05/08/2026
Strengthening Community Safety Through Culture, Collaboration & Leadership: Reflections from the 2026 Family Violence Conference
Building on the 2025 Domestic and Family Violence Forum: 2026 Family Violence Conference – Outcomes, Appreciation & Our Path Forward
We are proud to share the successful outcome of the 2026 Family Violence Conference, a powerful and unifying event that built on the foundations laid during the 2025 Domestic and Family Violence Forum. This year’s conference brought together leaders, practitioners, researchers, and community members committed to strengthening culturally informed responses and improving the wellbeing of migrant and refugee communities, particularly Sudanese and South Sudanese families across Victoria and Australia.
The 2026 conference highlighted the importance of collective action, cultural leadership, and evidence‑informed practice in addressing family violence. The insights, commitments, and shared learning from the day will continue to guide our efforts toward safer, stronger, and more connected communities.
We extend our deepest appreciation to our distinguished keynote speakers—Mr G*i, Dr. Anyier Yuol, and Dr Titus S. Olorunnisola, whose expertise and leadership enriched the dialogue and inspired meaningful reflection. We also acknowledge our invited researcher and all service providers who contributed their frontline knowledge and professional experience.
We express our sincere thanks to all partner organisations and stakeholders whose collaboration made this event possible, including Victoria Police, Victoria University, Melbourne Australia, Africause, The Orange Door, Community Abundance, Foundation House, the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) (CMY), the Action Research Centre, and the State Government of Victoria, whose financial support through JAMMA/CMY- Mr. Kenyatta Joshua Dei Wal, Elizabeth Majok and their team ensured the success of this important gathering.
We were honoured by the presence of additional sector leaders and community representatives, including:
> Ms Akinbiyi Abiola, Inducted President, Rotary Club of Wyndham
> Ms Farah, CEO, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria
(ECCV)
> Mr Parsu, CEO, Refugee Communities Association of
Australia (RCAA)
> Ms Ava Hussein, CEO, Polaron
> Ms Susan Yengi, Councillor, Maribyrnong City Council
> Mr Andrew Ohidi, South Sudanese Community
Association of Victoria
Your leadership and commitment to community safety, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice strengthened the impact of this year’s conference.
A special appreciation is extended to the Australian Multicultural Media Centre for amplifying community voices, and to Dr. Brehan Ahmed, whose support was instrumental in securing the venue at Victoria University.
We also recognise the tireless work of Professor Marcelle Cacciattolo and her PhD student Silvi Palmer, who led conference organisation, MCing, logistics, and worked closely with community mothers to ensure the event ran smoothly and successfully.
Cultural Performances: Strengthening Participation & Harmonising Community Learning
We proudly acknowledge the outstanding cultural performances delivered by the Twic Mayardit Kids Dancing Group and LUO Global. Their contributions were more than artistic expression; they formed a vital cultural framework that:
> boosted community participation
> harmonised cultural tides across diverse South Sudanese
groups
> strengthened intergenerational learning
reinforced cultural identity and pride
> created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all
attendees
These performances showcased the richness of South Sudanese heritage and demonstrated how cultural expression can support healing, connection, and community engagement within family violence prevention spaces.
This conference was proudly hosted by the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health, Inc., in partnership with the Sudanese Mothers Coalition in Victoria, and funded through the generous support of JAMMA and CMY. Your collaboration continues to strengthen our collective impact.
Finally, we honour and celebrate the entire South Sudanese community across Australia our leaders, elders, youth, families, and community organisations- whose resilience, cultural strength, and dedication to positive change remain at the heart of this work.
Looking Ahead: Future Evaluation & Continued Impact
As we move forward, we will evaluate the conference outcomes to ensure that insights translate into meaningful, measurable change. This evaluation will focus on:
> strengthening culturally informed family violence prevention
> improving service accessibility and responsiveness
enhancing cross‑sector collaboration
> supporting community‑led initiatives
identifying gaps and opportunities for future action
The findings will help shape future programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, ensuring that our work remains grounded in evidence, community voice, and cultural integrity.
Australian Multicultural Media Centre
Australian Multicultural Media Centre
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
Courtesy Photos by Australian Multicultural Media Centre