Paula and Sarah

Prior to taking up a Master of Midwifery, Paula managed the Mount Hagen (PNG) Kumdi Catholic Health Facility and was the Catholic Health Services senior midwife and staff trainer.

Through her work in the Western Province health sector, Paula witnessed numerous incidents of gender-based violence. In response, she established the Community Advocacy Group (CAG), a volunteer organisation that works with 13 villages to raise awareness and seek solutions to gender-based violence. Under her leadership, CAG has successfully petitioned local parliamentarians for financial assistance and for a new ambulance for the health facility. Paula will expand the reach of CAG and broaden its networks to guarantee the safety and well-being of the women and girls of the Western Highlands.

Sarah is a human rights practitioner with a strong background in civil-military engagement, humanitarian responses, protection and gender. She has worked in roles for the Australian government, multilateral organisations and NGOs, including the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Australian Red Cross and the United Nations (UN).

In 2015, Sarah was appointed Deputy Gender Advisor to the Royal Australian Air Force. Her achievements in this role have given her experience in social work, policy and advisory positions, and she has a vast array of experience working with women victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

Sarah specialises in gender, ending violence against women and working with people who are seeking asylum or refugees. She recently commenced a fellowship at Monash University, focusing on Gender, Peace and Security in the Pacific region.