Change starts here: A short introduction to primary prevention

Natalie is a Prevention Sector Engagement Lead at Our Watch, where she works to support and strengthen the capability of Australia’s primary prevention workforce. She has contributed to prevention and gender equality initiatives across local and state government, community health, and non-profit organisations in both Australian and international settings. Natalie is particularly interested in the role of values-based messaging to support meaningful and effective communication in primary prevention. 

Cameron is a proud social worker who has never been satisfied with outdated masculine stereotypes in Australia. From a young age he committed to taking action against gendered violence and what drives it. He has worked in the primary prevention of men’s violence against women, in sexual health and healthy relationships initiatives with diverse populations, young and old. He has worked in men’s health and wellbeing roles, and in therapeutic and group settings with men who have perpetrated violence.

At Our Watch, he authored the Men in focus practice guide (2022) in collaboration with an incredible advisory group and is currently a Prevention Sector Engagement Lead, where he builds the capacity and connectedness of practitioners working to prevent men’s violence against women across the continent. 

Melissa is a Prevention Sector Engagement Lead at Our Watch with a background in community development and women’s health. Mel has worked on community-led approaches to preventing violence, racism and other forms of discrimination using a range of models. She recently led the design of a 2-day program for practitioners called Deepening the change, which supports the implementation of evidence-based primary prevention. Mel loves dogs, bush walking and being part of a movement for equality and social change.