Better Place Australia

10/12/2025

It takes a lot of special people to make a better place. Yesterday, we all got together to celebrate the many wonderful people that make Better Place Australia the special organisation that it is.

Thank you all for your continued hard work and compassion. Our community would not be what it is without you. Here's to all of your achievements in 2025, as well as everything that 2026 holds!

And, of course, a major congratulations to the recipients of our 2025 Staff Recognition Award, who consistently went above and beyond to demonstrate the values of BPA:

• Peyton Yan
• Liv Grant
• Josh Strachan
• Laura Stark
• Jhooma Barthwal

05/12/2025

There wasn't a dry eye in the room as Mataio Brown, activist and co-founder of She Is Not Your Rehab () delivered an emotional and thoughtful keynote about the importance of community and culture in breaking cycles of violence and generational trauma, followed by an informative Q&A.

We would love to thank everybody who attended, as well as , and the City of Wyndham for hosting such an incredible event.

Additionally, both the CEOs of Relationship Matters and Better Place Australia announced that both organisations are starting a co-location partnership; an initiative that will make the services of both more accessible and effective for those that need them.

Overall, today was a major success, and we look forward to seeing where it leads.

04/12/2025

Better Place is honoured to join Wyndham City, Victoria University and Relationship Matters in welcoming Matt Brown, the co-founder of She Is Not Your Rehab (SINYR) an organisation dedicated to ending family violence, promoting mental health, and redefining masculinity.

In his keynote, Matt will share strategies to address family violence and trauma, focusing on community and cultural change to break cycles. He encourages men to overcome shame, take responsibility, and foster respectful relationships - inspiring empathy, safety, and wellbeing for all.

25/11/2025

Today is Economic Abuse Awareness Day, established by Centre for Women's Economic Safety, in which we call for both the acknowledgment and action necessary to combat domestic economic abuse.

If you, or somebody you know, is experiencing domestic economic abuse, you can find support and resources at: https://www.financialfirstaid.org.au/

Additionally, if you're an organisation, we strongly urge you to read the CWES guide to Supporting Economic Safety, so you can learn how to use your resources to provide support to those experiencing economic domestic abuse.
https://cwes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Guide-Support-My-Economic-Safety.pdf

Economic abuse is a common form of intimate partner violence impacting 16% of women and 7% of men [Data source: ABS]. Despite this, the majority of more than 350 recommendations made to government have not been implemented.

To read more about these recommendations, visithttps://cwes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CWES-Progress-Review-Government-Action-on-Economic-Abuse.pdf

29/10/2025

Communities that call in and call out help challenge ageism with honesty and compassion.

We may not always know the difference and which approach is best.

Learn about calling in and calling out ageism and when to use each approach.

📣 Use our Guide to speak up when you see or hear ageism
📱 Scan the QR code at the end to download the Guide

22/10/2025

Be part of a community that takes action to address ageism.

Sometimes we don’t know there are different ways to respond.

When we know what to say and do, we can confidently respond in positive and respectful ways. Or we can always ask for help.

You can make a difference:
📣 Use the Guide to speak up when you see or hear ageism
📱 Scan the QR code at the end to download the Guide

22/10/2025

BPA’s Rhonda Withers has been working with Victoria Police, Elder Rights Australia, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, City of Greater Dandenong, SECASA and Windemere on The Stronger Together partnership.

This partnership tackles all forms of elder abuse, exploitation and mistreatment, which goes significantly unreported and misunderstood. Ageism and a sense of entitlement has become entrenched, when our seniors are our trailblazers, with life experiences, drive and resilience to share.

Sometimes the work that we do, stories we hear, and connections made, transcends another social media post or clever anecdote to share. But the conversations we need to have, the actions required around reducing harm and empowering some of our most vulnerable community members, is urgent.

Last Thursday, a Better Place Australia Victim Survivor spoke in his own words, from a place of so much trauma to today, as a champion for change. For all the failings of the system, there are real heroes, from police, advocate and practitioner (Liz Wahr), that have come on that journey with him and with so much wrap around support, empathy and leadership.

21/10/2025

October 19-25 is Hidden Disabilities Week, in which we acknowledge the estimated 3.5 million Australians living with conditions or chronic illnesses that are not immediately visible to the naked eye.

This week, we strongly urge you to:
- Learn about the challenges and misconceptions that people with invisible disabilities face
- Reflect on your allyship, and consider what you can do to practice your advocacy
- Listen to people in your life with disabilities so that you can offer meaningful support that addresses their needs
- Put pillars in place so that you can continue your advocacy and education long after the end of this week, as people experiencing invisible disabilities deserve dignity, empathy and respect always

Resources:
https://www.lwb.org.au/news/understanding-invisible-disabilities/
https://hdsunflower.com/au/
https://www.invisibledisabilities.com.au/

It’s Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October)! 🌻

Around 80–85% of people with a disability have one that isn’t visible. These include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and chronic conditions that aren’t always immediately apparent.

Not all disabilities are visible — but a little understanding and kindness can go a long way in making everyone feel seen and supported.

Image description: A green graphic with sunflower design promoting Invisible Disabilities Week, 19th–25th October. It features a Sunflower lanyard, a person icon with a sunflower, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower logo.

16/10/2025

Today, Better Place Australia joined Victoria Police and Elder Rights Advocacy in attending the Stronger Together Community Forum that aimed to inform Older People of their rights, as well as provide information, support and resources concerning safety and responding to Elder Abuse.

One of the speakers was Ron, who demonstrated incredible strength and bravery as he recounted his experience of Elder Abuse. He and Better Place's Rhonda Withers created a safe and comprehensive learning environment for all who attended.

We would like to thank Ron, Rhonda, Victoria Police, Elder Rights Australia and City of Greater Dandenong for their efforts to realise this event. This event will be covered further by Channel Nine as well.

15/10/2025

Be part of a society that steps in and plays a powerful role to address ageism.

Sometimes we don’t know how to respond and stepping in can take practice.

When we are an active bystander, we can support people and their rights and create a culture where every age is celebrated.

Scan the QR code to download the Guide.

13/10/2025

At Better Place Australia, we believe in community and being stronger together.

That is why we are joining with other community organisations including Victoria Police, Elder Rights Australia, City of Greater Dandenong, Windermere and the Department of Government Services to inform you on your rights in:
• Aged Care
• Recognising and Reporting Elder Abuse
• Victim Support
• How to Protect Yourself Against Scams and Enhance Your Cyber Safety

Join us on Thursday, 16th of October (10am to 2pm) at Springvale City Hall (18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale), and stay empowered and informed about free services and support.

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/10/2025

Be part of a society that respects, values and celebrates everyone at every age.

Workplace ageism is often unseen and accepted, and many people don’t see how it affects others.

Today is Ageism Awareness Day - let’s change the conversation.
Use this guide to speak up when you see or hear ageism.

Scan the QR code to download the Guide.