Message from the CEO – Antoinette Braybrook AM

The time for action is now

The time for action is now. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Now.

We have seen more women’s lives taken, more of our people incarcerated, a wave of reports exposing systemic failures, and just recently a violent attack on Camp Sovereignty – an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime against our people, culture, and Country. These are all painful reminders of why Djirra exists: to fight for the safety, rights, and self-determination of Aboriginal women and children.

The reality we face

The latest Closing the Gap data confirms what our people live every day: only four of nineteen national targets are on track. Our people continue to be failed in health, housing, justice, and safety – the very basic rights that others in this country are afforded.

The Harm in the Name of Safety report, released in August, confirmed exactly what Djirra witnesses every day – that police minimise and dismiss reports of family violence, engage in racially targeted, sexist and discriminatory practices, and collude with perpetrators.

Victoria’s bail laws continue to criminalise our women, leading to imprisonment and the removal of children from family and culture. 

The Victorian Coroner’s findings on Heather Calgaret’s death in custody confirmed what we already knew: it was another preventable death that never should have happened.

Decades of truth-telling ignored

Our people have been speaking our truths and providing solutions for decades – to name a few:

  • Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) – 339 recommendations
  • Bringing Them Home (BTH) – 54 recommendations
  • National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Girls (MMIWG) – 10 recommendations

Hundreds of recommendations. Decades of reports. Yet governments fail to act. How many more lives must be lost? How many more families torn apart?

An attack on Sovereignty

The attack on Camp Sovereignty in Naarm was devastating and alarming. This was a clear attack on culture, Country, and sovereignty. It was an act of hate and a domestic terrorist attack meant to silence our people and inject fear.

Our thoughts are with every person who was attacked that day, and we honour their courage and strength. They stood their ground in the face of hatred, and their resilience inspires us all to keep fighting.

Action is non-negotiable

The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s final reports, tabled in the Victorian Parliament in July, hold truth and offer a path forward. These recommendations, alongside those from RCIADIC, BTH, and MMIWG, must all be implemented. This is non-negotiable.

Highlights from the past month

  • Lobbying in Canberra – Joined our national body, FNAAFV, to lobby ministers for action and investment in Aboriginal women’s safety and leadership.
  • Celebrating 25 Years of CAFFLU – Attended the 25-year celebration of CAFFLU in Alice Springs and acknowledged Phynea Clarke for her unwavering leadership over 25 years.
  • Catching up with Sisters in Spirit – Our ACT sisters working to keep Aboriginal women and children visible, heard and safe.
  • National CLCA Conference – Attended the National Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Conference, connecting with leaders and advocates nationwide.
  • Women Deliver – Victorian Stakeholder Forum – Took part in shaping this major international event, ensuring Aboriginal women are centred and leading in April next year.
  • 20 Years of Koori Court event in Mildura, which recognised how these courts paved the way for First Nations people to have cultural representation in the justice system. 
  • Attended the book launch for ‘Deep History: Country and Sovereignty’, edited by Jackie Huggins and Ann McGrath.
  • Attended the ACOSS Community Sector Parliamentary Event showcasing the impact of community sector organisations nationally
Meeting with Sisters in Spirit in Canberra: L-R: SiS CEO Tracey Harris (far left) with Djirra and SiS staff
with Magistrate Felicity Broughton at the 20 Years of Koori Court event in Mildura
with Jackie Huggins at the launch of her book ‘Deep History: Country
and Sovereignty’
with Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia
Djirra staff and community sector colleagues at the ACOSS Community Sector Parliamentary Event

Djirra’s commitment

Djirra is grounded in the voices and leadership of Aboriginal women and will continue to fight fearlessly for a future where our women and children are safe, strong, and free.

But this work cannot be done alone. I invite you to:

  • Share Djirra’s message
  • Support our work
  • Walk beside us in this fight

Together, we can build the future our women and children deserve.

Save the dates – upcoming events

📅 25 November – Djirra’s Annual ACTIVEism® Walk on Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
🕒 Time: Commencing at 7am, details to follow

This year Djirra is partnering with Sisters in Spirit (pictured above) to honour the lives of Aboriginal women and children and to demand meaningful change.
➡️ Mark this date in your calendar.

In solidarity,
Antoinette Braybrook AM