A two-day summit in Cardinia is taking place as part of a movement to put an end to family violence across the shire.
After a two year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2022 Together We Can Community Leadership Summit is sharing what family violence looks like, how it can be stopped, how the laws work and where people can get local support.
Cardinia Shire has one of the highest reported incidents of family violence in Victoria.
In response, the Together We Can Community Leadership Summit has been developed in partnership with community, government and not-for-profit organisations.
This year’s summit will be held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Tuesday 17 May from 9.15am to 3.20pm and Wednesday 18 May from 9.15am to 2.45pm, with a special session for workplaces and sport and recreation clubs from 6.45pm to 9pm.
Day one of the summit will start with an official welcome to country and smoking ceremony by the Bunurong Land Council followed by an official opening by Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Jeff Springfield.
The Orange Door service systems navigator Andy Young will present the keynote address followed by a morning tea break.
In afternoon breakout sessions the WIRE will cover financial abuse and recovery, Women’s Health in the South Easy will share how to recognise family violence, Common Cause will provide tips on how to take action and the Department of Education will speak on respectful relationships in schools.
After lunch the summit will dive into the local service system and Cardinia Shire’s Family Violence Action Plan.
Day two will have Seniors Rights Victoria cover elder abuse, followed by a keynote address from Victim Survivors Advisory Council chair Jennifer Jackson on how advocacy can generate change.
After morning tea breakout sessions will begin.
Family Law Courts of Australia will share how the court systems work, Anglicare ParentZone will detail the impacts of family violence on children, Victoria Police will explain the role they play and Family Safety Victoria will highlight the services of The Orange Door.
After lunch the local service system and Cardinia Shire’s Family Violence Action Plan will again be addressed.
Cardinia Mayor Jeff Springfield encouraged locals to take part in the event.
“The Together We Can summit aims to increase attendees’ knowledge and awareness of our local family violence service system and available support services,“ councillor Springfield said.
“We want to empower members of our community to be able to report and respond to family violence and be able to assist others to do the same.
“But to do this, our whole community must be involved and support those impacted, especially children and young people.“
If you or someone you know needs free counselling about experiencing sexual assault or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Bookings for this free community event close this week.
