Our workforce is a powerful driver of change towards ending violence 

During the final week of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, WorkUP Queensland held an event in recognition of the change makers that make up our workforce across sexual violence, women’s health and wellbeing and domestic and family violence services.

The Change makers: working together to end violence event launched the groundbreaking regional and statewide plans to grow and support the workforce. The workforce plans developed with the sector over the last 12 months articulate the strategies and actions to be rolled out over the next 12 months.

The event was opened with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Uncle Gregory Duncan a Wakka-Wakka/Wiri, Yirandali and Koa/Gunggari and KuKu Yalingi cultural man. Uncle Gregory encouraged people to connect to one another and acknowledge the impacts on our minds, bodies and spirits. We also recognised the importance of Reconciliation Week.

Next, we heard from ANROWS CEO, Heather Nancarrow about her journey through the DFV sector and her excitement about being involved in a consortium between The Healing Foundation and ANROWS. Heather pointed out that by journeying together as partner organisations, we can create safer communities for women and children.

Fiona Peterson, CEO of The Healing Foundation, spoke next about the importance of the Workforce plans and the importance of making space for voices that tell the truth and recognising that is part of the healing process. Fiona also expressed her excitement to partner with ANROWS and our joint commitment to work together to achieve and sustain workforce growth.

A presentation on Change makers was shared, showcasing staff in the sector who helped to shape the Workforce plans, working with commitment and passion every day on the frontlines to end violence . The Change makers shared their reflections about the opportunities and challenges inherent to their roles with key messages for those thinking of joining the sector.

Attendees then engaged in break out room conversations to discuss how they will bring the plans to life going forward.

The following themes emerged:

  • Let’s take the opportunity of COVID-19 to reimagine what we need to take into the future (as well as what needs to be restored)
  • Commitment to connect and learn across diverse regions and sectors
  • Adaptive peer support models to support supervision across the spectrum including informal and formal processes
  • There is an opportunity to learn from and leverage the sector’s experience with student placements to create stronger entry points and induction processes

Workforce plans demonstrated the capacity of the sector to meet the growing demands it faces with an optimistic outlook.

WorkUP Queensland encourages you to continue the conversation in your workplace. To enable the workforce to grow and develop we will….

You can also visit our website for more information and further explore the workforce plans. https://workupqld.org.au/workforce-planning/