This project explored whole of family approaches to addressing family violence when there are intersecting issues of alcohol and other drug use, mental health and child protection. The Project explored Aboriginal expertise on holistic approaches to this work, whilst at the same time examining the applicability of the Safe & Together model when working with Aboriginal families in NSW within the context of invasion, colonisation and Stolen Generations. The Project was Aboriginal driven in collaboration with NSW Health. The Project team was comprised of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers.

Publications

Final Report

Toivonen, C., Lauw, M., the ALFIES Research Team and Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Welfare Aboriginal Corporation and Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health & Community Services (2025). The ALFIES Project Final Report: All/Whole of Families Approaches for Addressing Domestic and Family Violence – An Aboriginal Lens on the Safe & Together Framework. NSW Ministry of Health.

Research Team

• Marlene Lauw is a Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal woman- Chief Investigator and Aboriginal Consultant, and Principal Policy Officer, Aboriginal Policy and Programs Team, Prevention and response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect. Government Relations, Strategy and Violence Prevention, NSW Ministry of Health.
• Professor Shawana Andrews is a Trawlwoolway Palawa woman – Aboriginal Consultant to the Research Team, and Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Professor in the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne.
• Cherie Toivonen is an imperfect ally recognising her colonising background – Chief Investigator/ Research Project Manager, and Director of CLT Byron Consulting.
• Jackie Wruck is a Yidinjdji woman – Consultant to the Research Team and Asia Pacific Regional Manager, Safe & Together Institute™
• Irene Wardle is a Darug woman with family connections to the Biripi Nation – Chief Investigator and Aboriginal Researcher, and Program Director of the Extended Bachelor Program & Lecturer in Aboriginal Education and Indigenous Studies.
• Dr Margaret Kertesz -Chief Investigator and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne.
• Honorary Professor Cathy Humphreys – Chief Investigator and Professor of Social Work at University of Melbourne.
• Associate Professor Lesley Laing – Consultant to the Research Team, and Honorary Associate Professor in Social Work at the University of Sydney.
• David Mandel – Consultant to the Research Team, and CEO, Founder & Owner of the Safe & Together™ Institute.

Research Partners

• Leadership and Staff at Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services.
• Leadership and Staff at Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation. 
• Safe & Together Institute

Funders

Funded by NSW Ministry of Health – Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Unit

Project Dates: 2022 – 2025

Contact: Dr Margaret Kertesz