The Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (CDFVR) will convene an Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Forum as part of the State-wide Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, launched on May 4 by the Minister for Women, the Honourable Desley Boyle.

The forum’s theme, ‘men and women working together’ recognises that Indigenous men and women are, and need to be, working together to stop violence in their communities.

More than 150 delegates from across the State have registered for the Forum to discuss justice, education and healing initiatives. Keynote speakers are Magistrate Jacqui Payne; Chris Sarra, current Queenslander of the Year and Cherbourg State School Principal; and Kerrie Tim, Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination.

Representatives of the community justice groups on Mornington Island and Thursday Island; representatives of the Pormpuraaw Healing Centre; and representatives of the State Library’s Indigenous Knowledge Centres Project will also give presentations.

“This Forum encourages collaboration and innovation in the prevention of Indigenous family violence, while acknowledging and celebrating the great work that is currently being done by Indigenous people in this State to address this issue,” Centre Director Heather Nancarrow said.

The forum will be held on May 12 and 13 at the Windmill Motel and Reception Centre, North Mackay.

For further information, please contact the Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research on 4940 7834.