Weave

Dr Chay Brown

Dr Chay Brown is born and raised in Mparntwe Alice Springs. She has been researching violence against women for over a decade and works closely with Aboriginal women’s groups in the Northern Territory to prevent family violence.  Chay has lived experience of domestic, family, and sexual violence and regularly speaks as a survivor-advocate to inform policy responses and drive change. Chay’s doctoral research explored what works to prevent violence against women in the Northern Territory, which led to the development of a Northern Territory specific violence prevention framework. 

Sono Leone Weatherall

Sono Leone Weatherall is a Butchulla & Garrawa Woman who was born and lives on Turrbal and Yuggera lands in Brisbane. Sono has had an extensive career in the public service spanning over 12 years and has also worked in her community with her people since she was 17 years old in different capacities. She also currently sits on the Queensland DFV Peak Advisory Group till 2027.  In 2017, she became the Founder and CEO of Strong Women Talking – Marigurim Mubi Yangu Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Corporation, a domestic and family violence (DFV) organisation that is passionate about breaking the cycle of violence for First Nation women and children.

Gaylene Yenhu Gurruwiwi

Yenhu has been part of Galiwin’ku Women’s Space since the begining 10 years ago. It was through her lived experience of domestic violence that drove her to join the development of GWS in 2012. Yenhu started her professional career at a young age and has worn many hats within the Galiwin’ku Social Services Sector. In her early career Yenhu worked at the local bank and employment services, and developed a keen interest in community development from a Yolngu perspective. Yenhu’s career then progressed into the collective impact space though her work with the Shepherdson College Connected Beginings program and her membership on the Yolngu Wanganhamirri Mitji and GWS boards. Now, Yenhu works as the GWS Programs and Partnerships Coordinator, fostering relationships with key stakeholders and developing and growing GWS service models and frameworks. Yenhus committment to building strong foundations for our services that are grounded in the Gurruṯu framework has lead to some of GWS’s most important and groundbreaking work so far. With a fierce passion for justice and peace paired with a tireless work ethic, Yenhu is a true community leader

Rhoda Golung Dhurrkay

Golung is a leader, teacher, researcher and translator for our domestic, family and sexual violence education services, resources, and our governance policies and procedures. Golung was a teacher at Shepherdson College in Galiwin’ku for 10 years while be a translator for the Bilble translation services in Elcho Island. She is an integral member of Galiwin’ku Women’s Space staff and Committee of Management. Advocating for people identifying as women who are experience domestic, family, and sexual violence through our Yolŋu Gurruṯu Case Mangement. This year Golung has played a major role in supporting GWS staff to develop, educate and lead DFSV services in our neighbouring community of Gapuwiyak. GWS were successful in gaining funding for the community & place based partnership for DFSV preventation & response grant, from the NT government. GWS will lead a project team partnering with Goŋ-Däl (Gong-Dal or GDAC, meaning strong hands) of Gapuwiyak to establish a Gurruṯu (kindship) based managment for domestic, family, and sexual violence in Gapuwiyak and surrounding homelands.

Faith Makwanya

Faith Makwanya is an experienced Operations Manager who has led the Galiwinku Women's Space for six years. Her work focuses on supporting women's empowerment, community development, and creating safe environments for women in the Galiwinku community. With a Bachelor of Social Work and a master’s in international development, Faith brings a deep understanding of social justice, human rights, and sustainable development practices. She is dedicated to making a positive impact through her leadership and expertise in community-focused initiatives, particularly in advocating for women’s rights and enhancing the well-being of marginalized communities.

Kayla Glynn-Braun

Kayla Glynn-Braun is a proud First Nations Wiradjuri Woman from New South Wales and has lived in Australia’s Northern Territory for over a decade.  Kayla has seen firsthand the impacts are on colonisation on First Nation people and has lived experience with violence, poverty, and the ‘justice' system. Kayla has worked within the community and housing sector for over a decade and has worked in frontline services responding to domestic, family, and sexual violence. Kayla is particularly passionate about the critical and urgent need for Australia to address violence perpetrated against First Nations women. 

Dr Emma Fulu

Dr Emma Fulu As the Founder and Co-CEO of The Equality Institute, a global feminist agency, Emma is at the forefront of advancing gender equality. She's a familiar face in the media, with appearances on Al Jazeera, CNN, and the BBC. Emma also co-founded VOICE, an NGO amplifying the solutions of women and girls in conflict zones. With a PhD from the University of Melbourne, Emma’s research and advocacy have shaped global conversations on gender, violence, and feminist leadership.