Opening Night & Panel - 'What Were You Wearing' Exhibition

We are thrilled to host an exclusive opening night event celebrating the launch of our 4-day exhibition at Queen Victoria Women's Centre. Join us for a special evening where you can explore the 'What Were You Wearing' exhibition firsthand, delve into the captivating stories behind our organisation, and participate in a thought-provoking panel discussion. Our panel will feature distinguished Indigenous leaders, artists, and activists sharing their profound experiences and insights on preserving cultural vitality and identity amidst contemporary challenges. This event will also feature performance by Blak artists and showcase Blak businesses through the provided canapés. This evening promises to be a powerful and inspiring event that you won't want to miss.

About What Were You Wearing Australia
What Were You Wearing (‘WWYW’) is an an Indigenous, youth-led Australia-wide organisation dedicated to actively combating sexual assault, promoting advocacy, education and awareness. Since 2021, WWYW has provided support and resources to victim-survivors through our healing groups, festival safe spaces and exhibitions. Last year, after collecting over 20,000 signatures to present to parliment, we were successful in amending the RSA to include drink spiking awareness training in NSW. In April, WWYW held 17 rallies nation-wide to say "No More" to domestic violence, in which over 100,000 people attended. With 50+ volunteers across our NSW, VIC and WA sectors, we are proud of be at the forefront of putting an end to sexual violence in Australia.

About the exhibition
CW: Sexual violence, victim-blaming notions

"What Were You Wearing?" is a profoundly impactful exhibit dedicated to challenging the damaging misconception that clothing choices somehow invite sexual assault. Inspired by Dr. Mary Simmerling's poem "What I Was Wearing," the exhibit was conceived by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert (University of Arkansas - 2013). Its primary aim is to dispel the notion of victim-blaming by showcasing real stories of sexual assault survivors alongside the outfits they wore during their assaults.

This edition of "What Were You Wearing?" highlights Australia's First Nations victim-survivors. Sexual assault rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are estimated to be two to five times higher than non-Indigenous populations, with 90% of violence going unreported due to factors such as unreliable recording, underreporting, fear of authorities, and culturally inappropriate support services. We are proud to be presenting the first ever Indigenous edition of this global exhibition.

Exhibition open to the public:
Saturday, 13th July - 12pm-4pm
Sunday, 14th July - 10:30am-6:30pm
Monday, 15th July - 9am-5pm
Tuesday, 16th July - 9am-5pm

This event is hosted by What Were You Wearing? Australia. This exhibition wouldn't be possible without the generosity of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre. This exhibition is partially funded by City of Melbourne's Aboriginal Community Grant.