Building Bridges is an annual forum designed to strengthen collaboration across the family violence service system in Melbourne’s Northern Metropolitan Region.

Hosted by the Northern Integrated Family Violence Services (NIFVS), the forum brings together services and practitioners to learn from one another, share practice insights, and enhance cross-sector collaboration in line with the MARAM Framework.

Strong and effective family violence responses are built through listening to diverse experiences, challenging assumptions, and creating systems that work for everyone.

Now in its third year, Building Bridges 2026 explores the theme, Shaping inclusive systems, calling on community and sector professionals to focus on what it means to intentionally centre the experiences, expertise and perspectives of marginalised and invisibilised communities in family violence work.

What to expect

Presentations and panel discussions: Hear from sector experts and practitioners who are developing innovative practice responses and contributing to more inclusive, accessible and responsive systems for marginalised communities.

Service stalls: Explore a selection of stalls from organisations and programs that are working directly with underserved communities.

Networking: Connect with colleagues, strengthen professional partnerships and be part of shaping more inclusive systems.

Lunch and refreshments: This is a catered event. Please note your dietary requirements during the registration process.

Who should attend?

Building Bridges is open to anyone working in an area with a role in addressing family violence. This includes those working in direct practice, leaders, advocates and policy makers.

Contact the host of Building Bridges Forum 2026