News & events

GenWest's Survivor Advisory Group Updates

Advocacy

Dec 5, 2025

GenWest's Survivor Advisory Group provide their lived experience and expertise to a range of external organisations on various topics to strengthen survivor-led evidence and advocacy across the family violence prevention and response sector. Below are some of their recent advocacy activities.

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Pictured, Survivor Advocates Liz and Michelle with staff from cohealth, Moonee Valley City Council, and GenWest

Moonee Valley City Council and Cohealth's Together for Change Community Workshop

Survivor Advisory Group members Joal, Liz, and Michelle collaborated on the planning and co-design of Together for Change: Community Workshop, delivered during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (1 December).

Liz and Michelle were also guest speakers, sharing insights from their lived expertise and advocating for stronger community responses that uphold dignity, respect, and safety for all.

Melton City Council's Walk for Inclusion and Respect

Advisory Group member Brooke spoke powerfully at Melton City Council’s Walk for Inclusion and Respect, recognising both 16 Days of Activism and International Day of People with Disabilities.

Brooke shared her story with courage and conviction calling for safer systems, greater visibility, and better outcomes for people with disabilities who experience gender-based violence.

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Pictured, Brooke following her speech at Melton City Council's Walk for Inclusion and Respect

Digital Violence Advocacy with City of Melbourne

Advisory Group member Joal contributed lived experience expertise to a City of Melbourne publication on technology-facilitated abuse, amplifying the urgent need for action to prevent harm and support survivors of digital-based violence.

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Pictured, Joal, photograph courtesy of Melbourne City Council
Read Joal's piece here

Read more about GenWest's Survivor Advisory Group

Our Survivor Advisory Group play a central role in ensuring lived experience informs our planning, service design, and advocacy. Find out about groups.

In our 2023-24 Annual Report, we had the privilege of sharing the stories of some of the Survivor Advisory Group members. Download the 2023-24 GenWest Annual Report to read stories.

Three members of the Survivor Advocacy Group have shared their reflections on being lived-experience advocates and part of GenWest’s Survivor Advocacy Group. Download the 2024-25 GenWest Annual Report to read reflections.

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1800 436 937

Email us

For general enquiries and family violence referrals,

please email info@genwest.org.au

For speaker requests, training or consultancy services,

please email learn@genwest.org.au

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317-319 Barkly Street

Footscray

Naarm/Melbourne VIC 3011

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