8:45AM
REGISTRATIONS OPEN
Please make your way to the Magdalen Laundry Space at Abbotsford Convent. Parking is available on site, and signage will guide you from the main gate.You can find details about getting to the convent here.
9:15AM
CONFERENCE BEGINS
CONFERENCE WELCOME
9:30AM
9:45AM
KEYNOTE: JAN KHAN
11:15AM
MORNING TEA
50 YEARS OF LEARNING
This panel discussion will bring together leaders in the sector to discuss how refuges have evolved in terms of diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and best-practice service delivery over the last 50 years. We will hear stories from first days of the Women's Liberation Halfway House, and celebrate the groundbreaking women who forged the way for decades of women to follow.
10:00AM
PANEL
HOW I FOUND MY POWER: A YANA STORY
11:45AM
12:00PM
PANEL
2:15PM
WORKSHOP
3:45PM
PERFORMANCE
5:15PM
CONFERENCE THANKS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
GLOBAL CRISIS, LOCAL IMPACT: HOW LOCAL REFUGES MUST ADAPT TO SUPPORT DIVERSE CLIENTS
In this session we will explore how refuges can best support women from refugee and migrant backgrounds, who represent a growing majority of clients. We will discuss how we can better assist clients who are on temporary visas, or who may be experiencing visa abuse. Hear from experts, academics, and those working in the field as we delve into this important topic.
1:15PM
LUNCH
ENVISIONING THE IDEAL REFUGE IN 2025
Breakout workshops will invite participants to collaboratively explore what defines an ideal refuge in 2025. Discussions will focus on key features of the physical environment, essential design considerations, and the refuge's relationship with the broader community. These interactive sessions are designed to foster meaningful dialogue, idea sharing, and creative brainstorming in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
We will return from workshop and share outcomes with the group
3:15PM
WORKSHOP DISCUSSION
A special performance by singer, author and disability advocate Eliza Hull will acknowledge women who have lost their lives to family violence this year, and celebrate the strength and resilience of women.
HOW TO FIND HOPE: LOOKING FORWARD, TOGETHER
With the rising popularity of online figures like Andrew Tate and news of extreme cases such as Dominique Pelicot, it can be difficult not to despair. In this session join advocates as we discuss the power of hope, and how to find it.
4:00PM
PANEL
CONFERENCE CLOSE
5:30PM
Featured SESSIONS:
• PANEL DISCUSSION
50 years of learning: How refuges have evolved, and what still needs to happen
This panel discussion will bring together leaders in the sector to discuss how refuges have evolved in terms of diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and best-practice service delivery over the last 50 years. We will hear stories from first days of the Women's Liberation Halfway House, and celebrate the groundbreaking women who forged the way for decades of women to follow.
Featuring Jan Khan (YANA CEO), Jacqui Theobald (Author, From the Margins to the Mainstream) and Dianne Otto, first staff member of Women's Liberation Halfway House. Moderated by Tania Fahra (Safe and Equal CEO).
• PANEL DISCUSSION
Global crisis, local impact: How local refuges must adapt to support diverse clients
In this session we will explore how refuges can best support women from refugee and migrant backgrounds, who represent a growing majority of clients. We will discuss how we can better assist clients who are on temporary visas, or who may be experiencing visa abuse. Hear from experts, academics, and those working in the field as we delve into this important topic.
Featuring Nesreen Bottriell, Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights CEO), Dr. Marie Segrave (Professor of Criminology, University of Melbourne), Michal Morris, Georgina Martina Inc. CEO) and moderated by Dr Kaye Quek (Senior Lecturer, Global Studies, RMIT)
• PANEL DISCUSSION
How to find hope: Looking forward, together
With the rising popularity of online figures like Andrew Tate and news of extreme cases such as Dominique Pelicot, it can be difficult not to despair. In this session join advocates as we discuss the power of hope, and how to find it.
Featuring Dr Monique Ryan (Independent MP, Kooyong), Jen Hargrave (Family violence & disability rights advocate), and Claire Marshall (Emerge CEO). Moderated by Natasha Mitchell (ABC Radio National).
• WORKSHOP
Envisioning the Ideal Refuge in 2025
During the day, breakout workshops will invite participants to collaboratively explore what defines an ideal refuge in 2025. Discussions will focus on key features of the physical environment, essential design considerations, and the refuge's relationship with the broader community. These interactive sessions are designed to foster meaningful dialogue, idea sharing, and creative brainstorming in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
• PERFORMANCE
Eliza Hull
A special performance by singer, author and disbility advocate Eliza Hull will acknowledge women who have lost their lives to family violence this year, and celebrate the strength and resilience of women.