Individual award category
The Individual Award honours an individual who has demonstrated their commitment to addressing domestic and family violence in their community. In particular, the award recognises someone who has developed relationships with a variety of individuals, groups and organisations within the government and non-government sectors.
2008 Winner: Aunty Mary Twaddle from Townsville
Aunty Mary Twaddle has dedicated many years to responding to, and preventing domestic and family violence on Palm Island. Mary’s goal is to see domestic and family violence become a thing of the past on Palm Island.
Mary was a pioneer in helping women and children on Palm Island and began counselling women from her home, providing a safe place for women and children who were subject to domestic and family violence in the1940's.
After recognising a great need for a women's centre on Palm Island, Mary began advocating for the prevention of domestic and family violence, holding community discussions and helping to form a women's committee to advocate for the prevention of domestic and family violence.
As a result of Mary's dedication to this cause, and with the support of the community and council, the Kootana Women's Centre was established for women and children on Palm Island. A family day-care service has also been established at the Kootana Women’s Centre, enabling women to travel to the mainland to do their shopping.
Because of the increase in awareness of the need for domestic and family violence prevention, on Palm Island, Mary was approached by some men on Palm Island to help form a Men's Group. The women's group and the men's group worked alongside each other in the prevention of domestic and family violence. This meant that Mary also had a counselling role with perpetrators, providing guidance on proper family values.
Mary's respect for people's beliefs, culture and way of life, together with her passion for helping women and children, has assisted many women, men and children affected by domestic and family violence on Palm Island.
Mary remains interested in the running of the Kootana Women’s Centre. The centre has now introduced further services including the 'Young Parenting Program', the 'Safe Haven Program' and the 'Elder Women's Support Group'. Mary has empowered women on Palm Island to become involved in community issues and has played a part in strengthening the community as a whole and therefore her amazing work will live on in the generations to come.
2008 Highly Commended: Sergeant George Michael Queensland Domestic Violence Coordinator
Sergeant George Michael, Cairns District Domestic Violence Coordinator for the Queensland Police Service, has significantly improved the response by police to domestic and family violence in the Cairns area. His work has led to an increase in Police’s referral of men who perpetrate domestic and family violence and of people who experience domestic and family violence to support services.