A dedicated space for learning, collaboration, and reflection
The Disruption Conference: Transforming our Responses to Domestic and Family Violence Lived Experience and Partnership
8–9 September 2025 | Gold Coast, QLD + Online
Join us on the lands of the Kombumerri Saltwater people for The Disruption Conference — a sector-leading event hosted by the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Prevention Centre in partnership with the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Integrated Response (DVIR).
Over two powerful days, we’ll come together to reimagine how we respond to domestic and family violence, learning from those with lived experience and from leading practitioners and systems experts from across Australia and beyond.
Can’t join us on the Gold Coast?
We’re welcoming an international audience with online ticket options, so you can participate from wherever you are in the world.
Day 1: Lived Experience and Innovation
Monday 8 September
Day 1 has been co-designed with victim-survivors and places their voices, creativity, and leadership at the centre of the conversation.
Throughout the day, you’ll hear directly from victim-survivors as they share their experiences navigating support systems, and their vision for change, through spoken word, storytelling, and powerful creative works. Their contributions will challenge, uplift and inspire, highlighting the hope, courage and resilience that drives systemic transformation.
Alongside these lived experience insights, the program will explore bold ideas and community-led innovation through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
We’ll examine barriers to access, gaps in current approaches, and new ways forward, grounded in real-world experience and collaborative practice.
Day 2: Partnership in Action — Learning from the GCDVIR
Tuesday 9 September
Day 2 is dedicated to the Gold Coast DVIR — a model of partnership and collaboration that continues to set the benchmark for integrated responses to domestic and family violence.
You’ll hear from the leaders who built and sustain the GCDVIR, explore how this coordinated model came to life, and discover how its legacy of impact continues to grow locally and beyond.
What to expect:
- A keynote panel unpacking three decades of integrated service delivery
- Practical insights into the commitment to coordination that drives real outcomes for victim-survivors
- Tools and strategies you can apply to strengthen partnerships in your own region
- A rare opportunity to learn directly from an award-winning, trauma-informed DFV whole of community response.
Who is the GCDVIR?
The Gold Coast Domestic Violence Integrated Response (GCDVIR) is a nationally recognised, community-based, multi-agency response to domestic and family violence.
Formed in 1996 in response to high rates of domestic violence and domestic homicides on the Gold Coast, the GCDVIR brings together police, courts, corrective services, child safety, health, social services, and community organisations to deliver coordinated, consistent, and survivor-centred responses.
The GCDVIR has played a pivotal role in DFV justice reform in Queensland, including establishing the state’s first Specialist Domestic Violence Court — a model that has since been adopted statewide. Its integrated approach draws on international best practice and continues to evolve through strong cross-sector collaboration.
Evening Networking Event – Sunset, Connection & Conversation
Monday 8 September
The Boatshed, Sea World Resort
Limited Tickets Available
Unwind after Day 1 of the conference with an evening of meaningful connection on the stunning Gold Coast Broadwater.
Hosted at The Boatshed at Sea World Resort, this exclusive networking event offers the chance to gather with fellow delegates as the sun sets over the water taking a moment to reflect, reconnect and recharge.
Enjoy a relaxed, coastal atmosphere with refreshments, drinks and generous platters included in your ticket. Whether you’re catching up with colleagues or meeting new collaborators, this is a space to deepen relationships and share ideas in a more informal setting.
This event brings together advocates, service providers, policymakers and leaders committed to disrupting the domestic and family violence response and building a stronger, more connected sector.
Spaces are limited and tickets are sold separately — don’t miss this highlight of the conference program.
Meet our speakers
Beck O’Connor
Victims Commissioner, Office of the Victims Commissioner QLD Council Member, Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council
Georgina Dimopoulos
Associate Professor of Law and Research Associate, Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University
Melissa (Petrangelo) Scaia
Domestic Violence Expert and Trainer, Domestic Abuse Project; Global Alliance for Women’s Safety and Equality (GAWSE)
Silke Meyer
Leneen Forde Chair of Child and Family Research, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University
Whether you’re joining us in person or online, you’re invited to be part of this powerful conversation.
The Disruption Conference is more than a professional development event, it’s a chance to connect, learn, and lead change together.
Tickets are on sale now — including online access for national and international delegates.
Book a group of four or more 2-day tickets and receive 10% off — bring your team and learn together.