THE CONFERENCE
The 2025 National Indigenous Stop Domestic Violence Conference is scheduled on September 17-19,2025 on the Gold Coast Queensland which aims to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in our collective fight against any form of domestic, family and gender-based violence. The conference brings together survivors, advocates, community leaders, and policymakers to unite, share knowledge, and foster innovative approaches grounded in the wisdom of traditional Indigenous cultures and traditional practices.
This year’s conference seeks to disrupt the pervasive and often silenced epidemic of domestic violence in Indigenous communities. By creating a platform that centers Indigenous perspectives, the event honours the strength, resilience, and creativity of those who have lived through these challenges. The conference offers a unique opportunity to examine the deep connections between social justice, land rights, and family violence, acknowledging that healing from domestic violence is intertwined with the reclamation of cultural identity and community strength. Through powerful workshops, presentations, and storytelling, delegates and speakers alike explore how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions of kinship, community support, and ceremony can inform modern responses to domestic violence and promote healing in a way that respects cultural values.
The 2025 National Indigenous Stop Domestic Violence Conference also highlights the critical role of Indigenous-led solutions and community-driven action in creating sustainable change. With a focus on cultural safety, trauma-informed care, and empowering local leaders, the event fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility in tackling domestic violence. Elders, knowledge keepers, and advocates play a key role in guiding the conversations, offering traditional teachings on justice, healing, and protection. By grounding the conference in the knowledge of those who have experienced both the pain of violence and the power of community healing, it reaffirms the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the fight for a future free from violence—one where the next generations can grow in safety, love, and connection to their cultural heritage.
CONFERENCE THEME
This year’s conference takes place at a crucial time, focusing on the following three main themes:
Acknowledging the impacts of deep intergenerational trauma caused by colonisation, displacement, and systemic neglect, which have perpetuated cycles of abuse within Indigenous families.
Honouring the resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognising our strength and capacity to heal despite the historical and ongoing challenges we face.
Highlighting the urgent need for culturally safe solutions, advocating for approaches that respect Indigenous cultural practices and ensure effective responses to domestic violence.
CONFERENCE AIMS
The conference aim to break the barriers of silence and stand united in the fight against domestic violence. By creating an open and frank forum for discussions, the conference seeks to emphasize the devastating impact of family violence on individuals and communities. It highlights the importance of shared knowledge and collaboration, showcasing effective community programs that are making a real difference in the fight against domestic violence, while also fostering hope and healing through culturally informed approaches and provides opportunity for workers, governments and survivors to network and meet face to face to exchange ideas, valuable information and successful programs in place in their communities.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Before European settlement and the introduction of foreign diseases, alcohol and other determinants, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture was vibrant and strong with spiritual and family lores that were guiding principles to a way of life that for centuries has now succumb to bright lights and the trappings of modern-day society.
Throughout the decades we have seen the erosion and destruction of our language, custom and spiritual wellbeing. The dynamics of contemporary Australia showing seventy percent (70%) of Indigenous people live in urban setting. A question we ask you to consider - What if Captain Cook didn’t land on the shore of the East Coast of Australia, but in a far more remote area? Would Australia’s east coast be what it is today?
The backbone of our existence is family, custom & spirituality. During group discussions, we would like to explore past and present experiences and therefore leading into future strategies & goals to empower our men to be strong leaders in their communities free from violence. We believe that through sharing of experiences and knowledge, we become stronger as a collective. This opportunity to discuss First Nation’s issues in an open, transparent and culturally sensitive forum has become a vital networking source to develop collaborative approaches for the betterment of First Nations families.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Disclaimer: This conference agenda is subject to change without prior notice to ensure a smooth flow of conference proceedings.
🖤💛❤️ DAY 1 – Wednesday, 17 September 2025🖤💛❤️
8:00 AM – Registration Arrival, registration, and meet & greet
8:30 - 12:30 PM - Pre-Conference Masterclass: Indigenous-led trauma informed care and suicide prevention (Optional) Dr. Amber Logan & Dr Joe Stone Health Psychologist & Clinical Psychologist "Indigenous Development Specialists/ Cultural Wise NZ/USA
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Pre-Conference Workshop Compassionate Community-Led Program: A human-centric codesign workshop in responding to crisis Maria Callaghan Chairperson Compassionate Communities Health Connectors Network in Queensland QLD
🖤💛❤️ DAY 2 – Thursday, 18 September 2025🖤💛❤️
8:30 AM – Registration Arrival, registration, and meet & greet
9:00 AM – Keynote Session Master of Ceremony: Welcome & Safety Announcement Joedie Saunders Artist, Advocate, Proud Biripi Woman Jodie Lawler Collection NSW
9:15 AM - Keynote Session: Welcome to Country & Traditional Performances Sofia & Aunty Erica Eurell Tradition Custodian Dreamtime Artistry Gold Coast QLD
9:30 AM - Keynote Session: Formal Opening Address Uncle Thomas Callaghan, CEO Indigenous Conference Services QLD
9:45 AM - Keynote Session: Decolonizing Justice: Transforming Legal Responses to Domestic Violence in Indigenous Communities Dr Amber R. Logan & Dr Joseph Stone Health Psychologist & Clinical Psychologist "Indigenous Development Specialists/ Cultural Wise NZ/USA
10:30 AM – Morning Tea & Networking
11:00 AM -Keynote Session: The Love Bites Program: Young people are the key to sustained cultural change to prevent violence. Sarnia Ralston Project Manager National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect (NAPCAN) QLD
11:45 AM -Keynote Session: Building Resilient Communities: Strategies for empowering communities to protect children and support families Thomas Allsop Chief Executive Officer PeakCare Queensland QLD
12:30 PM– LUNCH BREAK - Elders & Youth Sharing Tables
1:30 PM – Keynote Session: Creating a safe space for survivors to reconnect and support their recovery Rebecca Masterton & Dr. Gina Masterton Master of Professional Psychology | Behaviour Support Practitioner Southern Cross University QLD
2:15 PM - Keynote Session: Building Effective Partnerships Between Survivors and Advocates Felitciana Zsha' Mirzze ,Contributing Writer /Founder/CEO and Founder ,About Time Media /Trauma Recovery Network / Neuro Vitality Pty Ltd VIC
3:00 PM – Afternoon Tea and Networking
3:30 PM - Keynote Session: Engaging Children in Alternative Activities Deanne Carson, Founder & CEO, Body Safety Australia VIC
4:15 PM - Keynote Session Empowering Indigenous Youth Mark Roberston Founding Director , MPOWER & One Vision Productions NSW
6:30 PM - Conference Networking Dinner: Conference Dinner Cruise Aboard Spirit of Elston (Seaworld Cruises)
🖤💛❤️ DAY 3 – Friday, 19 September 2025🖤💛❤️
9:00 AM – Keynote Session: Strategies and Solutions for Effective Child Protection Sarnia Ralston & Joshua Morris, Queensland Manager & Youth Speak Out Co Chair NAPCAN QLD
9:45 AM - Keynote Session: Survivors at the Center: Amplifying Voices, Shaping Solutions Simone O'Brien Motivational Speaker/Director/Ambassador/Patron Grampians Community Health, Australia SAY NO MORE, RiseUP VIC
10:30 AM – Morning Tea & Networking
11:00 AM -Keynote Session: Building Community-Led Solutions to Domestic Violence Christine Robinson, Chief Executive Office "Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre NSW
11:45 AM -Keynote Session Designing the Future – Healing Systems & Empowered Communities Lucas Williams, CEO & Founder - Gan'na Healings Programs NSW
12:30 PM– Lunch Break & Networking
1:30 PM – Keynote Session: Supporting Infant and Child Mental Health in Early Learning: Trauma-Informed Inclusion Strategies Alma-Jane O’Donnell National Manager of Child and Family Services Goodstart Early Learning SA
2:15 PM - Keynote Session: Gender Equality – Fostering resilience and gender empowerment Dr Shweta Goyal Educator, Author, Researcher, and Motivational Speaker Far North Queensland Diverse Communities Council, Inc. QLD
3:00 PM – Afternoon Tea and Networking
3:30 PM - Keynote Session: Global Success Stories in Child Protection and the lessons learned Phil Doorgachurn General Manager of Strategic Child Safeguarding Initiatives Australian Childhood Foundation NSW
4:15 PM - Keynote Session Early Childhood, Youth Wellbeing and Reducing Out-Of-Home Care Joanne Roff Executive Manager Service Delivery ,IFYS QLD
5:00 PM - Interactive Group Session:Reflections & Group Discussion on Key Takeaways Maria Callaghan Managing Director ICS Australia QLD
