May is always a busy month.

May is Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Awareness month, and last week I caught up with Secretary of the Queensland Police Union of Employees Shane Prior to listen to his thoughts on preventing and responding to DFV.

The next day I had the honour of hosting a DFV workshop, bringing together key stakeholders, including newly elected member for Griffith, Renee Coffey.

Central to the workshop was recognising the signs of DFV and coercive control, and how to support people who may be experiencing it.

The workshop included an insightful presentation by Sarah, a qualified counsellor who supports victims of DFV in her salon, Lavelle Hair, as well as through her community work.

Sarah shared her experience recognising signs given by clients going through DFV and what can be done to support them.

Dave Kramer then led a discussion about behavioural and attitudinal changes needed in male circles to prevent DV at its source.

He highlighted breakthrough programs, such as the free mental health app for men, InnerBoy.

Dave is an educator for Small Steps 4 Hannah (SS4H), a non-profit organisation established by the family of Hannah Clarke, who tragically lost her life as a result of DFV in 2020, along with her three children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey.

A few days later, Brisbane Metropolitan Touch Association (BMTA) hosted the Patron’s VI vs Chairman’s VI charity match in support of SS4H.

With myself and BMTA Chairman Corey Nolan as respective team captains, the match was an exciting affair for both players and spectators.

The match was a huge success, with many key members of the community lacing up the boots to show support for DFV awareness.

Also in May was International Nurses and Midwives Day.

On May 5 I proudly stood with the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union for the Brisbane Labour Day March.

Two weeks later I had the opportunity to speak at Whites Hill State College, who gave a tour and demo of their health hub, where students can learn skills for their future careers as nurses and midwives.  

The health hub is run by Mater Education, a hospital-based Registered Training Organisation and approved provider of the fully funded Free Nursing incentive in 2025.