Brittany Higgins to headline Give Where You Live Foundation’s 2025 Conversations That Matter
The Give Where You Live Foundation is proud to announce that its fourth Conversations That Matter event will feature Brittany Higgins, a powerful advocate whose lived experience has made her a leading voice in the fight against gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing social issues in Australia. Data shows that in 2024 one woman was killed every four days[i], and one in five women has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15[ii].
Since courageously sharing her own story, Brittany Higgins has become a central figure in reshaping the national conversation on sexual harassment. She advocates for legal reform, safer workplace cultures, and stronger systems of support for victim survivors of sexual violence.
“I’m honoured to join the illustrious group of past speakers to deliver the annual Give Where You Live Foundation ‘Conversations That Matter’ address.”
“Australia has gone through significant social upheaval following the 2021 #MeToo movement. This moment ushered in a number of structural reforms including the implementation of the Respect@Work positive duty in Australian workplaces, a renewed focus on consent education in the community, and the affirmative consent model being rolled out across the country.”
“In 2025 we confront a new set of challenges to gender equity. Globally, we’ve seen a number of concerning trends; women’s rights being eroded, the online indoctrination of young men and legal systems being weaponised to reinforce existing power structures.”
“This conversation has never been more relevant or important as we confront increasing polarisation that is taking us further away from equality.”
Give Where You Live Foundation CEO, Zac Lewis, said the Foundation is proud to provide a platform in Geelong for such an urgent and meaningful conversation.
“The Give Where You Live Foundation launched Conversations That Matter in 2022 as part of our commitment to raising issues that can be difficult to talk about and ensuring people have a voice. We know that real change happens when communities come together to listen, speak openly and challenge ideas and systems that enable inequality.”
“The alarming statistics around gender-based violence highlight the need for continued public discussion. We are looking forward to hearing from Brittany Higgins, who continues to fight fearlessly for the rights and voices of victim-survivors.” said Mr Lewis.
Mr Lewis said that violence against women is a systemic issue linked to gender inequality and Brittany Higgins has been instrumental in shifting the national conversation and driving real change.
“Brittany’s courage in speaking out marked a turning point in Australia’s national conversation on gender-based violence. Her advocacy, while deeply personal, has helped to amplify victim survivor voices, promote legal reform, and drive structural change across powerful institutions in our community.”
Higgins’ advocacy efforts include championing legislative reforms and calling for improved responses from police and the legal system to cases of gender-based violence. Despite the prevalence of sexual violence, data still shows that of those who experience sexual assault, 92% do not report it to police, and only 57% seek advice or support from another source.[iii]
“These aren’t just statistics,” Mr Lewis added. “They represent the real stories and lived experiences of people in our community – neighbours, colleagues, friends, and family members.”
The Give Where You Live Foundation acknowledges the strength, trauma, and resilience of all people impacted by sexual and family violence and remains committed to advancing conversations that challenge systems and drive community-led change.
For anyone impacted by sexual violence, you’re not alone, support is available. For help, please contact The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre on 03 5222 4318
Conversations that Matter, Thursday 5 June 2025, GMHBA Stadium Tickets available from www.givewhereyoulive.com.au/events
[i] Unlocking the Prevention Potential, Accelerating action to end domestic family and sexual violence, Ms Elena Campbell, Dr Todd Fernando, Dr Leigh Gassner APM, Ms Jess Hill, Dr Zac Seidler & Dr Anne Summers AO
[ii] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Family, domestic and sexual violence https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/types-of-violence/sexual-violence
[iii] Australian Bureau of Statistics. Sexual Violence Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics; 2021-22 [Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/sexual-violence/latest-release.