PRESENTED BY:
27 – 29 May 2025 | QT Hotel, Gold Coast
Centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Voices in Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence
The 2025 Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum is now CPD Accredited. Attendees will receive 8 points per day, with a certificate immediately following the event.
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Welcome to the
Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum
As we enter the second year since the Australian Government announced the first-ever standalone, dedicated action plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, we continue to advocate for investment in self-determined solutions. Achieving real progress towards Target 13 of Closing the Gap demands sustained funding, resources, and support of First Nations community-led solutions that have the cultural knowledge, lived experience, and expertise to create lasting change.
Significant developments have occurred in the Indigenous family violence sector. We have witnessed the continued emergence of community-driven initiatives that prioritise cultural healing, early intervention, and support for families and individuals experiencing violence. Increasingly, Elders and cultural leaders are being recognised as key agents of change, and collaboration between governments, service providers, and First Nations communities has strengthened.
It is with this momentum that we look ahead to the 2025 Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum. For the third year running, the Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS) is proud to host this crucial platform for collaboration.
Together, we hold the solutions to create safer, stronger, and healthier communities. I look forward to welcoming you this May on Yugambeh Country to yarn, share, and learn from one another as we take this vital work forward.
Wynetta Dewis
CEO, Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS)
Chair, First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence (FNAAFV)
On-Country Workshop, 29 May
Join us for a cultural tour of Jellurgal/ “Dreaming Mountain” on Yugambeh Country coupled with an interactive workshop designed to build the capacity of your organisation.
Discover how you can enhance holistic, culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing family violence.
Our Speakers
Dorinda Cox
Senator
Greens Party
Katie Kiss
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Social Justice
Commissioner
Australian Human Rights
Commission Australian
Government
Antoinette Braybrook
Chief Executive Officer
​Djirra
Ashlee Donohue
Chief Executive Officer
Mudgin-Gal
Charlie Rowe
Programs Manager
Carbal
Thelma Schwartz
Principal Legal Officer
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS)
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.
Community Social Event
Immediately following the conclusion of Day One, we welcome you to kick off your work shoes and relax outside as we host food and drinks for all attendees. Everyone is welcome to enjoy some delicious canapes and drinks as they connect with their peers and reflect on the day’s learnings.
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
MINDFULNESS CONNECTION ACTIVITIES
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Listening intently to two full days of content heavy presentations can be a lot to take in; to avoid concentration burn out it’s important to take a breather and re-connect with country, community, and culture.
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To make this easy, the forum committee have built in several “mindfullness activities” across day 1 and 2. Whether it’s weaving, cultural dancing, having a yarn, or a cultural walk, there is something for everyone.
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For more details, go to the sessions at 12:00 pm on Day One and 11:30 am on Day Two.
Why Attend?
1
Hear perspectives from family violence prevention legal services from across Australia about the significance of coercive control legislations for First Nations people and how they differ from state to state
2
Learn from the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women whose self-determination and leadership is critical to preventing family violence in Indigenous communities
3
Incorporate early intervention programs into your services to improve family relationships before violence occurs
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: 27-28 May 2025
QT Hotel, Gold Coast
Address: 17 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
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