The Central West Riders SMC travelled to Canberra to support the Central West Riders Forbes who have organised the ‘1000 Bikes Against Domestic Violence Rally’.

A large convoy of riders were due to meet at the public carpark at Parliament House, Canberra, from 1pm on Friday with a peaceful rally after that.

The rally was held almost a year after Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst lost her life to an alleged domestic violence murder.

Her body was found on her home at Forbes in the early hours of April 22, 2024.

Daniel Billings has been charged with the murder of Ticehurst and is facing a total of 17 charges, with court proceedings expected to begin next month.

The accused was freed on bail a fortnight before the alleged murder on charges related to Ticehurst, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, and four counts of stalking and intimidating the late Forbes woman.

The Canberra rally was held to publicly voice concerns of community members who hold the belief that not enough is being done by politicians and court systems to protect victims of domestic violence.

“As many bikes, bikers, men, and women to meet at Parliament House,” part of the organiser’s post read. “Let's be loud and peaceful in our attempt to show society we won't tolerate this.”

A group of riders left from Devil's Hollow Brewery, Dubbo on Thursday and overnighted in Cowra.

At Cowra, the Central West Riders SMC met with the convoy of riders who started at Forbes, before riding through Cowra, Boorowa and Yass, to Canberra.

“We’re often raising money, but this time we are raising awareness,” Central West Riders SMC Vice-President Ruth McAnally said.

Ruth explained that Grant Nicholson from the Central West Riders Forbes club had been in touch and that Central West Riders SMC were more than happy to help.

“It’s an important cause,” Ruth said.

  • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028