Building Safe, Respectful and Connected Communities – ALIA Program

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Muswellbrook Shire Libraries invites you to attend this workshop and panel on understanding and supporting people experiencing family and domestic violence.

During this program you will:

• Understand the spectrum of domestic and family violence.
• Recognise the early warning signs of abuse.
• Develop practical strategies to safely support victim-survivors.
• Discover how community connection and belonging contribute to violence prevention.

This program will conclude with a communal art activity and lunch. Take part in a collaborative watercolour painting that will be displayed in Muswellbrook Library during the 16 Days of Activism!

Businesses and community members are encouraged to attend.

Together we can build safe, respectful and connected communities.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Bookings are essential. Please contact Muswellbrook Library on 6543 1913 or click ‘Book your ticket’ to reserve your spot.

Meet the Community Conversations Panel

Jas Rawlinson – Keynote Speaker

Jas Rawlinson is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and Australian of the Year nominee who empowers changemakers to own their story and live out loud. As a domestic violence survivor-advocate, Jas shares her inspirational journey of rewriting her life from shame to strength, and the three catalysts that helped her rise from rock bottom to resilient leader. Jas is a passionate believer that trauma does not have to be a life sentence.

Steffanie Lockwood – Carrie’s Place

Carrie’s Place provides a range of programs for people experiencing domestic and family violence, and/or homelessness in Maitland and Hunter Valley, NSW. Carrie’s Place also provides a range of services to vulnerable people to support recovery and build resilience.

Ashleigh Hamilton – Upper Hunter Homeless Support

Upper Hunter Homeless Support works across all communities and localities. This organisation offers support to families and individuals, youth, seniors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people, NDIS participants and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Senior Constable Jessica Hampton – NSW Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer

Domestic Violence Liaison Officers (DVLO) are police officers specifically trained in dealing with domestic and family violence issues. DVLOs can provide information about the Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) process, support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence through the court process and assist victim-survivors to access other relevant local support services.