DVNSW Regional Forum

Connect. Learn. Collaborate.

Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) invites our members to our very first in-person Regional Forum in Armidale.

Working in regional and remote areas brings unique strengths and challenges. That’s why connecting with others who understand your context is vital. This hybrid event has been designed to support participation across the region and ensure your voice contributes to shaping future sector-wide advocacy and collaboration. Additionally, the forum will feature special guests, so you have the chance to ask questions and hear directly from subject matter experts.

We know that heavy workloads, limited resources and large travel distances can make it hard to connect regularly. We hope this forum will be an opportunity to pause, reflect and engage in sector-wide conversations that matter to you.

Together, we will:

• Discuss workforce recruitment and retention in regional areas with Hannah Tonkin, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner

• Build relationships and strengthen local networks

• Share insights, and experiences

• Explore place-based approaches to service delivery and advocacy

• Discuss local priorities and challenges

• Identify solutions that drive positive change for victim-survivors

• Shape DVNSW’s ongoing policy and advocacy work

Agenda:

Registrations start at 9:30 am

10.00 – 10.15am -Welcome to Country

• Lisa Waters

10.45 - 11:00am - ENDING VIOLENCE IN REGIONAL COMMUNITIES - Panel discussion on progress towards ending domestic and family violence in New England and across NSW

• Delia Donovan, CEO DVNSW Penny Lamaro, CEO, Women’s Shelters Armidale, Maryanne Brown, Cultural Lead

11:00 - 12:00pm - PLACE-BASED APPROACHES - A panel discussion about good practice and innovation. Followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Facilitated by: Delia Donovan CEO DVNSW

• Supporting young people in the New England Penny Lamaro, CEO Women’s Shelters Armidale

• A ‘whole of family approach’ in the Gunnedah area Lisa Smith, Manager Lilly Pilly Place, Gunida Gunya Aboriginal Corporation. Facilitated by: Delia Donovan CEO DVNSW

• Prevention and the impact of disasters in the Northern Rivers for staff and clients Marnie Davis, First Nations Learning and Development lead, Women Up North

12:00 - 12:55PM - Lunch

12:55 - 1:55pm - RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION IN REGIONAL AREAS: A conversation

• Strengthening workforces and the value of lived-expertise Hannah Tonkin, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner

• Building on the strengths of regional people – experiences in recruitment, retention and staff with lived expertise Tina Reynolds, CEO Orana Support Services, Dubbo

1:45 - 3:00pm - RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION IN REGIONAL AREAS CONT. Facilitated by Livia Stanton, Senior Advocacy and Policy Officer, DVNSW

• We continue this session with an interactive discussion about: What is working in the Regions to support workforce recruitment and retention?

• What examples of innovative practice/creative approaches are happening now

• What challenges do we need to meet with ongoing advocacy to support the sector’s workforce?

3:00 -3:10pm - Short break

3:10 - 4.00pm - ENDING VIOLENCE: INVESTING IN REGIONAL NSW

Facilitated by: Carolyn Hodge, Interim Deputy CEO DVNSW

• A collaborative session to explore the 2025-26 NSW Budget and what’s needed to create meaningful change

4.00 - 4.15pm - Wrap up and call to action

We’ll also take a moment to celebrate and amplify the impactful work you’re doing across country NSW.

Join us in Armidale for a day of connection, learning, and collaboration.