Ways of working

Trauma informed

My earlier career and background was in therapeutic counselling, specifically in trauma and abuse counselling. I am also a victim-survivor of domestic, family & sexual violence. This along with working to support and empower victim-survivors and marginalised people in media advocacy, systemic advocacy and community engagement has given me years of experience in authentic trauma informed practice. Creating and maintaining safety is at the core of my work.

Intersectional 

I am an LGBTQIA+, disabled, First Nations person who grew up in government housing in a rural area.   My intersectional framework and personal experience ensures everything I do considers diverse experiences and inequality based on disability, class, age, race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, sex-worker status, criminalisation and other identities that are subject to oppression or maginalisation.

Deep listening & yarning approach

My community engagement approach is one of deep listening, honouring that people are experts on their own lives. I can engage with people in formal or informal ways, but acknowledge and can practice a yarning approach to make engagement feel safe and welcoming.

Human rights based

My work is informed by human rights conventions, including:

Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(CRPD)

Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Collaborative & strengths based 

I am continually exploring and acknowledging power differences to ensure my approach is based on giving power to or power with, instead of using power over.  I believe that people not only have insights into the root causes of oppression and marginalisation but hold the answers to solutions based on their own strengths and wisdom.

Inclusive and person-centred

My inclusive practice ensures I am considerate of accessibility needs and work with the person on what they need to feel included, safe and heard. I engage with people by being sensitive to their ways or styles of communication and intuitive to their comfort levels in sharing their lived experiences.