Blog

As we come to the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we have been reflecting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences of violence, and how innovative prevention strategies can be implemented to address the family violence experienced by First Nations families.

What did I mean by cultural leave?
Last week, I was asked an intriguing question by my staff, ‘What does Karabena Consulting mean by cultural leave?’  Like many other businesses and workplaces, we have an in-house policy which enables us to provide cultural leave every year. 

Last month the Australian Government announced that it is providing $16.6 million for perinatal mental health initiatives, through nine new grants. We were particularly thrilled to hear that $2.59 million was awarded to the University of Newcastle’s SMS4dads – a digital information and support service for new fathers.

Nothing gets me going in the morning more than a good cuppa tea and a Manifesto to read. Some people like to read the news, talk to their partners, pat their dogs, go for a walk, do Pilates or chant, but I like to think. Manifestos can help me do just that because they describe the intentions and motivations of the individuals who write them.

The 26th of May 2021 marks 23 years since Australia’s first National Sorry Day – a day to remember and acknowledge the ‘grief, suffering and injustice’ experienced by the Stolen Generations. The first National Sorry Day was held one year after the landmark Bringing them Home report was tabled in Parliament, which was the result of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families.

The Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, the nation’s first truth and justice process, is expected to begin in Victoria in July of this year and will run for three years. Named after the Wemba Wemba/Wamba Wamba word for ‘truth’, the Commission will examine both historical and ongoing injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians since colonisation. To achieve its aims of truth-telling and listening, the Commission will engage both Victoria’s Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community.

On 15 March 2021, tens of thousands of people across Australia gathered for the Women’s March 4 Justice rallies, protesting against gendered violence, discrimination and inequality. This comes on the heels of rape allegations made by former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins against a colleague in Parliament House, as well as historical rape allegations against Attorney-General Christian Porter.