Frequently asked questions

Darkness to Daylight 

What is Darkness to Daylight?

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Darkness to Daylight (D2D) is Challenge DV's community awareness and fundraising event for domestic and family violence prevention.

During Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (held in May each year), participants are encouraged to walk or run 110 kilometres.

Each kilometre represents one of the lives lost in Australia on average to domestic violence each year.

It’s a long distance. It’s hard physically and mentally and to get through it, participants often join together to run and walk in teams to support each other.

We don’t mind if you run or walk, if you complete 3km or 110km. We just ask that you run with a purpose, that you join us in standing up to domestic and family violence.

Let's bring this issue out of the darkness and into the daylight.

How much does it cost to register?

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It costs $65.00 per person to register for Darkness to Daylight 2024. You will receive a 11th anniversary registration kit that includes a Darkness to Daylight t-shirt and event info pack.

How can I take part in Darkness to Daylight 2024?

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Step 1: Register to participate in Darkness to Daylight and set up your fundraising page. 

Step 2: Start a conversation. Darkness to Daylight is all about bringing domestic and family violence out of the Darkness and into the Daylight. You can do this by talking to your family and friends and asking them to support you in Darkness to Daylight, promoting Darkness to Daylight on your social channels.

Step 3: Share your journey and the number of kilometers you have completed. Share your fundraising page with your network, friends and family. We have made it easier by providing you with templates. Share your journey with us so our community can be inspired by your support!

Why raise funds?

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Challenge DV raises funds from Darkness to daylight to invest in domestic violence prevention activities in our community. 

In 2024, our priorities will be to expand respectful relationships education into more schools, and to work with men and boys in ending violence.

Funds from previous Darkness to Daylight events have been used to:
  • develop domestic and family violence training and awareness programs for businesses and community groups
  • amplify and listen to the voices of community leaders from culturally diverse communities in how to address their specific needs
  • create a safe and inclusive space for our refuge workers in the sector to gather, learn and advocate for each other by funding and organising a refuge leaders forum and facilitating their strategic planning
  • empower men’s behavioural change by working with and financially supporting the Society for Prevention and Elimination of Abuse Queensland
  • document students participating in respectful relationships education and Darkness to Daylight to encourage more schools to participate
  • work with First Nations Elders, sisters and Aunties to create a culturally safe space to educated equip and empower one another

Help us make a impact. Share with your colleagues, friends and family the massive challenge you are taking on and raise not only awareness but also funds. Ensure you tell everyone what you are doing and have them support you along the way. Also, don’t forget to share your page with everyone you know.

What is domestic and family violence?

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Domestic and family violence is is when a person in a current or former relationship, or a family member, uses violence and abuse to exercise or maintain power and control over another person.

This can include:

  • physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual, psychological, or financial abuse, and/or
  • threatening and coercive behaviour aimed at controlling or dominating the other person through fear.


Domestic violence can occur in any relationship including current or former partners, spouses, carers or paid support workers, parents, guardians, adult children, and adolescents. We know domestic and family violence does not discriminate and it can happen to anyone regardless of their religion, culture, social background, gender identity or sexuality.

How can I raise awareness about domestic and family violence?

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  1. Take part in Darkness to Daylight!
  2. Learn about domestic and family violence. Talk about the issue with your friends and family. Help others to understand what domestic and family violence is, learn the signs, and how you can refer someone for help. 
  3. Connect with Challenge DV and Darkness to Daylight on social media and share posts on your social media networks, and let people know why you are doing Darkness to Daylight. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
  4. You don’t need to be an expert. If you or someone you know is impacted by, support services are available.

Where do I go when I arrive?

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When you arrive, go to the check in marquee to let us know you are there. There will be a QR code to scan and complete check in. Show the team in the marquee your registration details and they will give you your wristband so security knows you are part of the event.

Is there anywhere to store my belongings while I’m on the course?

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We encourage you not to bring valuables to the event as there is no secure bagdrop. Bring things you can carry such as your phone and a water bottle.

Where are the water stations and toilets?

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There will be signs for toilets and water stations. The toilets will be near the start/finish line and there will be water stations along the route.

Where do I pick up my breakfast platter?

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The service bar for breakfast will be at the QUT end of the Speaker’s Green inside the Parliament House precinct.

Are there any gluten-free breakfast options?

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Yes. Our Breakfast Individual Package 3 and Breakfast Team Platter 1 feature chia pudding, fruit, and coconut yoghurt which are all gluten free.

Can I bring my own food and water?

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Yes. We encourage you to bring whatever snacks and drinks you need to complete the course. Overnight participants should ensure they have sufficient food and drinks to fuel through to breakfast. Breakfast and beverages are available for pre-order as part of your registration or through our shop page.

Do I have to attend the opening and closing ceremonies?

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No. We would love to see you there but you are not required to participate in the ceremonies.

Do our race times get recorded?

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No. Darkness to Daylight is a symbolic event where we walk or run to honour those who are or have been impacted by domestic and family violence. Please use Strava, Mapmyfitness or Fitbit if you wish to record your journey.

What happens if I don’t complete my circuit before the closing ceremony?

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Don’t worry. There should be plenty of time to finish. But there is no time limit for you. Just finish your journey and we will see you at the finish line.

What happens if I arrive late?

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If you arrive late, please check at the registration marquee so you get your wristband. Join the rest of the participants on the course as soon as you can after that.

Do I receive a ticket/how do I check in?

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A week before the event, we’ll send you an email with a code which will be your ticket onto the track. On the day, head over to the check-in marquee, pull up the code on your phone, and collect your wristband ready to race.

Is there anything I need to bring with me?

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You’ll need to bring your phone with the code we send a week before the event. We also encourage you to wear your Darkness to Daylight t-shirt so you can shine bright while making every step count, and bring along a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and a smile. 

Will the event be filmed?

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Yes, there will be professional photographers and videographers capturing footage. If you don’t consent to being filmed, please contact us ahead of the event.
 

When will I receive my complimentary race kit?

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We will start posting the race kits to participants in April. If you register after the cut-off date of 21 May 2024, we will hold your race kit for you and you will need to pick it up from the registration marquee on the day.

Do I have to wear my D2D shirt to the event?

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No. We would love you to wear the shirt so everyone can see you are part of the event but you can wear whatever is comfortable. We do encourage you to wear clothes which are visible in the darkness for safety.

Are there any items prohibited on the course?

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This is a public event and so only items permitted in public places may be brought on the course. This means items such as firearms, fireworks or weapons are not allowed and you may not consume alcohol on the course. There will be security on the course and at Parliament House.

Can I bring my pet?

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You may have a pet which is under your control, such as a dog on a leash, on the course as the course is on public property. However, only assistance animals may be brought onto the grounds of Parliament House. If you bring a pet, you will need someone to look after the animal if you wish to enter the grounds of Parliament House.

Can I listen to music?

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Yes. However, please be mindful of other people. Use your headphones or earbuds while on the course. Pay attention to those around you as it will be dark.

Can I push a pram/stroller?

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Yes.

What is accessibility like?

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The course is fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams. There is a slope to navigate to get over the Goodwill Bridge. The paths on which the course is completed will be lit, but care is needed as the event is conducted during the darkness.

Can I change my circuit after I register?

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Yes. You may complete whichever course you wish. However, please let the registration desk know so that we can keep accurate numbers of participants.

Do you offer refunds if I can’t make the event?

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The Terms and Conditions of the event make clear that refunds will only be payable at the discretion of Challenge DV. If you wish to request a refund, please send an email to eventcrew@challengedv.org explaining your reasons.

What would I be doing as a volunteer?

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Volunteers may be marshalls, help with setting up and packing down, support participants at the water stations, help at registration or other duties at the request of the event organisers. Volunteers will wear the special purple shirts by GaWun Supplies which were donated by MinterEllison. These shirts can be picked up from the registration marquee.

­­Can I track my progress?

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Yes, you can! Every kilometre you complete to shine a light on domestic and family violence can be entered manually into the Darkness to Daylight website or by linking up your Fitbit or Strava account to automatically update your tally.

To log your kilometres manually:

1. Head to darknesstodaylight.org and login to your account.
2. Once logged in, hover over your name in the top right-hand corner and select ‘My Fitness Activity’.
3. Scroll down to ‘Add Activity’ and enter the distance you’ve completed.
4. Select ‘Save Changes’ and the tally should increase.

To link your D2D account to Fitbit or Strava:

1. Head to darknesstodaylight.org and login to your account.
2. Once logged in, scroll down to ‘Connect your preferred fitness app’ and select either Fitbit or Strava then log in using your fitness app details.
3. Once satisfied with your preferences, select ‘Authorise’ and wait for a tick to appear on the screen.
4. After you’ve inputted your first few distances, we recommend logging out of the fitness app and logging back in to check that everything has flowed through to your D2D account.