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 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.

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.

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.

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.