‘Cycle-breakers’ yarn for change at Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Forum

By Mary Bolling

“It’s a topic I wish never existed in our community, but it does.”

Proud Ballardong/Wardandi Noongar woman and AFLW footballer Courtney Ugle has shared the story of her traumatic childhood, and the devastating murder of her mother by an intimate partner, to advocate for breaking cycles of violence.

“There’s nothing normal about domestic and family violence, and I’m spending today and every day telling our people that,” she said.

The inspiring founder of Waangkiny social enterprise was keynote speaker at the Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Forum in Mackay across 20-21 May 2026.

Hosted by the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (QCDFVR) in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum Advisory Group, the annual event has been bringing community together for more than 20 years.

Almost 100 people attended, with more connecting virtually, to hear from leaders, people with lived experience, and communities working to address the issue.

The 2026 theme, Strength in Unity, prioritised connection, sharing knowledge, inspiring change, and working collectively to keep families strong.

Preventing violence

Forum speakers acknowledged that Indigenous women are 38 times more likely to be hospitalised due to violence than non-Indigenous women, and 8 times more likely to be killed. 

Other presenters included representatives of Reconcile Life, Bamba Mari Men’s Program, Mola Consulting, WorkUP Queensland, Women Up North Housing Inc, Our Watch, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Group, Helem Yumba CQ Healing Centre, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Corrective Services, Elders for Change, Justice Our Way, and the Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation. 

Trusted advocates

QCDFVR Director Associate Professor Heather Lovatt said the annual Forum was a highlight each year to share knowledge and network in ways that is taken back to communities. 

“Across the Forum delegates, 75 to 80 per cent are First Nations people, and around 23 per cent are men – and everyone in the room is sharing and learning from each other,” Assoc Prof Lovatt said.

“We are incredibly proud of the feedback we receive from delegates each year. Participants consistently tell us they leave with new knowledge, ideas and valuable connections. Their feedback also helps us to shape future forums to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the sector.” 

Assoc Prof Lovatt thanked generous participants for sharing their own experiences, advocating for change, and committing to work with ideas that emerged from the Forum.

The Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research is based at CQUniversity in Mackay, and funded by the Queensland Government.

Learn more about the Centre’s research, education and training and community initiatives at the QCDFVR website.