On Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20, Dianne Croonen, Warren Katipa and I implemented a Domestic Violence Prevention Information Wananga (Conference) named Enough is Enough.
Jacobs Well Environmental Centre was set up to represent Maori style presentation of learning, delivering information to attendees to assist in filtering knowledge through to the Maori community and into the general community.
At 8am the welcome ceremony started off with an Indigenous Welcome from the Slabb family, which was followed by the traditional Maori welcome, a powhiri.
Te Manawa Ora, a Mau Rakau group (Maori Weaponry), a branch of Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa in New Zealand lead by Pepe Nahu-Roberts and with Te Tai Mauri, Maori culture performing group led by Shane Peepe and Manawaroa Rimene welcomed the guests to the conference.
Honourable Shannon Fentiman Minister for Domestic Violence, Families, Youth and Communities attended and shared her vision for working towards the prevention of domestic violence. It was very well received and the attendees then enjoyed a meet and greet time with the Minister.
The conference was opened with scenarios and sharing from Nga Mary Bartlett- Johnston, Tamihana Johnston with Tiffany Paki, Vicky Rose, and Natalie Hinton (Tara Brown’s mother).
Natalie Hinton (Tara Brown’s mother) and her family
Block 2 started with QAS Linda Wana, then followed by QPS speakers Senior Constable Brenden Skudder, Acting Sergeant Terri McDonald, Prosecutors Sergeant Tania Pogson and Sergeant Aydina Pugh, Senior Sergeant Mel McMahon and YFS Senior Solicitor Natasha Petitt. The attendees also got to hear from a youth team R4 RESPECT that also share how their programmes have a positive impact on youth.
Within the next session, attendees were treated to challenging forums from highly esteemed Maori Community speakers Warini Rangitaawa and Pani Hokianga, reflecting on Tikanga Maori and Domestic Violence.
It was also a privilege to hear from an elder who shared her personal experience of years of Domestic Violence and her journey to today. This touched everyone to the point of tears and determination to get information out through the community strands and strengthening of whanau (family) support awareness.
Comments received ranged from ” broad range of topics share”, “eye opener on a cultural level” “topics absolutely relevant” ” style and delivery relaxing, safe, comfortable, friendly”
After a fulfilling dinner of hangi and steam puddings, open forum produced further sharing, capturing stakeholder contacts and extending networks.
The organisers appreciate the support from Jacobs Well and Districts Progress Association, local Jacobs Well, Logan, Gold Coast and Brisbane Businesses, community members, Queensland Police Service and Maori Community groups who pitched in to make this event happen.
Thanks to everyone who was involved in organising this event, including Angela Kena and Miiria Tupaea who kept everyone fed and also including thanks for our hangi and steam puddings provided by Manpower Boxing Club.