More than 1,000 people gathered in Brookfield for a solidarity walk supporting a young woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted while walking in the suburb.
Families, residents, women and men joined the gathering on 23 August, walking through part of Brookfield in a public stand against violence and in support of people being able to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. Published estimates of attendance varied, although multiple reports placed the crowd above 1,000.
The gathering followed the alleged sexual assault of the young woman while walking in Brookfield on the morning of Thursday, 20 August. A 32-year-old man has since been charged with multiple offences and remains before the courts.
Brookfield Residents Walk in Support of Young Woman
Crowds gathered in Brookfield before walking along Rafting Ground Road, an area regularly used by local walkers. Participants retraced part of the route the woman had been walking on the morning of the alleged assault, while residents attending the event spoke about safety in their suburb.
A Brookfield resident, who regularly walks in the area with her three daughters, said people were worried and scared following the alleged incident. She said seeing so many people turn out gave her hope that change was possible.
Organiser Draws a ‘Line in the Sand’ Against Violence
Event organiser Emily Hall said the walk was intended to highlight Brookfield’s community spirit while making clear that violence would not be accepted.
Hall said residents wanted to “put a line in the sand” and demonstrate that the community would not stand for violence, particularly violence against women. She also urged people to call out behaviour they considered inappropriate and to support others when incidents occurred.
The walk also included handwritten messages intended for the woman and her family. People attending were given an opportunity to send personal messages of support following the alleged assault, adding a more private expression of solidarity to the public gathering.
Community Leaders Back Brookfield’s Response
Moggill MP Christian Rowan said it was encouraging to see Brookfield residents come together. He said addressing sexual violence against women, along with other forms of violence, required communities to stand united.
One attendee said the gathering was also prompting conversations with partners, children and neighbours about safety and violence. She acknowledged that a community walk could not change what had allegedly occurred but said starting those conversations was important.
Man Remains Before Court Over Alleged Assault
Police allege the woman was assaulted while walking in Brookfield on the morning of 20 August. A 32-year-old man was arrested later that day and subsequently charged.
He faces six counts of rape and one count each of stalking, assault with intent to commit rape, assault occasioning bodily harm and deprivation of liberty. He remains in custody and is expected to return to court on 18 September.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Published 24-Aug-2026
