Peak body Our Ways Strong Together has welcomed additional members from across the country to the newly-established peak body.
Our Ways Strong Together (OWST) was launched on in March by the Coalition of Peaks and the federal government as a national community-controlled peak body representing members delivering services across the family, domestic and sexual violence sector.
Led by Danila Dilba Health Services' former CEO, Western Arrernte woman Olga Havnen, (OWST) brings together specialist services, peak organisations and the broader Aboriginal community-controlled sector.
The interim board includes National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) chair Donnella Mills, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) CEO and SNAICC chair Muriel Bamblett, Coalition of Peaks Secretariat Lisa Charles, and Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service CEO Wynetta Dewis.
The 14 new members include:
- First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence
- Sisters in Spirit Aboriginal Corporation, ACT
- Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW
- Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services, NSW
- Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service
- Mount Isa Community Controlled Health Organisation (trading as Gidgee Healing), QLD
- Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation, QLD
- Katherine West Health Board Aboriginal Corporation, NT
- Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council Aboriginal Corporation, WA
- Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, NT
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Family Safety Service
- Aboriginal Corporation of Tasmania Legal Services
- Leni Passi Women's Shelter Association, QLD
- Darwin Indigenous Men's Service, NT
"We're proud to welcome these new members at a time when collaboration and shared expertise have never been more important," Ms Havnen said.
"Membership offers the chance to connect, advocate, and explore new opportunities. It provides organisations with the support and influence they need to thrive in an increasingly complex environment."
The launch comes more than 18 months after the landmark Senate inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women and children, and builds on decades of advocacy from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The peak body will work with governments and services to strengthen the national response to family, domestic and sexual violence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations (ACCOs) are eligible to become members if they provide family, domestic and sexual violence services/support — either as their primary purpose or as part of a general service delivery.
More information about membership is available online.
With Dechlan Brennan
