EMPOWER 2026 - Ending Domestic Violence Begins Here

Domestic and Family Violence remains a serious and growing issue in the Rockhampton region and across Queensland. Recent court data shows a 46% increase from 2023-24 to 2024-25 in DFV-related convictions at Rockhampton Magistrates Court, and police in Queensland respond to an estimated 500 DFV incidents per day, around one in eight calls for service. Women and children are disproportionately affected, with one in four Australian women reporting partner violence in their lifetime. (Sources: Queensland Courts; Queensland Police Service; ABS / Queensland Government) Despite the prevalence and impact of domestic and family violence across Central Queensland, Rockhampton has never hosted a conference of this scale and focus. EMPOWER 2026 will be the first DFV conference of its kind delivered in Rockhampton, creating an unprecedented opportunity to: Build regional capability and confidence | Bring high-profile speakers and national conversations to Central Queensland | Strengthen collaboration across sectors | Ensure regional voices are part of the DFV prevention response. Regional Queensland matters. Held during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, EMPOWER 2026 provides an amazing opportunity to be part of a legacy event that strengthens communities and drives meaningful change.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS: Jenna Roberts - Commonwealth DFSV Assistant Commissioner; Lisa McAdams - Founder Safe Space Work Place; Mitra Khakbaz - CEO Immigrant Support Service; Tess Fuller - Teach Us Consent; LGBTI Legal Service; Inspector Jacinta Pannowitz - Qld Police Service; Ben Vasiliou - CEO The Man Cave; Jess Stone - Vice Chair NAPCAN Youth Speak Out; Tania Wissemann & Tiffany Blake - CQ University Safer Communities Unit; Kirrily Dear - Cofounder Run Against Violence & ZERO DFV; Rockhampton's own High Risk Team (HRT) - Mock Panel.