Join us over lunch with keynote speaker Akuch Kuol Anyieth, followed by a panel discussion on the beautiful Prince Hotel Deck in celebration of International Women's Day. Enjoy a cocktail amongst other inspiring women and individuals, all whilst savouring the views over St Kilda Beach. 

The Prince Hotel Deck is a location of pure beauty. With views over St Kilda Beach, the outside terrace is an ideal place to sample a glass of sparkling while savouring the tranquil surrounds. The inside of this light-filled venue features a light filled space where luncheon and time for networking will take place during the early afternoon.

If you are travelling from interstate to attend the event, please get in touch with our National Events Manager, Mikhaela to obtain access to The Prince Hotel's corporate rates.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Akuch Kuol Anyieth

Akuch Kuol Anyieth is an award-winning author, writer and academic researcher in crime, justice, and legal studies. Akuch was born in South Sudan during the civil war and raised in Kakuma Refugee camp, Kenya. She moved to Australia with her family in 2005.

Since then, Akuch has completed a Bachelor of Legal Studies at La Trobe University, a master degree in Justice and Criminology at RMIT with distinction and a second master research degree at La Trobe University. Her later degree examined masculinity and family violence within the South Sudanese Community. Currently, her PhD is examining Family Violence Intervention Orders within the South Sudanese community in Victoria. In 2022, Akuch was awarded the Victorian Multicultural Commission Refugee Achievement Award. Akuch was also awarded a Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in 2022 in the category of Justice. This award recognises her work in the family violence sector for creating awareness and advocacy for family violence prevention in the community through training delivery, workshops and harnessing the influence of prominent faith and cultural groups.

Her research engages with masculinity and domestic violence, examining customary law, pre-and post-migration experiences of South Sudanese families and how they adapt to the western rule of law in the diaspora. Akuch is the author of “South Sudanese Manhood and Family Crisis in the Diaspora” and her memoir “Unknown”. Among other boards, Akuch sits as an Editorial Board member for the Australian Feminist Law Journal and is a frequent contributor for legal and political discussions about her community, youth, and families and on matters concerning refugees and social justice. Akuch has worked with local government, in the family and domestic violence sector, youth justice and community service and development.

PANEL

Anna Cumming – Renew
Anna Cumming is a writer, editor and communications professional with a longstanding interest in the built environment, in particular the design of sustainable, energy efficient and comfortable homes that tread lightly on the earth. She has held a variety of communications roles at national not-for-profit Renew since 2010, and in 2019 took over as Managing Editor of Sanctuary: modern green homes - Australia's premier magazine dedicated to sustainable house design. She loves being part of the mission to inspire and educate people about the design strategies, materials and systems available to achieve truly sustainable, delightful homes.

Jill Garner – Office of the Victoria Government Architect
Jill is an Architect with over 30 years experience, and in 2015 she was appointed as Victorian Government Architect. In this role, Jill advocates for the value and legacy of good design whilst leading an expert team to provide strategic advice to the government about Architecture. Jill's own practice, Garner David Architects, has received numerous industry awards for delivering sensitively crafted public and private work. 

Michaela Lihou – Master Builders Association of Victoria
As the Chief Executive Officer (Interim) of MBV, Michaela provides strategic, financial and operational leadership and empowers the MBV team to lead a future-ready industry that builds a better world. With a people-centered focus, Michaela leads by example and places our members first- all the time, every time.

Talina Edwards – Talina Edwards Architecture / Envirotecture
A Design Matters National member. Talina has gained recognition as an industry leader, known for her sustainable architecture and as a passionate advocate for building a better future. Talina has received many awards recognising her meaningful contributions to sustainability with her architectural projects, and for her advocacy roles as Board Director at Australian Passive House Association, Coordinator of Australian Architects Declare, and for the ArchiTeam Advocacy committee. Talina has over 25 years experience in Architectural practice, and is a registered Architect in Victoria, a Certified Passive House Designer and is currently undertaking the Living Future Accreditation course to pursue her regenerative-design ethos for a society that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative.She now leads the Victorian branch of Envirotecture, with her carbon-neutral studio based in Wadawurrung country (Ballarat).

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