Wednesday 28 May, 9am - 5:30pm

Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne

Victoria’s first women’s refuge just turned 50. To mark the occasion, we are coming together to acknowledge the work that has been done, as well as discuss the work that is yet to come.

We welcome those working in the sector, advocates, victim survivors, and members of the community as we reflect on the significance of this milestone. We will celebrate the people behind the movement, highlight key initiatives in refuges across the state, explore current challenges, and share stories from the past five decades.

We will focus on how the current Victorian refuge sector can best work together, share resources, advocate collectively, and grow stronger together. 

As Women’s Liberation Halfway House grows into YANA, this is a special opportunity to come together, acknowledge how far we have come, and look to the future with hope and determination.

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

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REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN 〰️

Were you part of the Women’s Liberation Halfway House? We’d love for you to attend as our guest. Please reach out to jacqui@yanafvs.org.au.

The You Are Not Alone Conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops, delving into challenges of working in the Victorian refuge sector as well as acknowledging our achievements.

Hosted at the beautiful Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne, the conference will include delicious food, special performances, and unique exhibition pieces.

We hope that you join us on May 28th 2025. Registrations are now open, and places are limited.

Featured SESSIONS:

• PANEL DISCUSSION

50 years of learning: How refuges have evolved, and what still needs to happen

This panel discussion will bring together leaders in the sector to discuss how refuges have evolved in terms of diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and best-practice service delivery over the last 50 years. We will hear stories from first days of the Women's Liberation Halfway House, and celebrate the groundbreaking women who forged the way for decades of women to follow.

Featuring Jan Khan (YANA CEO), Jacqui Theobald (Author, From the Margins to the Mainstream) and Dianne Otto, first staff member of Women's Liberation Halfway House. Moderated by Tania Fahra (Safe and Equal CEO).

• PANEL DISCUSSION

Global crisis, local impact: How local refuges must adapt to support diverse clients

In this session we will explore how refuges can best support women from refugee and migrant backgrounds, who represent a growing majority of clients. We will discuss how we can better assist clients who are on temporary visas, or who may be experiencing visa abuse. Hear from experts, academics, and those working in the field as we delve into this important topic.

Featuring Nesreen Bottriell, Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights CEO), Dr. Marie Segrave (Professor of Criminology, University of Melbourne), Michal Morris, Georgina Martina Inc. CEO) and moderated by Dr Kaye Quek (Senior Lecturer, Global Studies, RMIT)

• PANEL DISCUSSION

How to find hope: Looking forward, together

With the rising popularity of online figures like Andrew Tate and news of extreme cases such as Dominique Pelicot, it can be difficult not to despair. In this session join advocates as we discuss the power of hope, and how to find it.

Featuring Dr Monique Ryan (Independent MP, Kooyong), Jen Hargrave (Family violence & disability rights advocate), and Claire Marshall (Emerge CEO). Moderated by Natasha Mitchell (ABC Radio National).

• WORKSHOP

Envisioning the Ideal Refuge in 2025

During the day, breakout workshops will invite participants to collaboratively explore what defines an ideal refuge in 2025. Discussions will focus on key features of the physical environment, essential design considerations, and the refuge's relationship with the broader community. These interactive sessions are designed to foster meaningful dialogue, idea sharing, and creative brainstorming in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

• PERFORMANCE

Eliza Hull

A special performance by singer, author and disbility advocate Eliza Hull will acknowledge women who have lost their lives to family violence this year, and celebrate the strength and resilience of women.

MAJOR SPONSOR

The YOU ARE NOT ALONE Conference would not be possible without the generous support of ANZ. ANZ’s financial education program MoneyMinded acts as an education tool for the family violence sector.

SUPPORTED BY

In May 2024 Women's Liberation Halfway House became YANA. This was a historic moment for the organisation, our feminism and for the communities we seek to serve. The change reflects the significant changes occurring in society and across the sector and takes us one step closer to being a more accessible, inclusive and diverse organisation.

YANA Family Violence Service (YANA) is a specialist service providing information, advocacy, and support for women and children at risk of or experiencing family violence. We do this with an integrated approach that includes counselling, financial planning and support, safe and crisis refuge accommodation, and pathways to meaningful employment or education.