Manager of the DV2650 primary prevention project Helen Lord said they had a wonderful turnout for the event with both local organisations and individuals.

"Our allies barbecue is part of the Wagga Women's Health Centre's 16 Days of Activism- we are recognising and supporting our allies who are essential in the work we do as we support and educate people in the community," Ms Lord said.

Wagga Women's Health Centre director Michele Saffery said the event was about bringing the community together.

"There are many people who contribute to the services we provide to the community- violence against women is one aspect of the services we provide, it's one voice of many different voices and issues," she said.

"I remember back in 1991 being in Sydney Park and being part of the tree planting ceremony that was part of the very first 16 days events- today it is just as special to me as it was then.

"Gender violence continues to be something we all must keep on our agenda, being part of the solution and working together around.

"Back in those days we were still in a very strong feminist movement- today, feminism has to represent everybody- it has to.

"Gender violence incorporates all violence towards women and we all have a role to play in building respect towards one another."

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Ms Saffery said the barbecue was a good representation of what community collaboration can look like, with organisation's from outside the services provided by the Wagga Women's Health Centre also chipping in to help.

"I'd like to give a big thanks to the Wagga Rotary Clubs, who have put on the barbecue and are welcoming people into the services," she said.

Riverina Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service manager Emma Bromham said the point the event is trying to get across is that the response to domestic and gender-based violence needs to be a whole community response.

"Family and domestic violence and gender-based violence is something that doesn't just affect the individual, the ripple effect has an everlasting effect on that person- their family and the whole community, so that needs to be a whole community response."

Ms Bromham is particularly excited for the re-launch of the No More Silence Campaign which will be occurring soon.

"The No More Silence campaign identifies that the behaviour we walk past is the behaviour we accept and we're saying we aren't going to be silent and we're not going to accept domestic violence in our community," she said.

Wagga MP Joe McGirr used the event to also celebrate some major steps being undertaken to combat bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

"As a politician today, I feel a bit embarrassed being here because, of course, we've had the report from the federal parliament's investigation to workplace bullying and harassment come out and it may come as no surprise, sadly, but it is a significant finding of the culture there," Dr McGirr said.

"I am finding that half of the respondents and surveys they have done have actually experienced bullying and harassment, and sexual harassment and three-quarters of the people have heard about it.

"And, the NSW parliament itself has a review being undertaken by Elizabeth Broderick, which is taking place to look into the bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace as well- so probably not the best person to speak out, but never the less, there are some things that have developed this year in the NSW parliament I would like to address.

"One is, just recently some laws have been passed that they call the enthusiastic consent laws.

"Basically the import is to shift the situation in cases of sexual assault where defendants [will have to] actually prove they sought consent- which is quite a significant change. Up until now, it's been enough for someone to argue; well I thought I had consent.

"These laws make it a definite burden of proof that you had to have said or done something to gain consent- This important change's come from the advocacy of Saxon Mullins.

"The second is, the upper house committee of coercive control has made a recommendation that coercion should be included in the criminal code.

"These developments are important shifts in the way we speak about and think about gender-based violence- when there was discussion in parliament everything placed emphasis on the need for education within the community.

"There needs to be aware within the community. The point is, events like today which bring together organisations, is important in spreading that message across the community. The best example of education comes from people you know and organisations who are working within the community."

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