Two presentations in one!
Learn how two organisations are addressing challenges boys and men face in accessing and staying engaged with support services.
1. Bridging the Gaps – When Disconnected Services Fail Men
About:
This session explores how disconnected systems create barriers for men seeking support, leading to disengagement and poor outcomes. It highlights service gaps, unclear referrals, and communication issues, with examples from FIFO workers, men leaving incarceration, and Aboriginal men. The session demonstrates that men aren’t hard to reach—the system often fails them. Attendees will learn about the effects of fragmented care on men’s mental health and relationships, and discover practical solutions like warm handovers, coordinated referrals, culturally responsive engagement, and community-based support to improve continuity and collaboration.
About the Presenter:
Stephen Morrison – Aboriginal Cultural Practice and Capability Manager, Hope Community Services
In his role at Hope Community Services, Stephen manages and champions the development and implementation of strategies, projects, frameworks and initiatives that enable HOPE to embed First Nations cultural knowledge, improve cultural safety, conscience and capability across the workforce whilst recognising the diversity across the regions.
He has a particular interest in working with young people – for the past 11 years he has also been a volunteer youth coordinator for the local BLAST Youth Group, Mingah Aboriginal Corporation Kalgoorlie.
Stephen has undertaken Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and is now a local workshop facilitator. He is currently training to become a facilitator for Indigenous ASIST (I-ASIST) and SafeTalk facilitator with Living Works Australia.
2. Calling Men In – Learnings from White Ribbon Australia’s Campaigns
About:
How do we bring men into meaningful conversations about respect, equality, and healthier relationships and keep them connected to the right support? In this interactive Q&A session, White Ribbon Australia will share learnings from our #WeListen and the ‘Not Perfect, Better’ campaigns.
Through visuals, social media content, and radio ads, we’ll unpack what men and boys told us about their barriers and motivations to act. We’ll show how these insights shaped co-designed tools and pathways that link men from awareness into resources, networks, and programs demonstrating how communications can foster continuity of care and support sustained change.
About the Presenter’s:
Ciara Lowe – Director of Marketing and Communications, Communicare and White Ribbon Australia
Bringing 20 years’ experience across internal and external communications within corporate and community service sectors, Ciara is a strategic, relationship-driven communicator who thrives in dynamic environments. A brand and employer brand specialist, Ciara has a proven track record of delivering innovative, effective strategies that drive behaviour change, strengthen engagement, and build trust. Her leadership has supported transformation across organisations including Chevron Australia’s Gorgon Project and One Tree Community Services. Collaboration is central to her approach, and she leads with inclusivity, purpose, and a strong focus on measurable community impact.
Claire Hurst – National Director, White Ribbon Australia
Claire is a senior executive with more than 20 years’ leadership experience across government, consultancy, and the not-for-profit sector. She has extensive expertise in social policy reform, corporate governance and strategy, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, with a proven record in delivering cross-sector initiatives that improve outcomes for women, children, and vulnerable communities.
Claire has led statewide advocacy campaigns and driven systemic reforms in disability, child protection, youth justice, and community inclusion. She is an accredited Mental Health First Aider, a former Lifeline telephone counsellor, and a MATE Bystander Program Trainer, demonstrating her strong commitment to preventing family and domestic violence and advancing social inclusion.
Josh Edge – Executive Creative Director, Anthologie
Known for combining bold creativity with strategic storytelling, Josh leads teams to deliver work that is culturally relevant and socially meaningful. A Freo local and “typical bloody leftie”, Josh thrives at the intersection of creativity and social impact, bringing progressive values into every project. His career spans award-winning campaigns, digital innovation and brand activations that aim to do more than just sell – they aim to shift culture
