Last week QIFVLS held the inaugural Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum 2023. The primary aim of the event, which took place in Gimuy Cairns, was to bring together front-line voices working to reduce Domestic and Family Violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. We were delighted with the outcome of the forum, and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the presenters, attendees, and the production team at Aventedge, our partnering organisation for this event.
The sessions over the course of the event were full of a whole range of experiences and genuine solutions. For example, Devon Cuimara’s thought-provoking presentation on re-thinking patriarchal constructs in addressing family violence was considered a highlight for many. As was Nerida Waight’s session on establishing a safer and more accessible legal system for First Nations women. Glenn Collis’s compelling insights with his experience of triumphing over substance abuse by reconnecting with culture was incredibly honest. These are just three of the many brilliant sessions held. The Yarning Circles also a highlight, where participants explored various approaches to different questions. They were a great way to come together and hear the many diverse approaches from across the sector.
It was incredibly inspiring to sit and listen to the diverse approaches and the tailored solutions that everyone had for specific challenges. Thank you again to all those who contributed to the outstanding success of the Forum. The event was truly uplifting, and we eagerly anticipate next year.
Our organisation, QIFVLS, is dedicated to supporting First Nations victims of Domestic and Family Violence. We operate as a Community Controlled entity, serving approximately 90 communities throughout Queensland. These Communities, which span from inner city Brisbane to the outer islands in the Torres Strait, and from Palm Island all the way across to Mornington Island in the Gulf are home to a diverse range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The individuals who seek our assistance are among the most vulnerable in Australia – they are looking for ways for themselves and their families to live free from violence and harm.
We are proud to declare our support of the Yes campaign for the upcoming referendum. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled organisation, our stance reflects what we believe will ultimately result in the best outcomes for the communities and families we serve. Each community within Queensland has its own unique needs and challenges. Recognising this diversity, we advocate for constitutional change in the referendum through the implementation of the Voice. We believe this will empower communities to have a greater say in addressing their specific challenges and result in communities being able to implement tailor made solutions.
We acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding this referendum. Nonetheless, our focus lies on the fact that a “yes” vote will significantly improve the lives of individuals within the communities we serve.
It is crucial to step back and consider the broader perspectives in this debate and focus on those whose lives will benefit the most from this change. The Voice presents a genuine opportunity for individuals to take control of their own lives. If the referendum does not succeed, nothing changes. And if things aren’t going to change now, then when?
Wynetta Dewis – QIFVLS CEO
If you’re looking for a detailed explanation of how the referendum will proceed, what the Voice is, and how the Voice is expected to operate if successful – then this video produced by ABC may be helpful in providing more detail.
2023 Winds Of Zenadth Festival
The Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival took place on Waiben Thursday Island during Reconciliation Week, showcasing over 60 performances spread across four thrilling days in various locations. The festival’s theme, “The Voice from the Deep,” highlighted the rich diversity of the Torres Strait community and fostered a friendly rivalry between dance groups – each representing the vibrant uniqueness of their regions. People from different islands gathered to celebrate their cultures, songs, dances, food, and art, extending an invitation to everyone to join in.
This year, QIFVLS joined forces with Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) and the Office of the Commissioner – Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (OCMOKK) to set up a information stall for festival attendees. QIFVLS, LAQ, and OCMOKK partner on the Cultural Recognition Order, which focuses on the traditional adoption process known as Ailan Kastom in the Torres Strait Islands.
Thanks to LAQ and OCMOKK for partnering for this event. A special thank you goes to the festival organisers and the Torres Strait Regional Authority for organising such a wonderful event. Lastly, thanks to all the festival-goers who stopped in to visit our teams and say hello.
Leading up to NAIDOC
Have you seen the 2023 NAIDOC poster around? We love it! At the beginning of next month Australia will celebrate NAIDOC week.
Follow the link below to download a printable copy of the poster. The website is a great source of NAIDOC information – it’s jam packed full of great resources, history, teacher resources, media, and a registry of NAIDOC events, where you can find an event happening close to you.
QLD Budget 2023-24
The Queensland Budget 2023-24 has funds allocated to addressing the recommendations of the Hear Her Voice – Report Two. To respond to the report, the budget has allocated $225 million over five years, which includes funding for victim-survivor support through the criminal justice system, prosecution responses to sexual violence, research on jury directions and expert evidence in sexual offense proceedings, restorative justice conferencing, public education campaigns about sexual violence and consent, addressing barriers to reporting sexual violence, improving legal experiences for women and girls, court management of sexual offense cases, bail support programs, and rehabilitation programs for girls in detention.
These allocations include $12.6 million over five years for victim-survivor support, $8.1 million over four years for prosecution responses to sexual violence, $7 million over three years for research on jury directions and expert evidence, $3.1 million over two years for restorative justice conferencing, $2.5 million over five years for a public education campaign, $1.9 million over four years to address reporting barriers, $5.8 million over four years for improving legal experiences, $6.5 million over three years for court management, $5.7 million over four years for bail support, and $8.8 million over two years for rehabilitation programs for girls in detention.
Thelma Schwartz and Isabella Copetti, our PLO and Cairns Team Leader respectively, at the @lawyers_weekly #30under30 awards where Isabella was nominated for Pro Bono / Community Lawyer of the Year category. Whilst Isabella wasn't ultimately selected for this award, we are immensely proud of her achievements in being recognised. Thelma put it best in saying that Isabella is an "amazingly skilled professional possessing both technical legal skills and court room advocacy and importantly, humanity."
Are you searching for an exciting career that truly makes positive impact to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families? Take a look at the different opportunities currently available and become a part of the QIFVLS family.
Please consider making a personal or corporate donation to help our teams deliver the services that are so vital to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Watch the video below for one example of how some of the donations made to QIFVLS is utilised to make the lives of people in crisis better.
