Long-running Indigenous Forum driving action on domestic and family violence

The 2026 Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month theme: Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence, is embodied in an event to be held in Mackay.

As May marks DFV Prevention Month, the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (QCDFVR) is highlighting how working collaboratively can make a difference through its Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Forum.

The Indigenous-led event brings together leaders, practitioners and policymakers working to address domestic and family violence across Queensland.

This year’s program will include key voices advocating for safer Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, including:

• Sue-Anne Hunter, inaugural National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People and Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman
• Courtney Ugle, DV survivor/ advocate, VFLW player and Ballardong/Wardandi Noongar woman
• Marnie Davis, Woman Up North Housing Acting CEO, Aboriginal woman from Dharug country, with close ties to Bundjalung, Kombumerri and Quandamooka country.

For more than 20 years, the Forum has been a trusted space for sharing knowledge, strengthening practice and translating evidence into action in communities around the state and beyond.

Associate Professor Heather Lovatt, Director of QCDFVR, said the strength of the Forum lies in its ability to connect people working across policy, research and frontline services. 

“We now have Australia’s first ever dedicated plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children, and we believe the Forum’s focus on practice complements this.”

In February, the Australian Government launched Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026– 2036, and committed $218m new funding over four years to improve prevention, support and services for First Nations women and children.

“It creates an opportunity for Indigenous voices to lead the conversation and where we can come together to share what is working on the ground to reduce the disproportionate rates of violence experienced by Indigenous women and children.” 

“But the Forum is not just about discussion, it’s about what we can collectively do to respond to this violence.”

Hosted by QCDFVR, a dedicated domestic and family violence research centre within CQUniversity, and guided by its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, the Forum strengthens prevention efforts and ensures Indigenous leadership remains central to Queensland’s domestic and family violence response.

Tickets are now available for the Forum across 20-21 May, register via the QCDFVR website.