National Conference

2026 National Indigenous Community-Driven Changes in Tackling Family and Domestic Violence Conference

02- 04 December 2026•Gold Coast, OLD

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Date

Dec 2 - Dec 4, 2026

Venue

Gold Coast, OLD

Call for Papers

Open

Accepting submissions

Acknowledgement to Country

In Australia, protocol requires us to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather. All presentations must therefore begin with an acknowledgement to Country and to local Traditional Elders: "We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting or attending from other areas of Australia who are present here." Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremonies and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land demonstrates respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols form a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

THE CONFERENCE

The 2026 National Indigenous Community-Driven Changes in Tackling Family and Domestic Violence Conference on December 2-4, 2026, scheduled on the Gold Coast QLD is a nationwide gathering dedicated to empowering communities to lead the transformation in preventing and responding to domestic violence. Bringing together survivors, advocates, service providers, policymakers, researchers and community leaders, the conference focuses on elevating community voices, sharing innovative grassroots strategies, and building collaborative approaches that promote safety, healing, and justice. Centered on equity, cultural responsiveness, and survivor leadership, the conference aims to inspire actionable change by highlighting how lasting solutions emerge when communities drive the movement to end domestic violence by themselves.

THE CONFERENCE THEME

Grounded in equity, healing, and collective responsibility, this year’s conference showcase the deep impacts of trauma, systemic inequality, and social injustice, while highlighting the urgent need for culturally responsive, community-led, and trauma-informed approaches. More than a conference, it is a movement for safety, empowerment, and transformative change which will focus on three interconnected themes:

1. Strengthening Communities – Local Voices Leading Change

This theme celebrates the power of communities to lead the way in preventing and responding to domestic violence. It highlights locally driven initiatives that draw on community knowledge, culture, and strengths to create safe environments where families can thrive. Through collaboration and shared leadership, this theme uplifts innovative, grassroots solutions that place the needs and wisdom of each community at the heart of change.

2. Centering Survivors – Healing, Empowerment, and Leadership

At the core of this theme is the belief that survivors’ experiences and insights must shape every aspect of domestic violence prevention and response. It focuses on survivor leadership, healing, and empowerment—honouring their resilience and amplifying their voices in policy, practice, and service design. By valuing lived experience, this theme promotes trauma-informed, compassionate, and survivor-driven pathways to safety and recovery.

3. Transforming Systems – Building Sustainable, Equitable Futures

This theme explores how systems—justice, health, housing, education, and social services—can be transformed to better support community-driven change. It calls for greater collaboration, accountability, and investment in sustainable solutions that reflect the diversity of lived experiences. By centering equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness, this theme envisions a future where every individual and community can live free from violence, supported by systems that empower rather than silence them.

THE CONFERENCE PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVE

The 2026 National Indigenous Community-Driven Changes in Tackling Family and Domestic Violence Conference is grounded in the belief that lasting change begins within communities. Domestic and family violence is not only a personal issue but a collective responsibility that requires compassion, collaboration, and courage. This conference embraces a community-driven approach—where the voices of survivors, advocates, and local leaders are not only heard but lead the way in shaping responses, policies, and systems. Guided by principles of equity, cultural respect, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice, we believe that every community holds the knowledge and strength to create safety and healing. Our philosophy centers on partnership, empowerment, and accountability—working together to build a future where all individuals and families can live free from violence, supported by systems that are just, responsive, and rooted in community wisdom.

The overarching objective of the conference is to strengthen community-led action to end domestic and family violence by creating a national platform for learning, dialogue, and collective empowerment. Grounded in equity, healing, and inclusion, the conference seeks to bridge the gap between policy, practice, and lived experience—ensuring that prevention, response, and recovery efforts are guided by the voices of survivors, communities, and those working on the frontline.

Specifically, the conference aims to:

Provide a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed space for open and respectful discussions about domestic and family violence, healing, and social change.
Center the leadership and lived experiences of survivors, ensuring their voices shape policy, practice, and community-based solutions.
Showcase innovative, community-driven programs that strengthen prevention, support healing, and promote safety and empowerment for individuals and families.
Equip service providers, advocates, and policymakers with tools to embed trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement in all aspects of their work.
Foster collaboration and partnership across community, government, research, and service sectors to create more integrated, responsive systems of support.
Address systemic barriers and inequalities—including gender-based violence, racism, poverty, and discrimination—through advocacy, accountability, and reform.
Promote leadership development and capacity building within communities to ensure sustainable, locally led initiatives that create lasting change.
Encourage the sharing of evidence, innovation, and community wisdom to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and long-term recovery strategies.

Celebrate resilience, cultural strength, and collective action, affirming that true change begins when communities are empowered to lead their own pathways to safety and justice.

Why Attend

This conference offers delegates a unique opportunity to participate in a positive environment dedicated to sharing information and empowering all attendees. In our everyday working environment, the daily pressures of our roles often limit our capacity to expand knowledge and build networks. Whether working at community or governmental level, opportunities to network and establish contacts beyond your local region can be limited. This conference addresses that challenge, providing valuable connections and insights that extend well beyond your immediate professional circle.

Guest Speakers

This event features an impressive array of guest speakers who share stories, successes, and challenges they've overcome, offering inspiration and opportunities for delegates to engage with Culture, Empowerment, Education, and Networking. Drawn from diverse cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year's speakers transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary one. Their contributions create lasting impact, ensuring the conference remains a source of tremendous benefit and memorable insights long after it concludes.

Our Speakers

Felitciana Zsha' Mirzze

Contributing Writer, Founder and Company Owner About Time Media

Trauma Recovery Network and Neuro Vitality Pty Ltd

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.

Uncle Thomas Callaghan

Chief Executive Officer & Secretary

ICS Australia and ATSIDNQ Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander Corporation

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.

Joedie Saunders

Artist, Advocate, Proud Biripi Woman

Indigenous Conference Services

Joedie Saunders a local Biripi woman and artist, has been creating contemporary Aboriginal art for over 30 years. Her artworks deeply reflect her culture, stories of her country, and a range of emotions and feelings. Joedie is passionate about sharing her art and loves seeing the connections others make with her creations.

As a proud Biripi woman, she draw strength from her roots – a lineage of resilient mountain women, the Wimara, known for their strength and wisdom. Joedie worked tirelessly in juvenile justice and child protection, confronting the harsh realities of sexual abuse in remote communities.Transitioning into cultural heritage conservation, she spent years advocating for our land and traditions, eventually becoming the first woman CEO of the Land Council in Taree. Currently, she works as Manager of Community Engagement & Investment at the Department of Premier & Cabinet and felt privileged to continue the work of her late brother, advocating for the revival and preservation of Aboriginal languages statewide. It's a tribute to his legacy and our shared dream of cultural preservation. Joedie stated, 'In everything I do, I pay homage to my family, my community, our culture, and our land. Together, let's walk forward, honoring the past and shaping a brighter future'. Joedie is a mother of two beautiful boys.

Erica Johnson

Wellness Program Coordinator

Self Employed, Consultant

Erica Johnson holds a Master's degree in Indigenous Social Work and is a proud member of the Treaty 6 Indigenous community from Maskwacis, Alberta. Drawing from her personal experiences, Erica deeply understands the pervasive impact of intergenerational trauma on Indigenous communities today. She has witnessed the struggles of single mothers facing trauma and the devastating effects of lateral violence within communities. Overcoming numerous hardships, Erica was inspired to create a unique model centered on grief, trauma, and the empowerment of Indigenous women. This model aims to foster healing through resilience, providing a supportive framework for those navigating similar challenges. Her work is driven by a commitment to addressing the specific needs of Indigenous women and promoting pathways to recovery and strength. Erica's approach emphasizes culturally relevant practices and community-based solutions. By focusing on resilience and empowerment, she seeks to create lasting change and support the well-being of Indigenous women and their communities. Her dedication to this cause reflects a profound understanding of the issues at hand and a passion for making a positive impact to a new focus Lateral Joy.

Conference Agenda

Note

This conference agenda may change without prior notice.

8:30 AM

Registrations and Networking

9:00 AM

Keynote Session: Master of Ceremony - Welcome & Safety Announcement

9:15 AM

Keynote Session: Welcome to Country & Traditional Performances

9:30 AM

Keynote Session: Formal Opening Address

9:45 AM

Keynote Session: Truth-Telling and Trauma – Understanding the Roots of Violence (Indigenous academic or Elder discusses the historical and systemic roots of domestic violence, colonization, and intergenerational trauma.)

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Morning Tea - Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

11:00 AM

Keynote Session: Voices of Survivors – Stories of Strength and Healing (Survivor advocates share stories of courage and community-led recovery. Content warning and support staff available)

11:45 AM

Plenary Panel: Breaking the Silence in Our Communities (Indigenous leaders, counsellors, and community advocates discuss stigma, barriers, and safe ways to start conversations)

12:30 PM

Lunch Break - Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

1:30 PM

Workshop: Understanding Lateral Violence & Restoring Respect (Interactive session exploring how colonization and trauma affect relationships and community dynamics.)

3:00 PM

Afternoon Tea - Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

3:30 PM

Keynote Session: Working with Men to Stop Violence (Facilitated discussion on engaging Indigenous men as allies and mentors for change.)

4:15 PM

Yarning Circle: Safe Spaces for Women, Children, and Families

6:30 PM

Conference Networking Dinner

Registration

Early Bird Discount Available!

Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all-day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch, and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation.

Important Payment Terms

Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered.

Let's Connect

We'd love to hear from you. Whether you have a question about our conferences, registration, or anything else, our team is ready to answer all your questions.