2025 National Indigenous Stop Domestic Violence Conference

Dr. Joseph B. Stone, PhD is an Anasaki-pikuni ceremonialist and traditionalist and member of the OKKAN (Sundance), the Last Star Thunder Medicine Pipe and Beaver Lodge. Dr. Stone works at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga – a Kaupapa Māori Health Provider; Awhina Whanu Family Services, and the Napier Family Centre all located in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. He has clinical experience with adult prisoners & corrections and juvenile justice in both New Zealand and USA. He is affiliated with the National Centre on Trauma and Project Making Medicine – Indian Health Service Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse at Oklahoma State University. He has presented to, and served as consultant to, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs of Native Youth Suicide. Dr. Stone’s publications include articles on trauma, suicide, and other cultural & behavioural issues.

Dr. Amber R. Logan is a traditional Kahungunu Māori wahine, a New Zealand Health Psychologist and Doctoral Fellow in Public Health at Otago University. She teaches health psychology course work at the University of Auckland & Otago University and is well-known in New Zealand for her work in methamphetamine education and community activism. She is a consummate grant writer, health services evaluator and health services program designer. She has presented extensively in Australia, Canada, and the USA at Harvard University, the University of Washington, and to the US Federal Government.

Maria Callaghan is a nurse-midwife and a proud descendant of the Bol-anon tribe from her mother’s side and the mountain-dwelling Higaonon tribe from her father’s heritage. She completed her Australian Migration Law degree at Australian Catholic University. With over three centuries of Spanish rule and occupation of the Philippines, Maria knows too well the long-term effect of colonization the most devastating consequences for her people were the loss of cultural identity as her ancestors were chronically stripped of their unique traditions and languages from forced assimilation, coercion into adopting Spanish culture, Catholicism and cultural suppression that led to significant disconnect with their ancestral roots. The encomienda system, which granted Spanish colonizers control over Indigenous labour subjected her ancestors to brutal working conditions often without fair compensation and exploited their country's resources which continues to shape the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Philippines today. Maria has more than 20 years of experience in nursing and midwifery, health management, workforce development, event management, law and business. She’s passionate about building compassionate communities and has trained more than six hundred compassionate community connectors to date from Weipa in the Cape & Torres to Birtinya in Sunshine Coast where mobilised community connectors are making a difference and supporting families in communities one at a time. 

Aunty Erica Eurell is a Traditional Custodian from the Yugambeh Language Region of the Gold Coast, with ancestral ties to the Aboriginal people of Wollumbin (Mount Warning). Her work is deeply rooted in cultural connection, community engagement, and the transmission of knowledge.

With a strong passion for fostering understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture, Aunty Erica actively supports the growth of Indigenous artists and craftspeople. Her practice spans weaving, painting, language revival, and performance-based projects—each serving as a conduit for cultural exchange and empowerment.

Through these creative and community-led initiatives, she has cultivated a deep understanding of cultural protocols and the evolving needs of Indigenous youth. Her commitment to cultural continuity and intergenerational learning informs her ongoing contributions to community development and business growth.

Sophia Eurell is a 18-year-old Traditional Custodian from the Yugambeh region, descended from the Tweed River people and Wollumbin. A proud cultural ambassador, she has sung in Yugambeh language since age 8 as a leading member of the Yugambeh Youth Choir. Sophia has performed Welcome to Country ceremonies at major events, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games and with the Wallabies Rugby Union Team.

She graduated from Keebra Park High School as Indigenous School Captain, Valedictorian, and top student in English, Law, and Geography. Sophia is now enrolled at the University of Queensland to study criminal law, while working as a youth trainer at the Preston Campbell Café in Dreamworld—mentoring the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Uncle Thomas Callaghan is a proud Koori man and descendant hailed from Biripi country (Taree) and Kempsey Dunghutti country in New South Wales. He grew up on Old Burnt Bridge Aboriginal Mission, just 8km west of Kempsey NSW and until his late teenage years. As a young adult, Tom returned to his grandmother's and family home traditional of the Biripi people where he lived on Purfleet Aboriginal Mission just 9Km South of Taree NSW. Today, he is the oldest living grandchild of Thomas Benjamin Callaghan, late of Bellbrook West of Kempsey and grandmother, Cinderella Callaghan (Richie) late of Purfleet south of Taree NSW. Over the years, Thomas established Aboriginal Medical Services, owned varied business enterprises, worked as professional fisherman, professional motorbike racer, Prime Minister Keating's team member and worked at UNHCR setting up refugee settlement camps across the Africas and the Middle East.

Sarnia Ralston is the Project Manager for NAPCANs NSW Safer Communities for Children (SCFC) Program. With over 20 years’ experience in the community and education sectors, Sarnia’s extensive knowledge of trauma informed practice, regulation and emotion coaching has given her the ability to connect with and support some of our most vulnerable community members. In addition to working across ACT, NSW and Queensland delivering child protection education programs and supporting student wellbeing, Sarnia has extensive experience working with remote communities in Cape York and the Torres Strait and is committed to bringing NAPCAN prevention tools and programs to communities across Australia. She is passionate about the aims of NAPCAN programs, including supporting the prevention of abuse, building parent/carer capacity to tune in to their kids and supporting communities and organisations to deeply listen to their children and ultimately prevent harm before it occurs. Currently living in Far North Queensland Gimuy Walubarra Yidi country, Sarnia works across Australia delivering NAPCAN prevention programs and is committed to playing her part in preventing abuse and neglect.

Joanne (Jo) Roff serves as the Executive Manager for Service Delivery at IFYS, a Queensland-based not-for-profit organisation. In this role, she oversees a broad portfolio including child protection programs, domestic and family violence services, housing and homelessness supports, and disability services. With over 30 years dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, Jo has built a career grounded in advocacy for vulnerable young people, earning widespread respect for her leadership, compassion, and steadfast belief in every child’s potential.

She is a Board member of PeakCare QLD and also holds the roles of Director and Chair at Kinship Alliance Australia. Jo’s contributions have been recognised through child protection awards that honour her innovation in practice and her commitment to raising national awareness for young kinship carers.

Dr Gina Masterton (PhD) is a proud Gubbi Gubbi/Wakka Wakka woman, born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland. She was the first in her family to achieve a tertiary education and has been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in Queensland. Dr Masterton practised law for over 18 years across Brisbane and Los Angeles, gaining extensive experience as a legal professional.

For the past 11 years, she has worked in academia in Brisbane, where she continues to advocate passionately for the reduction of domestic and family violence (DFV) and the disruption of intergenerational cycles of abuse. Her doctoral research focused on women fleeing DFV across international borders with their children—particularly First Nations women—and examined the impact of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction in these contexts.

From November 2021 to November 2024, Dr Masterton held the position of Indigenous Australian Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the QUT Centre for Justice and the Carumba Institute. Her postdoctoral project explored the significant barriers faced by First Nations women in rural and remote communities, particularly the lack of access to safe and reliable transport, which often prevents them from escaping abusive relationships.

Her research highlights the urgent need for culturally responsive programs that support Indigenous women in obtaining driver licences and accessing affordable, community-based transport options. Dr Masterton advocates for systems that are informed by traditional knowledge and learning practices, and that facilitate independence through improved access to education and employment.

By continuing to collaborate with communities and the women directly affected, Dr Masterton aims to work with legal and transport authorities to establish more inclusive and practical solutions—ensuring safer futures for Indigenous women and their children across Queensland.

Rebecca Masterton, is a proud Gubbi Gubbi and Wakka Wakka woman, a Provisional Psychologist with a Master of Professional Psychology, and Post Graduate certification in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery. Rebecca is dedicated to trauma-informed, culturally safe care for First Nations peoples. With experience across mental health, addiction, disability, and justice, she currently works as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with *Assessable*, under the NDIS. Rebecca has engaged closely with her family’s Aboriginal community of Cherbourg, and her voluntary work with Lifeline and participation in the recent AIPA suicide prevention forum reflect her commitment to community wellbeing and healing. Guided by respect, humility, and long-term relational care, Rebecca advocates for continued mental health support for women and children traumatised by family and domestic violence. Rebecca is honoured to contribute to this vital dialogue on domestic violence within Indigenous communities, with a focus on prevention strategies and holistic support for survivors.

Felicia Djamirze is a qualified counsellor, award-winning businesswoman, and dedicated mental health advocate. As the founder and CEO of Neuro Vitality Pty Ltd and the Trauma Recovery Network, she is committed to championing the rights of women affected by trauma, violence, poverty, incarceration, and the justice system.

Djamirze is the author of the powerful true crime memoir Accessory, which offers a firsthand account of survival, post-traumatic growth, and rebuilding a life with purpose. She is a regular contributor to About Time Media and Women’s Agenda, using her platform to raise awareness of issues affecting individuals silenced by stigma, abuse, and discrimination.

Recognized as a trusted voice in the media and a sought-after public speaker, Djamirze has made significant contributions to women’s rights, trauma recovery, and justice reform. She spearheaded Australia’s first all-female, Indigenous-led nationwide study on trauma and adverse childhood experiences among individuals with a conviction history and developed the Growth-Focused Trauma Model—an innovative framework for practitioners working with complex trauma and PTSD.

Her work has a global reach, as she travels internationally to visit prisons, engage in research, and participate in cross-cultural knowledge sharing to advocate for trauma-informed reintegration and restorative justice practices.

With extensive experience supporting survivors of domestic and institutional violence, as well as criminalized and marginalized women, Djamirze remains committed to driving systemic change, challenging entrenched inequality, and empowering individuals to transform adversity into wisdom. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to recognize and share their unique potential in a meaningful and impactful way.

Deanne Carson serves as the founding CEO of Body Safety Australia, an organization dedicated to developing evidence-based educational programs for children ranging from three to eighteen years of age. Her work extends to collaborating with parents and educators to foster safer communities. These programs have received recognition, including awards for Innovation in Education and Crime and Violence Prevention.

As an innovator and keynote speaker, Carson addresses critical issues, such as childhood sexual abuse and the role of digital technology in generating child sexual abuse material. She is also actively involved with organizations and alliances focused on safety, education, and rights, including Partners in Prevention, LGBTIQ+ Health Alliance, National Women’s Safety Alliance, Sexuality Educators Collective, the Australian Child Rights Taskforce, and is recognized as a Trusted ESafety Provider.

Mark Robertson is a highly acclaimed and talented musician, MC, producer and secondary school teacher. Mark has built a solid reputation with his teaching methods. Mark’s achievements in this field were recognised when he was awarded the 2009 Young Social Pioneer of the Year Award for Innovative projects toward social and educational change, and his work with Indigenous youth earned him national recognition by being one of 20 Australians invited to meet His Royal Highness Prince Harry at Kirrabilli house in 2013. Mark was also a final nominee for 2011 Australian of Year Award and 2014 finalist for New York global citizens award.

Joshua Morris is the Co-Chair of NAPCAN’s Youth Advisory Council and serves as a Youth Project Officer. As part of NYSO, he helps amplify the voices of young Australians aged 13–25, advocating for respectful relationships education, youth-led policy input, and ethical media representation. Joshua has spoken at national events including Children’s Week and the Common Threads Summit, and contributes to initiatives like the Untaught Education Instagram and National Child Protection Week campaigns.

Simone O’Brien is a domestic violence survivor, accomplished speaker, passionate advocate for women against violence, and a devoted mother of three children.

Her harrowing journey began in 2012 when she endured a brutal attack from a perpetrator who refused to take "no" for an answer. What started as emotional and psychological abuse escalated into a life-threatening assault, leaving Simone beaten with a baseball bat and on the brink of death.

With the unwavering support of her family and friends, Simone survived that horrific night—a night when her children had to prepare to say goodbye. Since then, she has devoted her life to raising awareness about domestic violence. Today, she travels the world sharing her powerful story of resilience and courage, highlighting the warning signs of abuse and advocating for prevention to ensure such tragedies never happen again.

Through her determination, strength, and compassion, Simone works tirelessly to champion non-violence against women and children. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action: together, we can end domestic violence.

Christine Robinson is a proud Bundjalung woman and the Chief Executive Officer of the Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre, a pioneering legal service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children, and youth in New South Wales.

She has led Wirringa Baiya with unwavering commitment to cultural safety, trauma-informed care, and legal advocacy for survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence. Under her leadership, the Centre has become a vital refuge for women who often feel unheard or invalidated by mainstream services.

Christine is also a member of the Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network (AWAN), where she contributes to statewide policy and advocacy efforts. Her work emphasizes the intersection of colonial trauma, systemic discrimination, and the urgent need for culturally safe legal support.

The name Wirringa Baiya means “Women Speak” in traditional language—a reflection of Christine’s mission to amplify the voices of Aboriginal women and ensure they are respected, protected, and empowered.

Tom Allsop serves as the Chief Executive of PeakCare, the peak body for child and family services in Queensland. In this role, he represents PeakCare's voice across legislative, policy, program, and practice trends, addressing key issues relevant to child protection and the family support sectors. He also leads PeakCare’s team, ensuring the effective delivery of strategic objectives and seamless organizational operations.

With extensive expertise in the intersection of child protection and related service systems—including youth justice, early childhood education and care, education, health, and housing—Tom brings a wealth of experience to his leadership position.

Joining PeakCare in February 2021, he brought over a decade of experience as a respected Senior Manager and Director in the Human and Social Services and Information and Communication Technology sectors. He has established a strong reputation for his leadership achievements, having delivered nationally significant and critical programs, including Queensland’s Government participation in the National Redress Scheme, NDIS Worker Screening, and the implementation of modern systems and practices that have transformed child protection and youth justice services in Queensland.

Tom holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science with dual majors in Biomedical Science and Neuroscience. He is also an accredited Program, Project, and Change Manager.

In addition to his role at PeakCare, he is a sessional academic at Queensland University of Technology and a Non-Executive Director of Families Australia, the national peak body for families.

Alma-Jane O'Donnell serves as the National Manager of the Child and Family Service at Goodstart Early Learning. With a Master's Degree in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, Alma-Jane is a specialist in this field. She brings over 30 years of experience working with vulnerable families and communities both nationally and internationally. Alma-Jane has significant expertise in early intervention research, project development, and lecturing on Infant Mental Health. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in the national rollout of trauma-informed programs, policies, and procedures within Goodstart Early Learning.

Shweta Goyal is a treasurer in FNQDCC, an educator, author, researcher, and motivational speaker dedicated to empowering women and promoting peace. With a PhD in Gender Equality and extensive experience as a teacher of mathematics and physics, Shweta has combined her academic expertise and personal experiences to advocate passionately for gender equity and human rights. Having overcome personal adversity, she actively fosters resilience and purpose in others. Shweta regularly delivers gender empowerment speeches and participates in international forums, including HWPL's global peace initiatives, continuing to uplift and inspire communities worldwide through her writing and advocacy.

Phil Doorgachurn is a highly accomplished CEO, board director, and consultant, with over two decades of experience leading transformative initiatives in child safety, organisational culture, and systemic change. Passionate about safeguarding and the rights of children, Phil has dedicated his career to creating safer environments for children across diverse sectors, including sport, education, and business.

Phil’s journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to innovation and collaboration. He has worked with global organisations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIFA, and the Premier League, advising on strategies to enhance athlete welfare and safety. Notably, he pioneered the world’s first education program for welfare officers in sport and led the development of one of the English Premier League's first wellbeing teams for elite athletes.

In Australia, Phil has been instrumental in shaping child safeguarding frameworks through roles such as CEO of YMCA Safeguarding and Advisor to the National Office for Child Safety. His leadership extends to consulting for organisations like England Cricket, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Victoria University and many more, where he has driven cultural shifts from reactive risk management to proactive safeguarding practices.

Phil is currently the Executive Director for On Us: Australian Business Coalition for Safeguarding Children, uniting Australian businesses to ensure their operations, products, and services prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children. His expertise in designing self-paced training programs, strategic frameworks, and stakeholder engagement initiatives has helped countless organisations create sustainable child-safe cultures.

Outside of his professional life, Phil remains grounded by his love for family and his cocker spaniel, Chula, who often accompanies him on beach walks and even virtual meetings. Phil's work is driven by a deeply personal mission: to inspire systemic change and ensure every child grows up in a world where they feel safe, valued, and supported.

Lukas Williams, M.A. IH., is a national motivational speaker, entrepreneur, Indigenous health advocate, educator and facilitator with 15 years’ experience in the field of social emotional and cultural well-being. Lukas is the recipient of the Northern Territory Government Aboriginal Medical Services Remote Worker of the Year Award in 2018, acknowledging his successful work with men’s healing circles in remote communities. This work and success led Lukas to establish his own organisational consultancy and private practice, Gan’na Healing™. Lukas is renowned and respected for his approach to trauma healing for Indigenous people, creating a 7-step practice model that has been utilised in over 25 communities and community services across Australia. Lukas understands that our personal and professional lives are interconnected and to become a leader that others want to follow, is to have authenticity, integrity and to know yourself on a deep level. This is what makes Lukas a powerful speaker and leader in inspirational and motivational speaking. His own personal journey, coupled with his professional development, led him to acquiring his Masters in Indigenous Health in 2018. Lukas is a proud Bundjalung man from the Minyungbal people in Tweed Heads NSW. Lukas is also proud to have Native American, Scottish, English and Italian heritage.