Domestic violence is a problem all over the world. The Global Coalition Against Domestic Violence is preparing for the 2013 Trans-Tasman Indigenous Domestic Violence Conference.
The 2013 conference follows the successful staging of last year’s National Indigenous Domestic Violence Conference on the Gold Coast, Australia and also the Global Domestic Violence Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Papers are now being called for the 2013 Conference scheduled to be held in Sydney, Australia on December 11-13, 2013.
Highlights of the 2011 Event
One of the highlights of the 2011 event was the presentation on domestic violence affecting the elderly or elder abuse, presented by Mr Wayne Fielding of Elder Abuse Programs from Victoria.
Mr Fielding highlighted the increasing incidence of domestic abuse among the elderly in the home setting. Unfortunately family members, young and old, were identified as the perpetrators of the abuse. He gave advice and training on elder abuse to those who deal with older people in the private or residential setting.
The 2013 Trans-Tasman Indigenous Domestic Violence Conference is scheduled to be held at the Rydges Parramatta Hotel in Sydney, New South Wales. Organizers say planning is well under way. An advisory group had been established from New Zealand and Australia however any new ideas and constructive input from interested persons would be gladly accepted. Any interested person who wishes to become a member of the advisory committee is encouraged to contact the organization to further discuss ideas.
Next year’s conference will focus on increasing awareness of Indigenous programs being delivered throughout Australia, New Zealand and some parts of the world. One of the special guest speakers will be Ms. Maria Liza Edubas, chair of the Global Coalition against Domestic Violence (GCA-DV). There are also to be guest speakers from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Canada.
To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 percent of the conference proceedings are devoted to community groups. Papers are now being called for, with the first closing date on the 30th of October 2012. To further ensure the continuous success of the conference, an Australia-New Zealand working group with the inclusion of two (2) Indigenous Australians and 2 Maori applicants is being sought, to advise the coalition on correct adherence to cultural equilibrium. Ultimately the Australian working group will form part of the international working group for the establishment of the 2nd Global Domestic Violence Conference which is being planned in 2015.
“In our everyday working life, we work hard and under great stress to develop great strategies and programs for our communities and rarely we get the chance to develop our own careers in our field of expertise without impacting on our own families. Hence where a networking event comes along such as this which brings together people from a broad spectrum and diversity of life, every opportunity would be made both from an individual and organization.
However because of busy and demanding workloads, we do not access or have the opportunity to see what is just around the corner; let alone what’s in the next town or state. This conference will take you and your organization not just to the next corner but to as far as you could possibly imagine. The event will bring Australia and even the world to your doorstep. Just ask yourself how valuable this experience could be to see how other programs work.
Short-Circuit Effort By Networking
The 2013 event will spotlight many of Trans-Tasman’s most successful programs, which will provide a unique opportunity to see the power of people networking together in one place, at one time with similar goals. In creating new strategies or programs it usually takes time, manpower and money.
Because of our limited networking opportunities, many times, a seemingly new idea has already been tried and implemented somewhere in the world and adopted, modified, or discarded.
For example, it has been found that in many cases “new” ideas may just be re-inventing the wheel, but that shouldn’t stop people from trying and communicating. Program development is an essential part of the growth of an individual and organization. One of the pitfalls of introducing a new program structure or idea is that research needs to be carried out, then adopted or discarded, hence after all the hard work the program & outcomes may not be implemented and achieved.
Conference Benefits
Organizers say the conference may or may not save you or your organization time, money and manpower, but one thing the event guarantees is the opportunity to enlarge your network and information base. This empowers delegates to make more informed decisions. Events such as this also empower and reinvigorate workers with new ideas and with enthusiasm, with a greater feeling of support and contacts for the betterment of their own or local community.
With the internet, affordability and comfort in international travel has brought the world closer to everybody’s doorstep and afforded networking opportunities like this to take place. With all this in mind, the organizers invite you to join the network and actively participate in the event.
For more information, visit the website for 2013 Trans-Tasman Indigenous Domestic Violence Conference in Sydney. or send an email to chairman@gcadv.net
