By Lucy Waldron
The Women’s Advocacy and Action Team (WAAT) of Southern Downs has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of women in the region as it embarks on a series of projects aimed at addressing pressing issues such as domestic and family violence (DFV).
In a proactive move to start the year, WAAT collaborated with the DFV Prevention Council to deliver five community education sessions across the Southern Downs.
Led by esteemed figures Bob Atkinson AO and Vanessa Fowler OAM, these sessions received widespread acclaim for their informative content and generated valuable discussions on strategies to combat DFV within the community.
A spokesperson for WAAT said a great cross-section of the community attended and the feedback was that these sessions were valuable and a catalyst for new projects.
Reflecting on the past year, WAAT celebrated significant milestones, including its instrumental role in establishing Protea Place in Warwick, a vital resource centre for women.
Additionally, the team facilitated face-to-face training sessions on the domestic and family violence common risk and safety framework developed by the Department of Justice and Attorney General.
All can now access this training via the following link https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/about-us/services/women-violence-prevention/violence-prevention/service-providers/integrated-service-responses/dfv-common-risk-safety-framework/training-resources
Alongside the new Southern Downs Regional Council, WAAT is set to develop a strategic plan addressing key women’s issues and work with the Queensland Police Service to facilitate training sessions to provide valuable insights into the region’s needs and support systems.
Notably, WAAT is also extending its efforts to engage men in the community, emphasising the importance of fostering healthy relationships and intervening when necessary.
Continuing its collaborative approach, WAAT remains committed to working alongside frontline services to ensure a coordinated response to DFV incidents. The outcomes of previous forums and working parties underscore the effectiveness of such collective efforts and serve as a foundation for ongoing initiatives.
For those seeking to contribute to or access the Southern Downs DFV Directory, WAAT encourages submissions and inquiries via email at waat.sdowns@gmail.com.
By expanding the directory, the team aims to enhance access to vital support services for individuals affected by DFV.
