The Change Makers Collective is a new free 10-week advocacy and leadership program for women with lived experience of domestic, family and sexual violence.
An initiative of the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, supported by GM³, the program is for women who want to use their voice to help improve the systems, services and responses that affect women experiencing violence.
What will I learn?
You’ll build practical skills and explore different ways to advocate for change. Together, we’ll look at:
Understanding advocacy and how change happens
Identifying the change you want to make
Working with decision-makers and other stakeholders
Engaging with the media
Sharing lived experience safely
Setting and communicating boundaries
Looking after yourself while advocating
Developing your own advocacy project
Do I need advocacy experience?
No. You don’t need previous advocacy experience or a project already in mind.
Do I have to share my story?
No. There is no expectation that you share the details of your personal experiences. An important part of the program is exploring how to use your voice in a way that feels right for you.
What’s involved?
The program starts in October 2026 and will run for 10 weeks every Thursday from 10am to 1pm and will be held at the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, Benson Ave, Shellharbour.
Interested in becoming a Changemaker?
We’re now inviting expressions of interest from women who would like to be part of the first Change Makers Collective.
Express your interest via the EOI form, or by emailing: melindaf@womenstrc.com.au
