Embolden online event - October 2-3rd, 2024
Program
Everyone deserves to be safe, valued and equal. However, older women are often silenced and too little has been done to combat the ageism, sexism, poverty, homelessness, elder abuse, family violence, matricide and sexual assault they face.
#Embolden2024 offers a rare platform to hear the voices of older women and bridge the gap between how things are, and how they need to be. Delegates will survey critical issues facing older women and share practical strategies for The [un]Silencing of Older Women.
#Embolden2024 offers a rare platform to hear the voices of older women and bridge the gap between how things are, and how they need to be. Delegates will survey critical issues facing older women and share practical strategies for The [un]Silencing of Older Women.
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All Congress Presenters
Aunty Dixie Link-Gordon
Aunty in Residence Full Stop Australia
Ms Emme Krystelle
The biggest and most effective healing experience Emily has had was when she stopped hiding her gender. She’d known and kept it a treasured secret since she was 3. It was liberating to be seen, known, loved and accepted as she is with safe, kind and respectful people in safe, welcoming places and experiences. However, this healing and liberation comes with great cost and risk in many social, public, religious, financial, online, housing and other areas of life. She has many stories and insights to share about the marginalisation costs that come with the intersection of being transgender, having multiple physical and mental illnesses and disabilities, experiencing low socioeconomics, and housing insecurity that has included times of homelessness. She has a big heart and desires to thrive.
Penny Bingham
Penny Bingham was the primary carer for her husband, who lived with Lewy body dementia. She has a Diploma of Dementia Care from the University of Tasmania and has been a Dementia Australia educator. She now intertwines those threads as a dedicated advocate for people living with dementia and their carers. She convened and facilitates a carer support group, now in its tenth year in NE Victoria, as well as a memory café for people with a diagnosis and their carers. She has also developed a dementia friendly activity program for people in her local care facility. Penny is currently writing a memoir, chronicling her seven-year care giving journey. The book’s title A Gift of Grace, hints at how love flourished in an experience so exquisitely painful. How dementia’s profound lessons in patience, tolerance and humility transcended resentment and despair to embrace grace and peace.
Robyn Westgate
Curtin University
MATE@Curtin Bystander Training Project Lead, Family and Domestic Violence Project Officer, Curtin University
Aunty in Residence Full Stop Australia
Ms Emme Krystelle
The biggest and most effective healing experience Emily has had was when she stopped hiding her gender. She’d known and kept it a treasured secret since she was 3. It was liberating to be seen, known, loved and accepted as she is with safe, kind and respectful people in safe, welcoming places and experiences. However, this healing and liberation comes with great cost and risk in many social, public, religious, financial, online, housing and other areas of life. She has many stories and insights to share about the marginalisation costs that come with the intersection of being transgender, having multiple physical and mental illnesses and disabilities, experiencing low socioeconomics, and housing insecurity that has included times of homelessness. She has a big heart and desires to thrive.
Penny Bingham
Penny Bingham was the primary carer for her husband, who lived with Lewy body dementia. She has a Diploma of Dementia Care from the University of Tasmania and has been a Dementia Australia educator. She now intertwines those threads as a dedicated advocate for people living with dementia and their carers. She convened and facilitates a carer support group, now in its tenth year in NE Victoria, as well as a memory café for people with a diagnosis and their carers. She has also developed a dementia friendly activity program for people in her local care facility. Penny is currently writing a memoir, chronicling her seven-year care giving journey. The book’s title A Gift of Grace, hints at how love flourished in an experience so exquisitely painful. How dementia’s profound lessons in patience, tolerance and humility transcended resentment and despair to embrace grace and peace.
Robyn Westgate
Curtin University
MATE@Curtin Bystander Training Project Lead, Family and Domestic Violence Project Officer, Curtin University
Symposium presenters
Robert Fitzgerald OAM
Age Discrimination Commissioner
Mr Fitzgerald is a highly respected lawyer, human rights and social justice advocate, and a leading figure in the anti-discrimination space. He has been the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner since 2019 and was previously an Australian Productivity Commissioner, NSW Community and Disability Services Commissioner, and Deputy Ombudsman. He served as Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and was the Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Advisory Board. He has served on NGO boards for over 40 years.
Age Discrimination Commissioner
Mr Fitzgerald is a highly respected lawyer, human rights and social justice advocate, and a leading figure in the anti-discrimination space. He has been the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner since 2019 and was previously an Australian Productivity Commissioner, NSW Community and Disability Services Commissioner, and Deputy Ombudsman. He served as Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and was the Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Advisory Board. He has served on NGO boards for over 40 years.
Professor Kate Burridge
Professor of Linguistics at Monash University
Kateis a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of the Humanities and the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. In 2003 she took up the Chair of Linguistics in the Linguistics Program in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University. Kate’s main areas of research are language change, taboo and euphemism, public opinion about language and value; change in Germanic languages; and health communication (particularly around ageing). She has authored / edited more than 20 books on different aspects of language. Kate is a regular presenter of language segments on ABC radio and 3AW, and has appeared as a weekly panellist on ABC TV’s Can We Help (2007-11). She has given a TEDx Talk on euphemism and taboo.
Professor of Linguistics at Monash University
Kateis a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of the Humanities and the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. In 2003 she took up the Chair of Linguistics in the Linguistics Program in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University. Kate’s main areas of research are language change, taboo and euphemism, public opinion about language and value; change in Germanic languages; and health communication (particularly around ageing). She has authored / edited more than 20 books on different aspects of language. Kate is a regular presenter of language segments on ABC radio and 3AW, and has appeared as a weekly panellist on ABC TV’s Can We Help (2007-11). She has given a TEDx Talk on euphemism and taboo.
Jess Hill
Journalist, author, speaker
Jess is an investigative journalist, educator and advocate on gendered violence and coercive control. Ms Hill authored See What You Made Me Do (2019), a comprehensive investigation of the phenomenon of domestic abuse and coercive control, which was awarded the Stella Prize in 2020. Ms Hill later produced and presented a three-part documentary series adaptation which aired on SBS, ‘See What You Made Me Do’ (2021). She also produced and presented a follow-up series on SBS, ‘Asking For It’ (2023), which explores consent and issues of sexual violence and authored the Quarterly Essay on how #MeToo has changed Australia. Ms Hill has spoken at over 350 public events about gendered violence, as well as educating magistrates, police, health and family law professionals on coercive control. Ms Hill sits on the National Women’s Safety Alliance Sexual Violence Working Group and was named Marie Claire’s 2023 Changemaker of the Year and the 2024 NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence.
Journalist, author, speaker
Jess is an investigative journalist, educator and advocate on gendered violence and coercive control. Ms Hill authored See What You Made Me Do (2019), a comprehensive investigation of the phenomenon of domestic abuse and coercive control, which was awarded the Stella Prize in 2020. Ms Hill later produced and presented a three-part documentary series adaptation which aired on SBS, ‘See What You Made Me Do’ (2021). She also produced and presented a follow-up series on SBS, ‘Asking For It’ (2023), which explores consent and issues of sexual violence and authored the Quarterly Essay on how #MeToo has changed Australia. Ms Hill has spoken at over 350 public events about gendered violence, as well as educating magistrates, police, health and family law professionals on coercive control. Ms Hill sits on the National Women’s Safety Alliance Sexual Violence Working Group and was named Marie Claire’s 2023 Changemaker of the Year and the 2024 NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence.
Yumi Lee
CEO, Older Women's Network NSW
Yumi has been a peace and women’s rights activist for many years, and worked in communications, fundraising, advocacy and lobbying, both in Australia and abroad. She is honoured to support the strong tradition of OWN in raising awareness of the issues of concern for older women. She is driven by a strong sense of social justice, and the belief that our society will be enriched when we have the full participation of those who are currently marginalised.
CEO, Older Women's Network NSW
Yumi has been a peace and women’s rights activist for many years, and worked in communications, fundraising, advocacy and lobbying, both in Australia and abroad. She is honoured to support the strong tradition of OWN in raising awareness of the issues of concern for older women. She is driven by a strong sense of social justice, and the belief that our society will be enriched when we have the full participation of those who are currently marginalised.
Dr Laura Tarzia
Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow in the Department of General Practice and Primary Care at the University of Melbourne.
Laura co-leads the Sexual and Family Violence (SAFE) program and leads a stream of research focused on sexual and reproductive violence. Her work aims to understand the context and dynamics of women’s lived experiences, and to use these insights to enhance early engagement and response across health settings and the community. She works primarily with qualitative and mixed methods and has undertaken pioneering work on topics including intimate partner sexual violence and reproductive coercion and abuse.
Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow in the Department of General Practice and Primary Care at the University of Melbourne.
Laura co-leads the Sexual and Family Violence (SAFE) program and leads a stream of research focused on sexual and reproductive violence. Her work aims to understand the context and dynamics of women’s lived experiences, and to use these insights to enhance early engagement and response across health settings and the community. She works primarily with qualitative and mixed methods and has undertaken pioneering work on topics including intimate partner sexual violence and reproductive coercion and abuse.
Robyn Smith
Research and Evaluation Coordinator, Celebrate Ageing Ltd
Robyn has more than 30 years experience in health care, aged care, public health, research and evaluation and a strong interest in community advocacy and the arts.
Research and Evaluation Coordinator, Celebrate Ageing Ltd
Robyn has more than 30 years experience in health care, aged care, public health, research and evaluation and a strong interest in community advocacy and the arts.
Sarah Codling
Partnerships and Participation Facilitator, Communities, Engagement & Integrated Planning. Whitehorse City Council
Partnerships and Participation Facilitator, Communities, Engagement & Integrated Planning. Whitehorse City Council
Dilnaz
tbc
tbc
Debra Nicholl
CEO, Elder Rights Advocacy
Debra has worked in Residential Aged Care and the community providing direct support to older people and their carers in South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria. She joined ERA in 2006 and has held many distinct roles over the past 17 years, including Intake, Advocate, Senior Educator, Advocacy Manager, Programs Manager and Deputy CEO. She has travelled across Victoria promoting the rights of older people, providing information to the community and education to aged care workers. Debra has spoken at many conferences on the rights of older people to live free from abuse and to receive person-centred care. She holds qualifications in Leadership and Management, Community Development and Mediation.
CEO, Elder Rights Advocacy
Debra has worked in Residential Aged Care and the community providing direct support to older people and their carers in South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria. She joined ERA in 2006 and has held many distinct roles over the past 17 years, including Intake, Advocate, Senior Educator, Advocacy Manager, Programs Manager and Deputy CEO. She has travelled across Victoria promoting the rights of older people, providing information to the community and education to aged care workers. Debra has spoken at many conferences on the rights of older people to live free from abuse and to receive person-centred care. She holds qualifications in Leadership and Management, Community Development and Mediation.
Jill Exon
Elder Abuse Prevention Lead, Eastern Community Legal Service
Elder Abuse Prevention Lead, Eastern Community Legal Service
Deb Barndon
Deb Barndon, Coordinator of the Hear Our Voices Project, Older Women’s Network NSW
Deb Barndon, Coordinator of the Hear Our Voices Project, Older Women’s Network NSW
Di MacLeod
Director Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence
Director Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence
Jo Brown
Manager Community Services and Development, Mpower
Manager Community Services and Development, Mpower
Chris Lee
Chris Lee, Community Portfolio Manager, Priority and Safer Communities, Victoria Police
Chris Lee, Community Portfolio Manager, Priority and Safer Communities, Victoria Police
Anna Gillbard
Research Officer, Elder Abuse Prevention Unit. Family & Disability Services, Uniting Care Qld.
Anna is an experienced researcher who is passionate about improving the lives of older people. Anna’s research has been heavily influenced by her practice experience and she focuses on research that has practical implications for policy and practice.
Research Officer, Elder Abuse Prevention Unit. Family & Disability Services, Uniting Care Qld.
Anna is an experienced researcher who is passionate about improving the lives of older people. Anna’s research has been heavily influenced by her practice experience and she focuses on research that has practical implications for policy and practice.
Meg Humphrey
Elder Abuse Prevention Project Coordinator, Active and Healthy Ageing, Merri Health
Meg Humphrey is a social worker with extensive experience across the prevention continuum in family violence and elder abuse. An intersectional feminist, she is dedicated to raising the voices of those with diverse experiences and perspectives. Passionate about digital inclusion, environmental connection, and social justice. Meg leads the North and West Metro Elder Abuse Prevention Networks, striving to build communities that respect and value every age.
Elder Abuse Prevention Project Coordinator, Active and Healthy Ageing, Merri Health
Meg Humphrey is a social worker with extensive experience across the prevention continuum in family violence and elder abuse. An intersectional feminist, she is dedicated to raising the voices of those with diverse experiences and perspectives. Passionate about digital inclusion, environmental connection, and social justice. Meg leads the North and West Metro Elder Abuse Prevention Networks, striving to build communities that respect and value every age.
Dominique Horne
Quality and Research Coordinator, Aged Care Assessment Services - North West ACAS. The Royal Melbourne Hosptial
Quality and Research Coordinator, Aged Care Assessment Services - North West ACAS. The Royal Melbourne Hosptial
Christine Hall
Project Consultant, Older Women's Network NSW
Project Consultant, Older Women's Network NSW
June Lowe
Project Coordinator, Celebrate Ageing Ltd
Project Coordinator, Celebrate Ageing Ltd
Hayat Doughan
Ageing Well Lead, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Founder & Director of Al-Emaan Women’s Group.
Hayat has been supporting and empowering women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds to live healthier, safer, and to become financially independent. Facilitating information sessions and referrals to education courses, and support services. Currently, she leads the Seniors Capacity Building and Elder Abuse Prevention projects, focusing on raising awareness amongst older people about ageing well, living safely with dignity and respect.
Ageing Well Lead, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Founder & Director of Al-Emaan Women’s Group.
Hayat has been supporting and empowering women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds to live healthier, safer, and to become financially independent. Facilitating information sessions and referrals to education courses, and support services. Currently, she leads the Seniors Capacity Building and Elder Abuse Prevention projects, focusing on raising awareness amongst older people about ageing well, living safely with dignity and respect.
Sharon Stone
Coordinator Pathways to Employment, Older Women's Network NSW
Sharon is an experienced career and leadership change agent, deeply committed to promoting equity and accessible employment for everyone. Her background includes collaboration with corporates and diverse NGOs and non-profit entities across multiple sectors including health, the arts, education, and the global humanitarian field. Her dedication to empowering older women to re-enter the workforce through her role at OWN NSW is a personal mission, driven by the desire to affect positive change in individual lives and inspire the business community to engage in this vital endeavour.
Coordinator Pathways to Employment, Older Women's Network NSW
Sharon is an experienced career and leadership change agent, deeply committed to promoting equity and accessible employment for everyone. Her background includes collaboration with corporates and diverse NGOs and non-profit entities across multiple sectors including health, the arts, education, and the global humanitarian field. Her dedication to empowering older women to re-enter the workforce through her role at OWN NSW is a personal mission, driven by the desire to affect positive change in individual lives and inspire the business community to engage in this vital endeavour.
Steve Grady
Dementia Aged Care Advocate
Steve lives well with Younger Onset Dementia and has a wife living in residential aged care. Steve is passionate about combating the stigma attached to dementia and the promoting the rights of people living in aged care, particularly older people with complex health issues.
Dementia Aged Care Advocate
Steve lives well with Younger Onset Dementia and has a wife living in residential aged care. Steve is passionate about combating the stigma attached to dementia and the promoting the rights of people living in aged care, particularly older people with complex health issues.
Manika Conning
tbc
tbc
Dr Catherine Barrett
Director of Celebrate Ageing Ltd
Catherine is the Founder and Director of Celebrate Ageing Ltd. Catherine has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Trail Blazer, for her work promoting the rights of older women - including their right to be free from sexual violence.
Director of Celebrate Ageing Ltd
Catherine is the Founder and Director of Celebrate Ageing Ltd. Catherine has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Trail Blazer, for her work promoting the rights of older women - including their right to be free from sexual violence.
Dr Deborah Wood
Artist
Deborah's work Dancing Ladies highlight the power of older women and Deborah's invitation to Joyous Rage is a call for older women to recognise their power.
Artist
Deborah's work Dancing Ladies highlight the power of older women and Deborah's invitation to Joyous Rage is a call for older women to recognise their power.
Contact us
If you would like more information on Embolden2024 please contact Dr Catherine Barrett on 0419 582 237 or email [email protected]
Partnerships
Embolden2024 is an initiative of Celebrate Ageing Ltd. We are delighted to announce or first Principal Partners Elder Rights Advocacy, the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Older Women's Network of NSW and ADA Australia.
