NSW Department of Communities and Justice

The Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin is establishing a NSW Lived Experience Advisory Group, and we are seeking victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence to join us in driving meaningful change. Group members will share their ideas to help inform NSW government policies, services and support systems. Your insights will contribute to decision-making that reflects the lived experience of those impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence. We welcome applications from people with all backgrounds — different ages (over 18), cultures, genders and identities. Diversity strengthens our work, and your unique perspective is vital to creating an equitable and supportive future where every voice is valued. Applications close 16 May 2025. For more information about the Expression of Interest process, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/dQFhGJ6M If you have experienced domestic, family and/or sexual violence and need support, please visit: https://lnkd.in/dge8Z5UW

"In Samoan culture, Tautua (service) is one of the fundamental core values. Leadership comes through service—serving your family, church, and village. These values are what I bring to my role here at DCJ, where I strive to serve as both a leader and a supportive colleague. I am always ready to help and share my experiences, particularly in assisting Pacific Islander families to navigate the court process during some of the most challenging and traumatic times in their lives.” Liuatu Eva Tuautu, a dedicated Team Leader at the State Coroner’s Court registry, has recently been honoured with a matai chief title from her maternal family and village in Samoa. This title is not just a personal milestone but a great honour and privilege for her mother and entire family, who take immense pride in this recognition. “I hope to lead by example, and I am incredibly grateful to work in this department, especially alongside my wonderful work family in the Coroner’s Court, who not only embrace my culture but offer unwavering support.” Her advice to young people in her community? Be proud of who you are and where you come from, work hard, and remain humble.

The Work and Development Order (WDO) Scheme has improved. There are now more ways for people experiencing financial hardship to clear their fines debt through unpaid work, courses, counselling, mentoring or treatment programs. It also means more opportunities for WDO sponsors to support people to get back on their feet. Updates to the Scheme include: ✅ A new resource kit with clearer guidance and support for sponsors ✅ More mental health and life skills support with social workers now included as WDO sponsors ✅ No age restrictions for mentoring programs ✅ Access for interstate participants with NSW fines ✅ Broader eligibility for participants to support more people affected by cost-of-living pressures ✅ Clarity around permitted activities, like court-ordered drug treatment Nicole, a Community Access Worker at the Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre on Bundjalung Country, is a WDO supervisor. Nicole says being a WDO sponsor is a win for all.  “Being a WDO sponsor helps our community. It creates opportunities to have deep conversations with local people who might not normally walk through our doors.”  The WDO scheme has helped more than 138,000 people to reduce their fines debt and get back on their feet. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gzGDwAEj

Last month, the DCJ Multicultural Network hosted Mentorship Roundtables, bringing together 60 participants from across DCJ. The event featured Anna Cheney, Bendelta Executive Coach, who spoke on ‘Communicating with Impact’ and provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with senior executives as mentors, gaining invaluable insights on a range of professional development topics. Feedback highlighted the event’s strong networking opportunities and the importance of fostering a mindset of continuous learning. It was inspiring to see mentees actively engaged in dynamic discussions at their tables.

Congratulations to all the winners announced at the 2025 DCJ Practice Conference. The Practice Conference and Excellence in Practice Awards brings together more than 500 DCJ child protection and out-of-home care caseworkers in person and another 500 online across NSW to connect, celebrate good practice and learn together. The event theme, ‘Strengthening Practice, Centring Children’ emphasises the importance of child-focused approaches in a time of significant reform. These awards celebrate the dedication, expertise, and compassion that define child protection and out-of-home care practice. Each winner has made a profound impact on children, young people, families, and communities—demonstrating excellence in leadership, championing Aboriginal practice, fostering purposeful partnerships, and embracing multicultural approaches. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions. The Minister’s Award for Excellence in Practice Leadership - Paula, Manager Casework, South West Sydney Excellence in Practice Leadership - Raymond, Caseworker Western Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains Excellence in Inspiring Aboriginal Practice - Desma, Manager Casework, Murrumbidgee, Far West & Western NSW - Debbie, Project Officer, Murrumbidgee, Far West & Western NSW - Mathew, Caseworker, Murrumbidgee, Far West & Western NSW Excellence in Purposeful Partnerships - Beau, Caseworker, Illawarra Shoalhaven and Southern NSW The Mary Dimech Award for Multicultural Practice Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minor Program Team – Taneile, Cristina and Alaa from Statewide Services New Caseworker of the Year - Jade, Caseworker, Hunter and Central Coast District Unit of the Year - Fairfield CSC

Applications are now open for the NSW Aboriginal Community Safety Grants. The grants provide an opportunity to fund Aboriginal-led activity and response to enhance safety and wellbeing for Aboriginal individuals, families and communities. We are running information sessions on Friday 28 March and Wednesday 2 April. To check your eligibility and register for one of these events, please visit: dcjnsw.info/ACSGP Applications close at 4:00pm (AEST) on Tuesday 28th April 2025.

Construction has commenced on a new refuge in Newcastle, on Awabakal land, to support women and children escaping domestic violence. Home in Place has started building the nine-unit Core and Cluster refuge, which will offer safe, self-contained living spaces located next to a central hub where on-site support services will be delivered. Once construction is completed, the new women’s refuge will offer culturally safe support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. With a $8.97 million investment from the NSW Government, this vital project is expected to be completed by late 2025. If you or someone you know needs support, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63.

Experienced lawyer Richard Beasley SC has been appointed as a judge of the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales. Mr Beasley was admitted as a barrister in 1997 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2011. Over the past 28 years, Mr Beasley has become known as a respected lawyer with a speciality in environmental issues. Mr Beasley has advised on major planning matters including the Barangaroo and Allianz Stadium redevelopments and numerous mining approvals. He was Commissioner to the Auburn City Council Public Inquiry in 2016, Commissioner to the Blue Mountains City Council Public Inquiry in 2018, Senior Counsel Assisting the Murray Darling Basin Royal Commission in 2018-2019, Senior Counsel Assisting the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess in 2020, and Commissioner for the Special Commission of Inquiry into NSW Healthcare Funding in 2023-2024. Mr Beasley was also appointed Commissioner for the River Murray (SA) in 2022 and Environmental Counsel to the Board of the Environmental Protection Authority in 2023, each for a three-year term. In addition to environmental matters, Mr Beasley has experience in commercial and administrative law. He graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 1987, and from the University of Sydney with a Master of Laws in 1995. Outside of law, Mr Beasley is the author of five novels, including Hell Has Harbour Views, which was adapted for ABC television in 2005, and Dead in the Water, a non-fiction account of the environmental degradation to the Murray-Darling Basin. Mr Beasley was sworn in on 17 March 2025.

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. IDERD is an opportunity to meaningfully acknowledge Australia’s deep-seated issues with race and racism, question the various ways racism shapes our society, and double-down on our commitment to anti-racism. DCJ established an Anti-Racism Unit in September 2023 to lead initiatives under the DCJ Anti-Racism Strategy to acknowledge and address racism across the department. The Strategy outlines key actions and initiatives to drive solutions that address racism in the workplace and build capacity across DCJ to create culturally safe workplaces, all while supporting staff impacted by workplace racism. #IDERD #FightRacism #InclusionMatters

National Close the Gap Day reminds us that Closing the Gap isn't just a concept – it's about action! We all have a role to play in advocating for and implementing policies, programs, and services that are designed and delivered in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve outcomes. This week, the Transforming Aboriginal Outcomes team hosted a powerful panel discussion focused on Closing the Gap Priority Reform 1: Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision Making. The panel featured Woppaburra and Kuku Yalanji woman Tenisha Lawrence, and Dr Bronwyn Bate, both of Homes NSW. Walbunja woman of the Yuin Nation, Rebecca Mathias, from NSW Aboriginal Land Council and Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations provided impactful views of Aboriginal organisations working in partnership with government. Strengthening relationships, changing BAU, empowering non-Aboriginal staff and mechanisms to elevate community voice were just some of the topics covered. “My advice is to really listen. Just listen to what people are saying and what they need, and then implement change” said Dr Bronwyn Bate. Our panellists undoubtedly fired everyone up, encouraging every staff member to educate themselves and play their part, including closing remarks from Tenisha: “There has never been anything like Closing the Gap that I have seen in my lifetime, or in my career." Learn more about NSW’s work on Closing the Gap: dcjnsw.info/ClosingtheGap