The Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum in Brisbane this month promises to be a “powerful gathering and celebration of, resistance, resilience and our collective cultural strength” for First Nations people.
The Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service’s (QIFVLS) fourth annual event, from 27-29 May at the InterContinental Brisbane, will have the theme Our Way, Our Changemakers.
QIFVLS CEO Wynetta Dewis said the conference would be a tribute to the work of those fighting to achieve progress towards Target 13 of Closing the Gap agreement.
Ms Dewis said there had been significant developments in the indigenous family violence sector.
“We continue to witness the emergence of community-driven initiatives that prioritise cultural healing, early intervention, and support for families and individuals experiencing violence,” she said.
“Increasingly, Elders and cultural leaders are 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 2026 Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum; a platform for knowledge exchange and community connection; a place where we, the changemakers, are heard.”
Speakers include Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin, First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence CEO Kerry Staines, Cooper MP Ged Kearney, QIFVLS Executive Director Legal Thelma Schwarz, journalist Stan Grant, and university professors and representatives from indigenous legal and health services from around the country.
Topics include strengthening healing and advocacy; empowerment; indigenous housing; self-determination; and youth justice.
The conference will this year include virtual access in a bid to combat the current fuel crisis.
Register here.
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