The campaign to end gender-based violence - 16 Days of Activism - launches in Warrnambool on November 22 with a presentation by community worker and VFLW player, Courtney Ugle.
Ms Ugle, a proud Noongar woman from Bunbury in Western Australia, has transformed personal tragedy into a mission of hope, healing and big dreams.
She is the founder and CEO of Waangkiny, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering communities and fostering change through story-telling.
Ms Ugle's life has been shaped by profound losses, having grown up in an environment marked by domestic violence and losing both parents at a young age.
These challenges have fuelled her vision, driving her to be a voice for those whose stories need to be told and heard.
In recent years she has played for Footscray in the VFLW and this year was a member of the team that played in the grand final against North Melbourne.
Ms Ugle's presentation, Adversity to Influence, will be staged at the Lighthouse Theatre's Studio space.
"We're thrilled to have Courtney come to Warrnambool to share her story," Warrnambool City Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason said.
"It's an amazing story and I think a lot of people will draw inspiration from Courtney."
Along with Ms Ugle's presentation the Lighthouse Theatre is also hosting an exhibition, Creative Voices, featuring art created by women impacted by family violence.
The exhibition has been organised by the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre while Warrnambool's 16 Days of Activism program is a partnership between Council, Orange Door and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
The details
16 Days of Activism
Courtney Ugle on Adversity to Influence
Venue: Lighthouse Theatre (Studio)
Date: Friday November 22, 12.30pm-2pm
Food available, free admission, all welcome
