A national perspective – what is needed for Australian communities to move forward without violence?

Micaela began her career as a social worker in family violence and sexual assault services. Since then, she has held leadership roles across the social service sector in Australia and internationally, including as President of the Australian Council of Social Services.    

Micaela was also CEO of an international non-government organisation based in Asia, working to build global service delivery and strategic partnerships to tackle human trafficking and human rights abuses.

In 2014, Micaela was awarded the Robin Clark Leadership Award — Victoria’s most prestigious children’s protection award — in recognition of her leadership in inspiring others to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Our Watch’s approach to primary prevention

Amanda is the national Director of Government Relations, Policy and Evidence at Our Watch. Amanda works closely with governments in every jurisdiction across Australia to provide advice, evidence and support in relation to primary prevention of gender based violence.

Immediately prior to joining Our Watch, Amanda was a Director at the Australian Human Rights Commission working with former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins on the Set the Standard Report as part of the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. Amanda is a human rights lawyer who has worked in senior roles at the Disability Royal Commission and Community Legal Centres, as well as in roles at the Australian Law Reform Commission and Australian Government Solicitor. Amanda also has a wide range of experience in the not-for-profit sector both domestically and internationally. Amanda has a BA(Hons)/LLB(Hons) and GDLP from ANU and a Master of Laws from Sydney University.

What do LGBTQ communities need to thrive?

Ben is the Founder and Managing Director of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation.  He is a passionate educator and campaigner who advocates for improved services for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).

Ben is a Churchill Fellow and has travelled internationally to explore best practice solutions for police departments to enhance the way in which they respond to DFV in LGBTQ+ communities.

He has since been actively involved in advising government and non-government organisations internationally on a range of initiatives designed to improve service delivery to LGBTQ communities.

Ben is also an operational police officer, a Board Director of DVConnect, and a Council Member on the Queensland Government Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Council. Additionally, he serves as a Board Member of the Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Advisory Board within the Coroners Court of Queensland.

What do men and boys need to thrive?

Zac is a Clinical Psychologist, the Global Director of Men's Health Research at Movember and an Associate Professor with Orygen at The University of Melbourne. Zac leads a large international team of highly productive Research Fellows, Students, Project Managers & Research Assistants. Zac has devoted several years to the goal of reducing the staggering male suicide and domestic violence rates, treating and researching men’s mental health, with over 150 peer-reviewed articles and two edited books published.

Family violence in migrant and refugee communities

*Note there will be overlap between this session and the themes on Day 9 of public hearings

Chris Chalubek - Chief Executive Officer

Chris has dedicated 17 years to the not-for-profit sector in the field of mental health, alcohol and other drug service delivery, and most recently in migrant and refugee services at the Australian Refugee Association. His journey in the sector, as a Social Worker working directly with young people and families, Program Manager co-designing peer-led services, Executive Manager with Sonder and now as CEO at ARA, reflects his unwavering dedication to making a difference in people’s lives.

Erfan Abidi – Community Engagement Officer

Erfan served as a cultural advisor for NATO in Afghanistan, where he played a key role in bridging cultural gaps and facilitating communication between Afghan communities and international forces. His experiences during the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan had a lasting impact, as he witnessed the effects of war and its toll on the people. After being forcibly displaced from Afghanistan, Erfan experienced the trauma of displacement, which shaped his understanding of refugee struggles. As a Refugees Ambassador, he advocates for human rights, with a focus on empowering vulnerable communities, especially women and children. Through his work as a Positive Peace Activator and a Peace Ambassador, he promotes positive peace by fostering dialogue, understanding, and conflict resolution. In his role with ARA Community Engagement, he supports refugees and migrants, promoting healthy relationships, early intervention, and awareness around family violence and domestic abuse.

Judy Nziu – Family Safety Team Leader

Judith has dedicated her social work career to supporting vulnerable communities, drawing on her personal experience as an immigrant to Australia. With a year of experience in the Homelessness sector at Hutt Street centre and three years working in Family and Domestic Violence at Women’s Safety Service, she has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in crisis. Judith recently stepped into the role of Team Leader for the Family Safety Team at the Australian Refugee Association, where she leads efforts to support families facing homelessness, domestic violence, mental health struggles, and substance abuse. Her career is driven by a profound sense of compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to social justice and values that have been shaped by her own journey and her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.