Affirmative Consent with Chanel Contos

Proudly presented by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee + the Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence network

Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, an Australian grassroots campaign that exposed how many school students experience and perpetrate sexual violence, speaks about her journey as a young activitst and social change maker in the gender equity movement. In conversation with Women's Health Loddon Mallee and special guests working with young people in the affirmative consent space. 

This event is open to everybody.

Trigger warning: This discussion may touch on themes that could be triggering for some, including sexual assault. Please exercise self care when deciding whether to attend this event. 

About Chanel Contos:
Chanel has worked closely with politicians from across the political spectrum, including sitting and former Prime Ministers to achieve mandated consent education in Australia. Chanel was the recipient of the Australian Human Rights Commissions Young People’s Medal in 2021 for this work, and in 2023 she was named NSW Young Women of the Year for her persistent efforts towards eradicating rape culture. Chanel continues to act as an Executive Director of Teach Us Consent as the organisation provides holistic consent education to the public, and advocates for structural reform to prevent normalised sexual violence. She sits on multiple government reference panels, and consults for multinational companies on violence prevention.

Chanel has been presented a Diana Award, which is named after Princess Diana and is the most prestigious accolade a young person can receive for their humanitarian work and in 2022 she was listed as one of BBC’s 100 inspiring and influential women worldwide. Chanel has a Masters in Gender, Education, and International Development from University College London and was recently appointed by Julia Gillard to Chair the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Youth Advisory Committee.

Chanel will be in conversation with Rhiannon from CASACV and Will Burns from YAC Vic.

Rhiannon (they/them) is the Affirmative Consent Project Coordinator from the Center Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria (CASACV). Rhiannon is coordinating the Young People as Agents of Change project in the Macedon Ranges, which works across the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples. Alongside a team of young people from across the gender and sexuality spectrum, this project will co-design an inclusive, location specific relationships and consent education program, and train young people to deliver transformative workshops throughout the community.

Will Burns (he/him)-YACVIC Yeah Nah & Swan Hill Rural City Council

Will is a Swan Hill local who has a huge passion for educating young people about bodily autonomy and empowering them to make informed decisions. He’s spent the last few years working for Swan Hill Rural City Council in the youth space with a focus on educating his community on consent, and how young people can navigate consent and relationships in their real lives. Will is excited to be part of a program that is working to decrease the stigma around sex and consent and looks forward to sharing his expertise.