A number of prominent Australians, representing all States and Territories, were today named as members of White Ribbon Australia’s inaugural Advisory Council, joining co-chairs Rosie Batty AO, 2015 Australian of the Year, and former South Australian Premier and Thrive by Five CEO, Jay Weatherill AO.
The Advisory Council brings together specialists, practitioners and influencers from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds to provide a national lens across White Ribbon Australia’s primary prevention strategies and community engagement frameworks.
White Ribbon Australia Executive Director Brad Chilcott said it was hugely important to ensure the Advisory Council not only had great depth of knowledge in the family domestic violence space, but also represented the diversity of communities across the country.
“We are thrilled to have such an incredible group of people committed to guiding White Ribbon Australia in our work towards an Australia where women and children are free from all forms of men’s violence and abuse,” Mr Chilcott said.
“With such diversity and depth of experience and expertise we know that the advice and support of these council members will strengthen our movement and enhance the work we’re doing in communities, workplaces and society to eliminate men’s violence against women.”
Co-chair Rosie Batty said this is a very important step for White Ribbon Australia and ensures that people with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds are able to influence, advise and support White Ribbon Australia on their challenging journey to eliminate men’s violence against women.
“I look forward to working together with this inspiring, committed and experienced group of people and have confidence that our collective expertise will contribute in an effective and meaningful way to the critical work that White Ribbon Australia is tasked to do,” Ms Batty said.
Fellow Co-chair Jay Weatherill said, “The women’s safety agenda has never been more prominent than it is at the moment and this heightened awareness gives us great opportunity to mobilise all Australians to be a part of creating a future where women and children are free from men’s violence and abuse.
“There’s never been a more important time for men and boys to be engaged in the work of challenging the cultural norms and attitudes that are the foundation of sexual harassment, violence and controlling behaviours – and so we are committed to building a strong White Ribbon Australia movement that gives everyone the opportunity to be a part of the change our society needs,” Mr Weatherill said.
The inaugural Advisory Council is part of White Ribbon Australia’s new approach under the custodianship of Communicare.
The inaugural White Ribbon Australia Advisory Council members include:
- Shirleen Campbell from the NT: proud Warlpiri and Arrernte woman, co-ordinator of The Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group (TWFSG) and Australian of the Year, NT Local Hero 2020.
- Jess Hill from NSW: acclaimed journalist and award-winning author of the book and SBS documentary series, ‘See What You Made Me Do, Power, Control and Domestic Abuse’.
- Kim Collard from WA: a Balladong Wilmen man of the Nyoongar Nation, a well-respected member of the higher education community, Director of Aboriginal owned firm Kooya Consultancy and CEO of Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions and Kulbardi.
- Dr Michael Salter from NSW: a Scientia Fellow and Criminologist at the University of NSW, author of two books and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
- Professor Mohamad Abdalla from SA, a member of the Order of Australia (AM), the Founding-Director of the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE) at the University of South Australia and renowned author.
- Gulnara Abbosova from the ACT: Executive Officer at Harmony Alliance – the national migrant and refugee women’s alliance - and Manager of Strategy at the Migration Council of Australia.
- Dr Zac Seidler from NSW: a clinical psychologist, the Director of Mental Health Training at Movember and a Research Fellow with Orygen at the University of Melbourne.
- Clara Stirling from VIC: Founding CEO for the Thriving Communities Partnership, a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) and a founding member of the Economic Abuse Reference Group (EARG).
- Geraldine Bilston from VIC: Deputy Chair of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council and a victim survivor of family domestic violence, committed to helping create better outcomes for people who have experienced what she did for more than half a decade.
- Jo Schofield from NSW: National President of the United Workers Union and Vice President of the Council of Trade Unions, the peak body for unions in Australia covering millions of workers.
- Kelly-ann Tansley from QLD: member of the Queensland Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, examining women’s experiences in the criminal justice system and coercive control.
- Hilary Fisher from VIC: Director Strategic Engagement and Communications at the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS) and a Non-Executive Director for Expression Australia.
- Maree Corbo from the NT: Manager of the Tangentyere Community Safety Programs at Tangentyere Council in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
- Jill Maxwell from TAS: CEO of the Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS), former Tasmanian Police Officer and graduate of the Tasmanian Leaders Program (2011)
Media contact
John Cooke, White Ribbon Australia
Phone:
0433 679 780
Email:
jcooke@communicare.org.au
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