Sexual Violence Awareness Month was held once again in Queensland throughout October to raise community awareness about sexual violence, promote the support options available to people affected by sexual violence, and continue to uphold the message that sexual violence will not be tolerated.

This year’s theme was inspired by the ‘Start by Believing’ global campaign, transforming the way we respond to people who have experienced sexual violence. Activities and events were held across Queensland, recognising efforts to support victims and survivors, with many landmarks around the state being lit up in teal, a colour symbolising healing and trustworthiness.

Caroline Brunne, survivor coach, author and speaker, provided a keynote address on the Gold Coast, called: ‘Creating the scaffolding for ongoing healing’ . Caroline’s address covered the key elements required for survivors to gain ongoing support as they move with their trauma and transform beyond it. Sharing her lived experience, she discussed what survivor support has looked like for her and how she has seen it modeled successfully for survivors within her community. 

Another feature of the month were a series of Reclaim The Night events. Reclaim The Night is a global movement that raises awareness, empowers individuals, inspires action and demands change to bring an end to sexual violence in our communities. At each of these event men showed their support by attending the main proceedings and observing the march, and by challenging violence supportive attitudes with other men, peers, and colleagues.

The board were thrilled to attend a recent workshop by New Zealand anti-violence campaigner Matt Brown. Matt delivered a powerful presentation covering techniques to help support men’s healing, suicide prevention and domestic, family violence prevention. His book ‘She is not your Rehab’ is an important read for anyone whose lives have been impacted by violence.

 

Yes is No. The referendum.

 

It goes without saying that the QIFVLS family across all our offices was devastated by the Voice to Parliament referendum result on October 14. The process brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, as well as millions of Australian’s of non- indigenous heritage in a movement of hope and unity, and not one of fear, negativity and division. As an organisation, QIFVLS stands for healing and the opportunity to build a better future for our clients and communities. We are strong, and our vision for a better tomorrow remains undimmed. We will therefore move past this setback and forward towards achieving our goals of Truth Telling and Treaty while continuing to deliver results for our community whose families have been impacted by domestic violence.
 
Several QIFVLS team members attended the inaugural First Nations Employee Network event, named Wunya, which was hosted by Community Legal Centres Queensland. The event was attended by more than 40 participants coming from around Queensland and included two days of deep listening, reflection, learning, laughing and blak joy. With its focus on cultural self-care, connection and sharing, the Wunya experience was truly inspiring.
 
 
The QIFVLS team members that attended, included:
Kitty Tabuai – Bamaga Office
Michelle Mundraby – Cairns Office
Aunty Bino Toby – Rockhampton Office
Donna Staudinger – Rockhampton Office
Naomi Craigie – Townsville Office
Shay-Leigh Mow – Townville Office
 
 
 

QCOSS Community Impact Award Finalists

 

Also in October, QIFVLS was proud to have been named as a finalist in the 2023 Queensland Community Impact Awards. This annual award, presented by Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), recognises the extraordinary contribution of an organisation or team in supporting or serving their community in Queensland. Several QIFVLS team members attended the awards night presentation on the 2 November. We congratulate the final winners: Community Impact Award Winner- Tivoli Social Enterprises Limited, Neighbourhood Centre Award Winner – Nambour Community Centre, Frontline Hero Award Winner – Lida Daliri from Multicultural Australia and Human Rights Award Winner – Sandra Creamer. We also acknowledge our dedicated staff, whose hard work and commitment got us to the finalist stage.

From left to right: Avelina Tarrago (First Nations Barrister), Michelle (Cairns), Wynetta, Sandra Creamer (Human Rights Award winner), Aunty Bino, Araethea (Cairns), Makayla (Brisbane Volunteer).

 

 

New signage for Rocky

Check out the fresh new signage for our Rockhampton office. It’s great to see them
being so clearly presented out there in the local community.

 

Our TI office, straight from the stars to you

After battling with unstable local communication technology for an extended period of time, the team at our Thursday Island office was delighted to receive their Starlink connection this month. This new satellite-based system will provide the office with a fast and reliable communication service. No more MS Teams dropouts for our TI colleagues.

 

Congratulations new dad, Errol

Congratulation’s to Errol and Amanda on the arrival of their son, Sully. To celebrate, the Cairn’s office team went above and beyond, laying on a baby shower that was simply amazing. From the incredible variety of food brought by the staff, to the presents, to the hilarious games that were invented, it was brilliant effort by all involved – Go Team! 

 

Are you in search of an rewarding profession that will take you on journeys through the breathtaking landscapes of Queensland? One that promises not only career advancement and skill enhancement, but also attractive perks, substantial travel allowances, and one-of-a-kind professional adventures? Are you drawn to a career that enables you to make a positive difference in the lives of others?

Look no further – your new career awaits you! At QIFVLS, we are dedicated to combating Family and Domestic Violence within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. Our methods encompass education, advocacy, legal reform, court support, and casework assistance. By focusing on early intervention and prevention, our aim is to empower individuals impacted by Family Violence to regain control over their lives. We are in search of outstanding and dynamic individuals who can join us in achieving this mission.

If you envision yourself fitting into this scenario, we encourage you to see what’s available here.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm8yeKrpRlYFrom left to rightWyneett

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