National forum to advance Indigenous-led solutions to family violence
The Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS) will convene its fourth national gathering in Magandjin / Brisbane next month, advancing Indigenous-led responses to family violence through a two-day forum and an on-Country workshop.
The Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum 2026 will take place at the InterContinental Brisbane from May 27-28.
Organisers say the forum will bring together reform advocates from across Australia to progress community-led strategies that can be applied locally. The event is presented by QIFVLS.
Wynetta Dewis, CEO of Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service.
“To ensure we are supported in this fight for real change we must continue to demand for sustained funding, resources, and support for First Nations community-led solutions that have the cultural knowledge, lived experience, and expertise to create lasting change,” Wynetta Dewis, CEO of Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service, said.
Key Points
- QIFVLS to host fourth national forum in Magandjin / Brisbane in May 2026
- Forum at InterContinental Brisbane, 27–28 May, with workshop on 29 May
- Theme Our Way, Our Changemakers pays tribute to community leadership
- Event links to Target 13 of the Closing the Gap agreement
- Stan Grant confirmed as keynote with four-decade media career
- Program includes streams, yarning circles, panels and cultural workshops
- On-Country activities at Musgrave Park led by Nunukul Yuggera dancers
This year’s theme is Our Way, Our Changemakers. QIFVLS chief executive Wynetta Dewis stated the 2026 theme honours the sustained efforts of community leaders and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation sector, and their contributions toward Target 13 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Stan Grant will deliver the keynote address.
Speakers and leadership
Journalist, author, and Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharrawal man Stan Grant will deliver the keynote address. Mr Grant’s four-decade career includes serving as a senior CNN correspondent across Asia and the Middle East, and he brings a perspective focused on identity, justice, and the resilience of First Nations peoples.
Featured speakers also include leaders from legal, advocacy, child protection, housing, and youth mentoring organisations. Confirmed speakers are:
- Thelma Schwartz, Executive Director Legal at QIFVLS
- Kerry Staines, CEO of First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence
- Zachariah Matysek, CEO of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association
- Murray Benton, Deputy CEO of QATSICPP
- Ana Falemaka, Youth Mentor and Ambassador with Talitha Project Tonga
Program and topics
The two-day program will combine targeted streams, yarning circles, panels, and cultural workshops. The design is intended to equip participants with actionable strategies to take back to their communities.
Topics will span:
- Cultural healing
- Early intervention
- Trauma-informed practice
- System reform
- Advancing culturally grounded accountability
Organisers have sif the mix of formats is aimed at sharing on-the-ground experience, fostering connections among practitioners, and centring cultural knowledge in prevention and response efforts.
Attendance and registration
The forum welcomes attendees from ACCHOs, government agencies, legal services, family violence support centres, shelters, community organisations, local councils, and not-for-profits. Further information, including about registrations, is available online: https://ifv.salusevents.org/
