Event Partners
Welcome to the
Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum
In 2023, the Australian Government announced the first ever dedicated stand-alone action plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. While the plan is a positive step in the right direction, progress towards addressing Target 13 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap will only be achieved when funding and resources are directed towards First Nations community-led solutions.
This is why the 2024 Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum couldn’t come at a more pertinent time. For the second year in a row, QIFVLS is proud to host this important opportunity for community leaders to come together with government organisations, legal services, law enforcement, social services, cultural healers and Elders to discuss their initiatives to put an end to family violence in First Nations communities. The work being done on the ground in community is already having inspiring impacts on families and individuals, but the rest of Australia must put their efforts behind elevating these grassroots initiatives so that they can reach the people who need them most.
Together, we hold the solutions to break cycles of violence and to heal our families and communities. I’m looking forward to seeing you this May in beautiful Gimuy to yarn, share and learn from each other.
Wynetta Dewis
CEO
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS)
On-Country Workshop, 30 May
Join us for a short ferry trip to beautiful Wunyami/Green Island for a cultural tour of the island followed by an interactive workshop designed to build the capacity of your organisation.
Discover how you can provide holistic, culturally-safe justice support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced family violence. Build collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders including shelters, law enforcement and other service providers to enhance community safety.
Featured Speakers
Thelma Schwartz
Principal Legal Officer
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS)
Micaela Cronin
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner
Australian Government
Devon Cuimara
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Male Healing Centre
Marlene Longbottom
Associate Professor
James Cook University
Kyllie Cripps
Professor, Monash Indigenous Studies Centre
Monash University
Forum Experience
Cultural Safety
A qualified First Nations wellbeing counsellor will be on site to provide support throughout the forum. You will always be able to access a wellbeing counsellor in the venue’s wellbeing room, where you can have a confidential chat or simply take some time to recuperate.
There will also be a dedicated Elders’ Room on site for Elders to take their lunch, socialise, or take a break from the conference.
Gala Dinner
In the evening of Day One, we welcome you to kick off your work shoes and relax as we host a casual Forum Dinner for all attendees.
The dress code? Anything you like! Feel welcome to change into your formal attire, but this is entirely optional. Come exactly as you are, but please make sure you RSVP once you register!
Who Should Attend?
Those responsible for designing and delivering Indigenous family violence policies, programmes and services from:
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ACCHOs
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Aboriginal Legal Services
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Not-for-Profits
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Family Violence Shelters
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Family Violence Support Centres
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State and Federal Government
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Community Organisations and Foundations
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Local Councils
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Police and ambulance services
NEW! Connection Activities featured on Day One and Two
Concentrating on two full days of content heavy presentations can be a lot to take in, which is why it’s so important to take a breather and re-connect with country, community, and culture.
To make this easy, the Forum have built in several “Connection Activities” across both days. Whether it’s weaving, clay art, guided meditation, or a cultural walk, there is something for everyone.
For more details, go to the sessions at 2:00pm on Day One and 1:45pm on Day Two.
Why Attend?
1
Hear from family violence prevention legal services from across Australia about how they feel the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action plan will impact their communities and what is needed to ensure the Plan is constructive
2
Incorporate early intervention programs into your services to improve family relationships before violence occurs
3
Identify the signs of Elder abuse and what to do about it
4
Listen to case studies of community-led rehabilitation programs for First Nations men who use violence and why they are key to breaking cycles of violence
5
Take inspiration from ACCHOs who have built positive relationships with child protection departments to keep First Nations children connected to their culture and kin
Venue
Forum: 28-29 May 2024
Pullman Cairns International
Address: 17 Abbott Street Cairns Qld 4870, Australia
Conference: Grand Ballroom
Parking
Valet Parking is available at Pullman Cairns International by way of the port cochere/Hotel driveway, conveniently available at a flat rate of $20.00 per vehicle/per day to guests staying in-house or for a function unless otherwise agreed.
Accommodation
Pullman Cairns is offering discounted accommodation rates to conference participants. To book, please CLICK HERE. You may also call the reservations team on 07 4031 1300 and provide our preferential code: OIFVF