Speakers

As a Cross-cultural Consultant, Tasneem addresses issues of diversity, equity and inclusion across organisational leadership, including intersectionality within government, corporate, arts and community sectors. She assists clients apply an intersectional lens in their work praxis towards greater cultural competence, innovation and profitability. Her goal in this space is to ensure diversity and inclusivity become an integral part of how any progressive organisation does business. Tasneem develops inclusion policies (DE&I), workshops, projects, exhibitions and engagement strategies. For her efforts she was appointed the inaugural Ambassador for Women of Colour, Australia and awarded an OAM. She has also been named an ‘Anti-Racism Champion’ by the Australian Human Rights Commission and holds a Distinguished Alumni Award from La Trobe University in recognition of her impact in the diversity sector. Tasneem’s extensive reach within the VPS has seen her work at a governance level with the VPSC, Fire Rescue Victoria, The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Ambulance Victoria. Additionally, at this level, Tasneem has delivered advisory, keynote and workshops to over twenty Departments and statutory bodies in a career spanning fifteen years as an inclusion expert. Central to the philosophy underpinning Tasneem’s passion in this sector is the firm belief that people and women of colour, in particular, lack neither the agency nor desire to excel in leadership - but rather, the opportunity. For this reason, she unapologetically seeks out platforms and strategies to facilitate this through education, advocacy and mentoring. Tasneem proudly identifies as an intersectionality advocate

Dr Anne Summer AO is a former journalist, commentator and best-selling author of nine books, including the classic Damned Whores and God’s Police, first published in 1975, and still in print. Her most recent book Unfettered and Alive, a memoir, was published in 2018. In 2022 Anne was appointed Professor of Domestic and Family Violence in the School of Business at the University of Technology of Sydney. She has been awarded substantial funding by the Paul Ramsay Foundation and UTS to continue her innovative data-based research into domestic violence in Australia. Her recent report The Choice: violence or poverty (2022) used previously unpublished ABS data to reveal the far greater prevalence of domestic violence than was previously known, and especially the shockingly high incidence among women who have become single mothers as a result. The report argued that the federal government is responsible for the ‘policy-induced poverty’ that is the fate of more than 50 per cent single mothers who are forced to rely on government benefits as their sole income. As a result of this report, the federal government increased the eligibility for the Parenting Payment Single to single mothers whose youngest child was 14 (previously it had been 8).

Hannah Tonkin commenced as the New South Wales Women's Safety Commissioner in February 2023. This new role was established to provide leadership and oversight across the whole of government in relation to women's safety, and to lead the implementation of NSW's five-year plans to end domestic, family and sexual violence.

Leslie Williams is the State Member for Port Macquarie and in 2023 was appointed as the Shadow Minister for Women, Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. She has held numerous roles in the NSW Parliament since being elected in 2011 including Chair, Committee on the Health Care Complaints Commission, Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education. Leslie holds a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Nursing, was a Pail Harris Fellow in 2010, and is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Laurieton, the Hastings Business Women’s Network, the Port Macquarie Suicide Prevention Network, and Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce

Micaela Cronin began her career as a social worker in family violence and sexual assault services. Since then, she has held leadership roles across the social service sector in Australia and internationally, including as President of the Australian Council of Social Services. Micaela was also CEO of an international non-government organisation based in Asia, working to build global service delivery and strategic partnerships to tackle human trafficking and human rights abuses. In 2014, Micaela was awarded the Robin Clark Leadership Award — Victoria’s most prestigious children’s protection award — in recognition of her leadership in inspiring others to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Jodie Harrison has been the Member for Charlestown since 2014. In 2023, she became NSW Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors and Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the new Minns Labor Government For fourteen years she worked at Newcastle City Council in organisational change management, organisational performance and governance roles, becoming a delegate for the United Services Union and the inaugural chairperson of the Council’s Women’s Advisory Panel. Jodie went on to work for the United Services Union (USU) and subsequently United Voice (now the United Workers Union). In 2008, Jodie was elected as a North Ward Councillor on Lake Macquarie City Council. In 2012 she became the popularly elected Mayor of Lake Macquarie as well as being the first female Mayor of the City. She held this position until September 2016. Jodie is passionate about the need to provide jobs for people while ensuring a quality lifestyle and maintaining public services. Jodie is the mother of two children and proudly lives in her electorate.

Delia is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Domestic Violence NSW. She brings with her extensive experience in the non-government and social services settings across Australia and the United Kingdom. She has 24 years’ experience in social work and social care settings spending the last 14 years in the domestic and family violence sector. Delia has led three domestic violence charities covering a range of work including crisis response, prevention, and policy and advocacy. Delia has been recognised in both the UK and Australia receiving several awards for her work to innovate and effect change. More recently, winning the 2022 Impact 25 Award.

Amani Haydar is a lawyer, writer and artist who makes a remarkable contribution to the community through her professional, volunteer, creative and advocacy work – despite having faced incredible trauma in her personal life. Amani has been a passionate advocate and campaigner for ending violence against women since her father murdered her mother in 2015. She takes a multidisciplinary approach to raising awareness about gender-based violence, law, policy and the effects of structural inequality on women. She serves on the board of the Bankstown Women’s Health Centre and in this capacity, she worked with her local MP to lobby for changes to the law to allow for victims of domestic violence to access support. She has drafted submissions to the NSW Sentencing Council and advocated for changes to Parental Leave legislation. She has also been an Artist in Residence at Sweatshop, a literary movement devoted to empowering culturally and linguistically diverse communities through reading, writing and critical thinking. Amani’s writing and illustrations have been featured in a range of publications including ABC News Online and SBS Voices. She has contributed to a Walkley Award winning journalism series and been a finalist in the Archibald Prize for her painting. Her debut memoir The Mother Wound was published by Pan Macmillan in June 2021.

Commissioner Karen Webb joined NSW Police Force in May 1987 and, in her 35 year policing career, has performed general duties and a range of criminal investigations and command roles both in metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW. Those duties have included the Child Mistreatment Unit, Drug Enforcement Agency, Detectives Training Unit and command roles at Forensic Services Group, Local Area Commands, Operations Manager, North West Metropolitan Region Commander, and State Surveillance Branch In 2017, Ms Webb was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner at the Police Transport & Public Safety Command, and in 2020 she was appointed the first female commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command. Ms Webb’s corporate sponsor roles -- LGBTI, Women in Policing, and Victims of Crime & Customer Service -- have seen her lead high-level projects, including the National Accreditation of NSW Police Forensic Services laboratories, and the 90 Years and 100 Years of Women in Policing celebrations. She has commanded multiple public events and strategies, including the Invictus Games operations in 2018, and Australia Day operations in 2018 & 2019. A member of the NSW Police Legacy Board and the State Rescue Board, Ms Webb was appointed the Deputy State Emergency Operations Controller in July 2019 and worked closely with the emergency service agencies during the 2019-20 bushfires, floods and COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2021 Ms Webb was promoted to Deputy Commissioner, Corporate Services, and in February 2022, she was formally appointed the 23rd Commissioner of the NSW Police Force, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the history of the state. Raised in the regional NSW town of Boorowa, Ms Webb is a proud working parent of two sons.

Abigail is a Greens MP in the NSW Parliament, and the Greens NSW spokesperson for Gendered Violence and Abuse. She is known for her work in Parliament fighting for transformative system-wide reform to eliminate violence against women, working closely with victim-survivors and other domestic, family and sexual violence experts and advocates. Abigail has continuously fought against the status quo response to domestic violence, demanding a dramatic uplift in funding for frontline programs and services and a complete reform of our police and justice system. Abigail’s other areas of policy interest include progressive economics, workers’ rights, a just energy transition and disability rights and inclusion.

Yvonne is an independent councillor and the first Aboriginal councillor in the City of Sydney's 180-year history. She was born and raised in inner Sydney but maintains strong ties to her Wiradjuri homelands of Cowra and the Riverina areas of New South Wales. Yvonne was inspired to run for Council to ensure local government is representative, helping those who have traditionally been excluded find their voice and influence change. In her first term, Yvonne has successfully advocated for increased affordable and social housing, accessible streets and public spaces, community and domestic violence supports, greater representation of First Nations culture, meaningful consultation and transparency in decision-making. Yvonne follows in the footsteps of a proud tradition of activists and change-makers (including her great-aunt Mum Shirl and her uncle Paul Coe, a prominent Aboriginal rights campaigner). Her family was instrumental in establishing the Aboriginal Children’s Service, Aboriginal Medical Service and Aboriginal Legal Service in Redfern. Prior to her election to Council, Yvonne held numerous senior positions in NSW Government, non-government and Aboriginal controlled organisations working across health, human services, housing and child protection. She has served as the elected Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Deputy Chair of the NSW Australia Day Council and as a Board member of Domestic Violence NSW and Redfern Jarjum College. In 2022, Yvonne was recognised as NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to the Aboriginal community. She also recently published her debut novel, Sixty-Seven Days. The previously unpublished manuscript was shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards David Unaipon Award. Yvonne’s vision for Sydney is of a green, vibrant and inclusive city humming with opportunity, equally accessible to all Sydneysiders

Annabelle has been a leader in the social sector for over 20 years, working in private enterprise, the Australian government and the community sector including as the Manager of Elsie’s refue, Australia’s first women’s shelter. As CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, Annabelle Daniel has worked with local communities around NSW to establish new shelters and has collaborated with a range of organisations, individuals and stakeholders, from the community and all levels of government to achieve change in the field of homelessness for women and children.

Rebecca Pinkstone has two decades of experience in the housing sector working in government and community housing. She is the inaugural Chief Executive of Homes NSW, a new division within the Department of Communities and Justice. Homes NSW is responsible for system stewardship across the affordable, social and homelessness sectors to ensure we deliver more homes and better services for our community. Homes NSW also manages 96,000 public housing properties across NSW, providing a safe and secure home for 260,000 people.

Maha Krayem Abdo OAM is a passionate advocate for social justice and uses the common language of faith to clarify in the community how Islam regards justice and equality. She serves as the CEO of Muslim Women Australia (MWA), a representative body for Muslim women working to enrich humanity, advocating for equality and the rights of all women, through authentic leadership based on Islamic principles. In 2022, Maha received an Honorary Fellow from Western Sydney University, and was appointed as a Panel Member of the NSW Treasurers’ Women’s Economic Opportunities Review. In 2021, Maha was awarded the Committee for Sydney Unsung Hero Award. In 2015 Maha was a finalist for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Human Rights Medal, and in 2014 she was the NSW Human Rights Ambassador for 2014-15.

Yumi Lee has worked on women's rights and violence against women for over 30 years. She began with advocacy for women's rights in armed conflict and nuclear disarmament. Prior to returning to Sydney and working for the Older Women's Network, she was based in Hanoi with an organisation supporting street children and rescuing women trafficked to the sex trade in China. She has also supported organisations in Nepal working with disadvantaged women when she was living there. As the CEO of OWN NSW she is now advocating and lobbying on issues impacting older women, including housing insecurity and homelessness as well as violence against older women, especially in aged care. Yumi received the Advocacy and Reform Bright Sparks Award of 2021 of the NSW Women's Legal Service for her work in advocating for the safety of older women; and is a member of the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission's Advisory Board and the Federal Attorney General's Lived-Experience Expert Advisory Group on Sexual Violence.

Elise is a registered psychologist with 15 years’ experience in leadership roles in the non-government sector. Elise has lived experience of domestic and family violence and is passionate about influencing systems-level change to increase safety, prevent violence, bring healing for victim-survivors and hold people who use violence accountable. As Deputy CEO and Team Manager of Policy, Research and Advocacy at peak body Domestic Violence NSW, Elise prioritises stakeholder engagement and advocating with Government for greater investment where it is most needed.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Freund’s legal career spans almost 30 years. Prior to joining the judiciary, Deputy Chief Magistrate Freund worked in private practice holding senior associate and partner positions across several Sydney and national law firms. Her Honour was appointed as a magistrate in 2006. She has served as an arbitrator in the District and Local Court of NSW as well as a Deputy State Coroner and in the Children’s Court. Her Honour is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame.

Lizette Twisleton is the interim Director Practice and Programs for No to Violence, the peak body for men’s behaviour change work. She has worked in the human and community services sector for 30 years for NGO’s and in local government. Lizette has experience in domestic and family violence with victim-survivors and men who use family violence, youth work, health promotion and community development. She has specialised in men’s behaviour change work over the past seventeen years, twelve years as a men’s behaviour change program facilitator, three years delivering partner contact and two years sector development. Lizette has also provided training and supervision focusing on men’s behaviour change work. Lizette is passionate about working collectively and collaboratively to create lasting safety for families

Cathy Humphreys is Honorary Professor of Social Work at University of Melbourne. She specialises in applied research. Seven projects in the past 8 years have worked with the Safe & Together Institute using practice-led, action research through facilitated multi-stakeholder workshops and Communities of Practice. This research highlights the impact on, and importance of attending to children in the context of domestic violence and addressing issues of complexity including the intersection of domestic violence with substance use. Of more than 60 research projects she has undertaken since 2006, 20 have been Category 1 ARC, NHMRC and ANROWS research council grants. She worked at the University of Warwick for 12 years before returning to Australia in 2006. For 15 years she worked as a social worker.

Gulnara Abbasova is the Director of the NSW Multicultural Centre for Women’s and Family Safety at Settlement Services International. She brings over 20 years of experience in public policy and strategy across civil society, government and intergovernmental organisations. This includes over a decade of community sector leadership at the intersection of social policy, migration and multiculturalism, with a particular focus on gender equality and health equity. Gulnara previously led the national multicultural peak body, and established and led the national migrant and refugee women’s alliance and Australia’s first national peak body on migrant and refugee health. Among her many contributions, Gulnara served on the advisory groups to develop The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, and The National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Domestic and Family Violence.

Jo Campbell has worked in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault sector for over 30 years, in various roles as an advocate, counsellor, educator and manager. Jo is the General Manager at DV West. Prior to this she held the position of Director at the Education Centre Against Violence. She is passionate about system change to enable victim-survivors greater opportunities to access justice and healing.

Helen is an Emergency Physician working in Campbelltown, NSW. Helen is passionate about improving the recognition and response to domestic violence victim-survivors attending the emergency department. Emergency departments respond to people at times of crisis, and increasingly we are recognising the broad ranging health crises that families experiencing violence encounter, and how a positive encounter can change trajectories.

Trish has an extensive background in homelessness and domestic and family violence (DFV) policy, research, service/program design and service system reform in both Australia and the UK. She has worked across a range of sectors, including the NSW State Government, UK Government, peak bodies, non-government/frontline service providers and charities. Trish is an experienced consultant having established her own business in 2016 and a new consultancy service within one of the UK’s largest homelessness charities, Crisis UK. She was also a member of the Yfoundations Board in 2014–15, providing expertise on impacts and best practice approaches for young people experiencing DFV. Trish is strongly committed to ensuring that unaccompanied children and young people (C&YP) experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence (DFV) receive the attention they deserve in future policies and programs. She advocates for government and policy makers to recognise that child and youth homelessness is different to the adult experience and requires diverse responses to address the breadth of issues and needs. This is particularly relevant in the context of service system reform and good practice approaches that must be woven into any future homelessness, housing and DFV strategies for children and young people.

Regan is a proud Wiradjuri / Ngunnawal woman born and raised in Cowra NSW. Regan has spent the last ten years as a front-line domestic violence specialist at a Redfern based, grassroots NGO providing long term, intensive and culturally responsive casework to women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Regan’s role involved managing a domestic violence service and working closely with the Executive leadership team across the organisation, to educate and empower staff and communities to end gender-based violence. Regan has recently joined Our Watch, a national leader of primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia. As Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy, Regan provides important cultural insight that informs Our Watch’s strategies, plans and policies appropriately to prioritise ending violence towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children. Regan has recently held positions as the Chair of Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre, Executive Council member of Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network (AWAN) and is currently a member of the DVNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Steering Committee.

Peter is the Assistant Commissioner and Commander of the Central Metropolitan Region of the NSW Police Force. He is responsible for the effective operation of ten (10) Police Area Commands inclusive of the Sydney CBD through the Sutherland Shire. Peter joined the Police Force in 1990 and has been in operational positions for his whole career. He has extensive investigation experience as a Detective in both major crime squads and local criminal investigation offices. He has over ten years in Tactical Policing and has been in Command roles for the past 18 years. Some highlights of Peter’s career include Command roles at APEC in 2007, World Youth Day 2008, search and capture of Malcom Naden who was Australia’s most wanted criminal in 2012 and introducing Project Walwaay in 2018 which saw a 60% reduction in Aboriginal Youth entering the criminal justice system in Dubbo. As a Counter Terrorism Commander, Peter has held Command roles with state visits of international protected persons inclusive of HRH Prince Harry, the United States Secretary of State and Secretary of Defence and the Prime Minister of Israel. Prior to his current appointment Peter was the Commander of Northern Region where he was the NSWPF Corporate Sponsor for Aboriginal Engagement and was instrumental in instigating cultural immersion training for all senior police as well as the implementation of the current Aboriginal Strategic Direction for the NSWPF. Peter is currently the corporate sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence and is heavily involved in numerous projects and committees to introduce new legislation, policy and technological advancements in this area. Peter has been recognised with numerous meritorious awards and commendations including the Australian Police Medal. Outside of work, Peter likes to spend time with his family and paddles a surf ski when time permits.

Nemat Kharboutli is the Linking Hearts Multicultural Family Violence and Homelessness Service Manager at Muslim Women Australia, which is a representative body for Muslim women working to enrich humanity, advocating for equality and the rights of all women. Established in 1983, MWA now provides frontline specialist domestic violence, homelessness and settlement support for multicultural communities as well as community development, educational and recreational initiatives for Muslim communities. Nemat works collaboratively across the womens’ sector to advocate for a sexual, domestic and family violence free and inclusive Australia. Her key areas of interest are the gendered nature of violence and Islamophobia. As part of her work at MWA, Nemat hopes to contribute to policy reform that enhances culturally, linguistically and religiously appropriate service provision to facilitate women's agency and greater accessibility of support to women. Nemat has a Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology and Social Policy) from University of New South Wales, she is passionate about social justice, social inclusion, diversity, policy and women's issues. Nemat serves on the Board of DVNSW, HNSW and a member of the Coercive Control Taskforce CALD Reference Group.

Jackie McMillan is a senior project officer at Women's Health NSW working on a project creating pathways for women experiencing non-fatal strangulation and acquired brain injuries. This role harnesses her commitment to ending violence against women honed during her time at Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS) with her expertise in sexual consent and sexual health developed across nearly a decade at the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP). She is currently the President of the SWOP executive committee.

Marina leads the primary prevention focus of Safe and Equal as the peak body in Victoria for organisations that specialise in family and gender-based violence across the continuum, including primary prevention, early intervention, response and recovery. This includes leading a program of work across workforce and practice development, policy and advocacy, and contributing to stronger connection and coordination of prevention efforts across the state. Marina has twenty-five years’ experience in research and programs across family violence prevention and response, sexuality education, LGBTIQ health and wellbeing, and HIV treatment and prevention. She was previously Director of Rainbow Health Australia, and a policy research fellow at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society. Marina led the development of the Pride in Prevention suite of resources, and has authored a wide range of academic publications, reports, resources and practice guides.

Lili is a victim advocate who lost her mother, Tina Greer, to domestic violence during her childhood. Tina's body has never been found, and she remains a missing person. Her mum’s case served as the impetus for “The Tina Greer Project,” an initiative aimed at creating a space where educational and productive conversations take place, provoking change concerning domestic violence, homicide, and missing persons. Through public advocacy, Lili successfully campaigned for an inquest into her mum’s case. She continues to advocate for systematic change, alongside organisations such as DV NSW and The Missed Foundation.

Christine Robinson is Bundjalung woman. Christine has worked in the area of domestic, family violence, and sexual violence for over 30 years. She has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre since 2005. Wirringa Baiya was established in 1997 to provide Aboriginal women, children, and youth with a trauma informed gender specific and culturally appropriate community legal service. Wirringa Baiya pays special attention to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women as victim-survivors of violence. Services provided include legal representation, advice, information, advocacy, referrals, education and law reform. Wirringa Baiya an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), which is managed by Aboriginal women. Wirringa Baiya provides a free service and is not-for-profit. Christine is a member of the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team, the NSW Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Council, the First Nations Coercive Control Reference Group and the Domestic Violence Sector Reference Group.

Bianca is a proud Bundjalung and Dunghutti/Gumbaynggirr woman. She has worked at DCJ (previously as DoCS and FACS) for over 20 years, mainly in the areas of Aboriginal strategy, policy design and program management. She started in TAO as a Director in 2022 and strongly believes TAO’s vision to champion Aboriginal perspectives and practices throughout DCJ to ensure cultural safety, dignity, and the pursuit of aspirational futures for Aboriginal people.

Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM joined NSW Police Force in 1985 stationed at Redfern Police Station. In 1990 he commenced a career in criminal investigation working in specialist investigation units at the Drug Enforcement Agency and Crime Agencies (now State Crime Command). During his career he has held numerous positions and appointments as a criminal investigator and as a Commander of both regional and metropolitan police commands. As Commander of Mid North Coast Police District, he co-led the largest policing operation ever undertaken in regional NSW searching for wanted murderer Malcolm Naden for which he was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service. From April 2018, he held the positions of Region Commander at both South West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan Regions. As Region Commander he was also the corporate sponsor for multiculturalism and alcohol related crime. In 2020, Mr Thurtell established and led the NSW Police Force’s COVID-19 hotel quarantine and repatriation operation for returning international travellers. In March 2022, Mr Thurtell was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner, Regional NSW Field Operations which incorporated the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, Capability, Performance & Youth Command and Northern, Western & Southern Regions. As Deputy Commissioner he was also the corporate sponsor for Aboriginal Engagement. In December 2022, Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell was appointed to lead Emergency Management for the NSW Police Force and was appointed as the State Emergency Operations Controller. Deputy Commissioner Thurtell has provided direction and leadership to the state’s response in supporting communities and preparedness for public safety through emergencies resulting from floods, fires, pandemic, and biosecurity events. In April 2024, Deputy Commissioner Thurtell was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner, Metropolitan Field Operations which incorporates the Central Metropolitan, South West Metropolitan and North West Metropolitan Regions as well as the Police Transport and Public Safety Command. Deputy Commissioner Thurtell is also the NSWPF Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence. Deputy Commissioner Thurtell is a recipient of the Australian Police Medal, National Police Service Medal, National Medal, NSW Police Medal, National Emergency Medal, NSW Police Commissioner’s Commendation for Service and NSW Police Commissioner’s Emergency Commendation. He is also a registered legal practitioner with the Supreme Court of NSW.

Courtney Artridge is a project officer at Women’s Health NSW (WHNSW) working on a project that focuses on strengthening professional understanding and local capacity to respond to sexual assault related non-fatal strangulation and acquired brain injury. Courtney’s passion and unique understanding of the gendered nature of violence was gained from her work within the international humanitarian aid sector and project implementation in countries suffering from violent conflict, including Iraq and Yemen. Courtney’s professional experience expands across a variety of roles, including nurse, security adviser, education officer and prehospital care coordinator.

Jade Parker (they/them) is the Program Coordinator (Sexual, Domestic, and Family Violence) at ACON. Jade works mainly in primary prevention, response and healing projects including campaigns, content creation, website management advocacy, coordinating survivor groups, healthy relationship groups and behaviour change support. Jade is also co-convenor of the NSW LGBTIQ+ DFV Interagency and they hold a Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology) Class 1 and Deans Merit List Honours Degree. They are a researcher who focuses on LGBTQ+ health concerns, mainly sexual, domestic and family violence.

Zoë Robinson was appointed as the Advocate for Children and Young People in January 2021. Zoë holds a law degree and a Masters of Human Rights. She previously worked as a solicitor for firms in NSW, for Deloitte in internal strategy and was the CEO of the NSW Peak Body for Youth Homelessness. Prior to commencing her appointment as the Acting Advocate, Zoë worked at the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Her role was focussed on breaking disadvantage. Zoë also volunteered for a number of months for an organisation that represented death row inmates based in Houston, Texas. Having both experience in the professional services industry and the not for profit industry means that Zoë brings a balance of passion coupled with a “can do” attitude to her role as Advocate. Zoë firmly believes that children and young people should be given every opportunity to succeed and set themselves up for success, and that they should have the opportunity to choose what that means to them. Zoë believes that all children and young people should be heard, listened to and be central to the work that we do both in government, business and community. Zoë is enthusiastic, energetic, and pragmatic and thoroughly enjoys collaborating with people to achieve a purpose and an outcome.

Jane Wangmann is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology Sydney. She has almost 30 years experience working in the domestic and family violence sector as a solicitor, government policy officer, law reform and now as an academic and researcher. Her research addresses legal responses to domestic and family violence covering civil protection orders, criminal law and family law. Her most recent research involved an evaluation of the WDVCAS hearing support pilot project in NSW, and an exploration of self-represented litigants in family law proceedings involving family violence. Since 2014 Jane has been a non-government expert appointed to the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team.

Steve Walton has been in the welfare sector for over 20 years. With extensive clinical experience in personal and couple counselling, post-separation and family violence, he was previously employed with non-government organisations as a team leader and manager for many years, specialising in Men’s Behaviour Change Programs. Steve is passionate about education and systemic change. He is a strong advocate for women's rights and believes men should be encouraged to take the stand in the prevention of violence against women and children. Employed as a Senior State-wide Educator with ECAV in early 2018, Steve became Team Leader in 2019. He enjoys cycling, mindfulness and sunny days.

Tanya Whitehouse OAM has worked at the Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service for 30 years, supporting and walking alongside victim survivors of Domestic and Family Violence. She was the Deputy Chair of Blue Wren House - Camden Women’s Shelter ending in 2023 and was an integral part of the setting up for this Shelter. Tanya is the Convenor of Camden/Wollondilly DV Committee and member of Campbelltown DV Committee. She participates in community consultations and committees in the sector. In 2015 Tanya was awarded the Justice Medal with the Law and Justice Foundation. In 2018 she was named Camden Woman of the Year and in 2020 received an OAM for her service to the community through welfare initiatives. Tanya’s focus and passion is to be the voice for those women who haven’t yet found theirs. Her goal is to empower women so that they feel safe with their children and challenge the inequities that come with the complexities of Domestic Violence. Her mantra is “underestimate me, that will be fun”!

Sunila is the Executive Officer of Immigrant Women’s SpeakOut Association. SpeakOut provides culture specific support to migrant and refugee women and empowers them be free from violence, exploitation and discrimination. Sunila has extensive experience in higher education, diversity & inclusion and community engagement in government and not for profit sector. She has led social change programs for migrant and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia, empowering them to take leadership to prevent violence against women. Sunila is a Board Member and Woman’s Lead of Seva International, an organisation working for the South Asian communities and a volunteer Radio Presenter on Multicultural Radio 98.5FM Radio 2000.

Raylene joined the DVNSW team as the Senior Aboriginal Policy Officer in May 2023. She is a proud Yiman (pronounced im-man) woman from Central Queensland and has lived and worked in the Darug Nation, Western Sydney, for 30 years. Before working in domestic and community violence, Raylene's background was in out-of-home care and child ‘protection’. She is passionate about challenging Western systems to empower First Nations people's voices and constantly works to give back to the community that has given so much to her.

A proud Wiradjuri woman and First Nations advocate working independently and with the First Peoples Disability Network, Cecilia is a dedicated connector and educator who is passionate about self-determination, and learning from the past to inform a better future. Driven by a desire to empower others, Cecilia leans into her lived experience to inspire and inform with stories of hope, recovery and renewal. Cecilia has been strongly involved with the Department of Community and Justice NSW Coercive control legislation implementation and review task force by way of her engagement with the lived experience reference group, First Nations reference group and the NGO training reference group for the last 24 months. With a background in counselling and a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, Cecilia is recognised for shining a light on the impact of domestic violence and coercive control, particularly through the lens of regional Aboriginal women. Through her engagement in government initiatives, she is paving the way for a coalition of voices and action towards delivering more effective services for men and women in regional Australia, and accessible, culturally informed services for First Nations victim survivors. Particularly those with a lived experience of disability. Cecilia is a classically trained vocalist who has performed on multiple stages across Australia, using the power of story and song for conveying hope and sharing perspectives. When not a stage speaking or performing, Cecilia is living a life full of hope with her beautiful daughters and partner on their rural property in the Southern Tablelands.

Sarah has over 15 years’ experience in employee engagement both in Australia and the United Kingdom. Having worked mostly in the private sector, from hospitality to music festivals, her roles have all been based on listening to employees/customers and creating engaging content – from films, communications, conferences, events and training. She has also worked as a consultant facilitating workshops and coaching for a variety of clients. With lived experience of domestic and family violence, Sarah is passionate about contributing to systemic change towards a world free from gendered violence. She is currently completing a master’s degree at Newcastle University, with a research paper on the correlation between shame and gender-based violence and the role of the education curriculum in primary prevention.

Maryam has been working with Central West WDVCAS for approximately three years. Starting as a support worker, Maryam has been a DV specialist for two years with and multicultural focus since last year. Her role is supporting the victim survivors of DV who are from a multicultural community as well as her general clients. Maryam’s nationality is Persian and she has been in Australia for 14 years. Maryam was an art teacher for 22 years, and made a whole career change to work with victim-survivors as a DV support worker.

“I always believed I was worthy of a life free of violence, trauma and struggle” Kyzar Jing believes all vulnerable young people deserve to live in an environment where they can strive and use their full potential to succeed. After spending 4.5 years in Juvenile Detention, Kyzar Jing has made it his mission to advocate for change of systemic issues affecting vulnerable young people and he believes these young people are worthy of support, stability, and opportunity. Early in life, Kyzar experienced domestic violence, homelessness, and housing insecurity. It wasn’t until he was incarcerated, that he would finally have stability to allow him to excel and take advantage of opportunities for personal growth. While in youth detention Kyzar completed and received a range of vocational certificates. Kyzar is proud to be the first person in his family to complete his Higher School Certificate. Through his early childhood and throughout his time in youth justice, Kyzar witnessed how many vulnerable young people weren’t supported well and weren’t given opportunities to thrive in life. This would inspire him to help role model and guide other young people to try and do better with their lives. In this time Kyzar met and was given an opportunity by the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Zoë Robinson to work at a systemic level and advocate for change. Kyzar aspires to work diligently across multiple sectors to ensure all vulnerable people are heard.

Dasha Brailko is a Registered Clinical Counsellor PACFA and Victims Services Approved Counsellor with expertise in Domestic Violence, Group Counselling and refugee support. Dasha works as a counsellor at Bondi Beach Cottage (BBC), offering counselling to women impacted by domestic and family violence. More than half of BBC clients are migrants, providing Dasha with invaluable insights into the challenges navigating DFV support and justice systems. Since the onset of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Dasha has supported the Ukrainian community through the Witness to War Hotline at STARTTS (NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors) as well as providing psychological support to Ukrainian refugee women via women’s circles and therapeutic retreats. Dasha's clinical expertise lies in trauma-informed counselling and empowering women impacted by DFV to rebuild their lives free from violence. Passionate about women's mental health and social justice, Dasha is eager to shape policies addressing challenges faced by migrant and refugee communities.

Sian is the Manager of the Family Safety Programs at Relationships Australia NSW. In this role Sian manages the operational and clinical practice of Mens Behaviour Change and Womens Advocacy programs Sian is a Counsellor, Group facilitator, Specialist Mens behaviour Change Practitioner and Clinical Supervisor who has worked with families and relationships for the past 15years. Sian brings a trauma informed, strengths based, systemic and feminist lens to her practice. Sian is passionate about promoting healthy and safe relationships and is a strong advocate for the needs of children. Sian recognises sociocultural inequality and injustice for marginalised cohorts and is committed to challenging stereotypes and facilitating positive change.

Claudia is the NSW State Manager for The Salvation Army's family violence and modern slavery response, and National Modern Slavery Lead. In her role as state manager, Claudia oversees supported accommodation and specialist case management services for family violence and modern slavery survivors. As Modern Slavery Lead, Claudia also oversees the new Additional Referral Pathway program for people impacted by modern slavery nationally, which aims to reduce barriers to help-seeking by delinking government-funded support from law enforcement engagement. A qualified social worker who holds a Graduate Certificate in Human Trafficking, Claudia is passionate about raising awareness of the intersections of family violence, coercive control and modern slavery, and is committed to improving support for all survivors.

Kowana is a proud Dharawal, Gumbaynggirr and Gamilaroi women. Kowana has grown up in and an active member of the Redfern and Waterloo communities, she is a mother of 5 and victim-survivor of Domestic Violence. Kowana currently works in the primary prevention of gender-based violence at women and girl’s emergency centre as the senior project officer of the “All In” project. Kowana is a co-founder of Breaking Silent Codes, a member of the DVNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Steering Committee and a board member of Full Stop Australia. Kowana has delivered Primary prevention and Domestic and family violence education across NSW and has an Early childhood education background and is passionate about gender justice for first nations women and girls.

Janine Dunleavy is a woman of Goori and Irish descent, a mother and grandmother, an aunty, a daughter and sister. She holds tertiary qualifications in socio-cultural anthropology and environmental education. Janine feels privileged to be able to make a positive contribution to the work that her ancestors, Elders and knowledge holders started at the time of British invasion and which continues into the present. To further this work, Janine has recently joined the Domestic Violence NSW Lived Expertise Policy Advisory Committee.

Rebecca Lee has worked with CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes for 10 years, during this time she has worked as a Specialist Homelessness Support Worker, Domestic Violence Specialist, Men’s Behaviour Change Facilitator and is now the Delivery Leader. Rebecca has over 15 years’ experience working within Domestic Violence, through various employments, working with members of the whole family unit. Rebecca herself is a Victim/Survivor of DV, it is her passion for change which drives her to learn and understand the complex needs of her community and individuals. Rebecca currently runs Men’s Behaviour Change Programs across Bourke, Narromine, Forbes, Parkes, and Condobolin. Rebecca successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Men’s Behaviour Change through ECAV in 2023.

Ann is a Principal Solicitor at the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC). She joined IARC in May 2019 and is responsible for IARC’s dedicated Domestic and Family Violence service for visa holders in Australia. She has extensive experience in advising victim-survivors of domestic and family violence about their rights under Australian immigration law. She has also contributed to advocacy work and delivered community legal education to a variety of audiences on immigration law. Ann was previously at the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office, where she worked with the Criminal Law team on a range of both civil and criminal matters, from applications for Apprehended Violence Orders to matters involving high-risk offenders.

Sharmila is an experienced leader in policy development, training, and project management . A lifelong feminist and activist; Sharmila has built her expertise is in domestic and family violence service delivery and policy; gender equity and the primary prevention of intimate partner violence. She has twenty years of professional experience in local government and in the not-for-profit services industry.; and is known for her skills in leading inter-agency partnerships and teams to deliver innovative projects on time with exceptional outcomes. Sharmila’s most recent accomplishments include co-authoring the research report “Dowry Abuse in South Asian Populations in Australia”, playing a key role in the development of the Prevention Toolkit for Local Government, authoring City of Parramatta Council’s inaugural Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Action Plan and leading the development and implementation of key primary prevention of violence against women projects across Western Sydney.

Rachael Natoli is an accomplished primary school teacher, who drove successful change and performance within the education sector. Rachael has attained a postgraduate certificate in Early Professional Development and BA (Hons) in Primary Education from Leeds Beckett University. She is also the recipient of three Duke of Edinburgh Awards, including the gold standard, which she gained in 2007 for her community service, skill and physical recreation. She shares her experience and offers inspiring messages of hope for victims and survivors.

Carolyn Thompson is a social worker and human services policy and service reformer, with over 30 years’ experience in non-government and government human services. Carolyn has led significant NSW domestic violence reform programs including the Domestic Violence Justice Strategy, development of the Domestic and Family Violence Blueprint for Reform, and implementation of the NSW Premier's Priority to reduce domestic violence reoffending. Carolyn is currently the Director of Family Preservation and Safety at the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies.

Maryanne is a proud Wailwan/Kamileroi and Gumbainggir woman who grew up in Inverell NSW. She is second generation of the Stolen Generation as her mother was also stolen. Maryanne has been the Yarn Safe Worker at Headspace for almost three years. Previous to that she was a well-being worker at Rekindling the Spirit. Maryanne has also been a case worker supporting women escaping domestic violence at the Lismore Women’s and Children’s Refuge. Prior to this, Maryanne was the Aboriginal Specialist Worker with DVCAS for eight years which involved providing court advocacy and community development where she delivered domestic violence education and awareness raising initiatives. Maryanne sits on the LGBTIQ Aboriginal Domestic Violence Board which helps to fulfil her passion to improve the education and visibility of the minority groups represented on behalf of this board. Maryanne has played a role in modifying publicly available resources to make them more relatable to Aboriginal people which ensures their inclusion and visibility within issues that are important to communities as a whole. Maryanne is very driven to raise awareness and continues to be a voice for marginalized peoples in equality, fairness and visibility.

Sonia Kalsi has a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Education and a Diploma in Community Services Sonia is the Team Leader for Women and Family’s Division at SydWest Multicultural resource Services, which includes early intervention and Domestic Violence Prevention programs to local community members and new migrants and new humanitarian. Sonia was a finalist of the Blacktown Women’s of the Year Award in year 2018 reflecting her extensive work with emerging communities. Sonia values the importance of seeking cultural information to understand what is important to multicultural children, women and families and importantly, how to tailor services to consider culture, so that women and families feel included and have opportunities to equitable outcomes… keeping their families safe and healthy

Shaquille is a proud Dunghutti and Bundjalung woman, who was raised on the land of the Gadigal people within the Redfern/Waterloo community. Shaquille has worked in the domestic, family and sexual violence sector for over 10 years, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children across NSW, who are victims-survivors of violence. Shaquille is currently the Acting Program Coordinator of the NSW Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network (AWAN).

Cathy has over 15 years’ experience in delivering and managing a whole of family response to men’s use of family and domestic violence. She has worked as a consultant with No To Violence and with the Education Centre Against Violence delivering training in Male Family Violence Interventions and provides Clinical Supervision in the men’s behaviour change and child protection sectors.

Hunter is a gardener who likes to sow, water and tend the seeds of change. He is doing what he can to cocreate a thriving ecosystem of equity, safety, social justice, hope and joy.