To provide networking and education opportunities for Health Professionals providing services in the Domestic Family Sexual Violence space across the New England North West region of New South Wales.
This network brings together mental health professionals, GPs, peer workers, lived experience advocates, and community service providers for a safe, interactive and collaborative forum focused on improving mental health support for men across the Tamworth region. Sessions encourage multidisciplinary learning, practical discussion, and the sharing of local knowledge to strengthen referral pathways and support earlier, more appropriate connections for men experiencing distress, isolation, and other mental health challenges.The Network aims to strengthen collaboration across services, enhance practitioner confidence, and improve awareness of local supports to promote more timely, coordinated and person-centred care for men.The network meets monthly on the fourth Saturday of each month and provides access to case-based discussions and peer support opportunities to connect and collaborate with local professionals.Join the network to be added to the mailing list and receive invitations to future meetings.Network Coordinators:Dale McDonald is the founder of BASE FIVE CO and a wellbeing facilitator based in Tamworth, NSW. Drawing on experience across boxing, mindfulness, yoga, and corporate wellness, he delivers Men’s Circles, workplace wellbeing programs, meditation, yoga, and boxing coaching to support holistic health and resilience. Dale is passionate about creating practical, inclusive spaces that foster connection, personal growth, and lasting positive change for individuals and communities.Paul Craig is the founder of Ironbark Recovery and Support, a unique community service providing peer-led support for men experiencing mental health challenges, domestic and family violence, and suicide risk. Drawing on lived experience and professional practice, Paul works collaboratively with local services to improve access, connection, recovery, and hope across regional communities.Corie Morris Save the Dates:Saturday 22 August 2026, 9-10:30am AEST | Network Launch - Support collaboration and service provision
The Human-Animal Intersections Network connects mental health and allied health practitioners, educators and researchers interested in how human-animal relationships intersect with mental health practice. The network explores canine-focused animal-assisted services and assistance animals, alongside companion animals more broadly in contexts including disability, domestic and family violence, homelessness and community services. Meetings will be held at least quarterly in a hybrid format, combining guest expertise, applied and reflective learning, practice spotlights and multidisciplinary discussion to strengthen evidence-informed, ethical practice and cross-sector collaboration.Join the network to be added to the mailing list and receive invitations to future meetings.Network Coordinator:Sylvia Schiavoni is a clinical counsellor, certified animal-assisted intervention specialist (C-AAIS), educator, consultant and founder with dual expertise in human services and animal behaviour. Her background spans trauma, domestic and family violence, behaviour change, disability, vocational and mental health education, animal-assisted practice and assistance dog programs. She is committed to strengthening cross-sector collaboration, ethical practice, workforce capability, program design, and sector governance.Save the Dates:Please mark your calendar with the FY26-27 meeting dates, held from 10:30-12pm AWST (WA time).Tuesday 1 September 2026 | Network Launch - Human-Animal Relationships in Practice: Bonds, Roles, and Animal WelfareTuesday 1 December 2026Tuesday 2 March 2027Tuesday 1 June 2027
The Domestic Violence & Trauma Recovery Professionals Network is a specialised initiative dedicated to supporting women who have experienced domestic violence. This network brings together mental health professionals, trauma specialists, NDIS staff, support workers, and family lawyers to explore evidence-based modalities and practices that foster healing, resilience, and confidence-building.
In addition to mental health support, the group will engage other professionals who assist women, enhancing collaboration between legal and mental health practitioners to ensure a holistic approach to recovery. By fostering professional dialogue and knowledge-sharing, this network aims to empower survivors on their healing journey, equipping them with the emotional and legal support necessary to reclaim their strength and rebuild their lives.
The network will meet four or more times a year, with meetings featuring guest speakers.
