member
Sean is a former Chair and ongoing contributor to the RAV Board, combining leadership and a deep commitment to community and primary prevention strategies.
Sean Richardson, Board Member
Sean is a previous Chair and active contributor to the Run Against Violence Board, bringing years of leadership and community commitment to the organisation’s mission to prevent family and domestic violence. Beyond his work with RAV, Sean has built a successful career in the agricultural sector, with expertise in agronomy, viticulture, and business management. Sean has led teams across family farms and multinational corporations, earning recognition from Ausveg with the Industry Leader Award for his contributions in 2013. Outside of his professional life, he breeds and rides Australian Stock Horses and actively supports local community organisations.
