Speakers at the annual Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Women’s Taskforce dinner challenged a capacity crowd to consider how institutions can reduce gender-based violence and support vulnerable women and children. Source: Catholic Voice.
The dinner, held on Friday night at the Southern Cross Club, was a major fundraiser for MacKillop House in Canberra, which supports women and children experiencing homelessness.
“The call from both Catholic and mainstream media prompted our 2025 Dinner to address gender-based violence through respectful dialogue and practical action,” Helena Zobec, President of the Catholic Archdiocesan Women’s Taskforce, said.
“Our speakers turned discomfort into clarity, showing what’s already working in our archdiocese and how we can scale it. The community’s engagement heartens me, and I am grateful for the ongoing support of MacKillop House’s essential work.”
Three experts in school culture, sex education, and frontline support outlined challenges faced by schools, agencies, and families while calling for collaborative solutions.
Sheridan Kerr detailed research with Marist College under the theme “Together, we create fine young men.”
“We asked students, ‘What does it mean to be a fine young man, and what can Marist do to improve respectful relationships for everyone?’” Dr Kerr said.
Criminal lawyer and researcher Katrina Marson spoke of years spent prosecuting sexual offences and the insight it offered.
She argued that education is the surest safeguard. “Prosecution can’t put lives back together — prevention can keep them from going to pieces.”
Marymead CatholicCare CEO Anne Kirwan highlighted the scale of the crisis, noting, “On average, a woman is killed by a current or former partner every seven days in this country.”
She linked domestic violence to housing shortages and outlined the impact of MacKillop House.
“In five years, we’ve offered safe refuge to 198 women, 41 mothers and 61 children. Our priority is to uphold their dignity and give them hope for a better future.”
Domestic Violence Crisis Service CEO Sue Webbeck also underscored the importance of education for both adults and young people.
“Providing young people with clear information about expectations in relationships is crucial. But we also have to be careful not to put everything on their shoulders,” she said.
Alyssa Markmann, Religious Education Coordinator at Merici College, described efforts to build trust. “Our pastoral care program is essential in making sure students know they have adults within the school they can trust,” she said. “We encourage our students to be strong in who they are and proud of being women.”
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MacKillop House fundraiser puts spotlight on prevention and support (By Jeanine Doyle, Catholic Voice)
