Our Watch CEO, Patty Kinnersly, said that Mr Rigney would be an invaluable asset to Our Watch’s  work in preventing violence against women and their children.

“Having dedicated his working life to the empowerment and safety of Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities through his leadership at KWY, we are lucky to have Craig join as an Our Watch ambassador,” Ms Kinnersly said.

“Craig will further broaden our ability to engage the community with the  actions needed to prevent violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, which we know from the research is disproportionate and more severe.

“He is also keen to use  the Our Watch platform to talk about the role that men play in challenging disrespect towards women.”

Mr Rigney said that he wanted to become an ambassador because of the synergy between the work of Our Watch and KWY.

“As a proud Aboriginal man working to eliminate all forms of violence against women and children, I have seen firsthand the power of self-determination, culturally appropriate services and engaging both men and women in the solutions,” Mr Rigney said.

“We know that prevention strategies seeking to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be developed, owned and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families, which is why KWY has been so successful in South Australia.

“Through our range of holistic, culturally safe services, we highlight how our culture is able to not only protect our children, women and families, but also heal them and create a real sense of strength and well-being in our communities.

Mr Rigney said that violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was not just an ‘Aboriginal problem’, but an Australian problem that required action from all parts of society.

“In order to prevent violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, we must address gender inequality, as well as the ongoing impacts of colonisation and racism. That is why I am so excited to further this work through becoming an Our Watch ambassador.”

Craig Rigney joins existing Our Watch Ambassadors. He is based in Adelaide.

Contact the Our Watch media team on 0448 844 930 or media@ourwatch.org.au

*If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:

“If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000”

Our Watch is a national leader in Australia’s work to stop violence against women and their children before it starts. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children.

Kornar Winmil Yunti Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation and a leading South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that delivers highly specialised and customised programs focusing on domestic and family violence, child protection, homelessness and social and emotional well-being.