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Our Ways Strong Ways Our Voices Plan 2026-2036
The Our Ways Strong Ways Our Voices Plan 2026-2036 was launched in February 2026.
Our Ways Strong Together (OWST) is the national community-controlled peak for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in the family, domestic and sexual violence sector. OWST is currently working in partnership with the Department of Social Services (DSS) to develop an Action Plan to guide implementation and resourcing over the next five years. To support development of the Our Ways First Action Plan, OWST is undertaking consultations from the 24th of August – 30th of September 2026.
We would like to capture your views on:
- What is the most important priority for safer and strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?
- What governance, shared decision-making, investment and system reform settings are needed?
- What support does your organisation, and the broader sector, need over the next five years to drive meaningful change and help build stronger, safer families and communities?
Different ways to engage
We are offering several different ways for you to engage:
- Place-based meetings
- Virtual meetings
- Oral or Written submissions.
We will reach out to our members and other ACCOs across the sector to invite your participation in the consultations (see the consultation schedule below). Please feel welcome to contact Our Ways Strong Together to share your interest and participate in the consultations. Submissions close 26th September 2026.
Consultation Session Schedule
Brisbane – 26th of August 10:00am – 12:30pm (Hybrid)
Sydney – 28th of August 10:00am – 12:30pm (In-person)
Canberra – 9th of September 10:00am – 12:30pm (Hybrid)
Torres Strait Islands – Week of the 21st of September (In-person)
Perth – 29th of September 10:00am – 12:30pm (Online)
Systems, Policy, and Evidence (Virtual) – To be confirmed
Remote areas (Virtual) – To be confirmed
Tasmania (Virtual) – To be confirmed
*Please note, our schedule may change in response to interest, and we will update the schedule accordingly. Please contact our Secretariat Officer Biljana Catanzariti, on Connect@ourways.org.au for further information.
Oral or Written Submissions
To make an oral or written submission you can:
- click here Please note, this is a DSS webpage, and your submission will be uploaded here.
- Contact OWST directly via connect@ourways.org.au
Please sign this consent form when you submit an oral or written submission.
One-on-One meetings
We also welcome one-on-one discussions for those who cannot attend a scheduled consultation. Please contact Our Ways Secretariat, Biljana Catanzariti, on Connect@ourways.org.au to arrange a time for discussion.
Please see these links for more information: