We were thrilled to welcome more than 270 people to our 10th Annual Parliamentary Breakfast at NSW Parliament House on 4 June 2026 — our most successful event to date.
We were honoured by the presence of Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, Chief Justice Andrew Bell, Justice Dina Yehia, and Ministers Chanthivong, Catley, Washington and Sharpe.
Main image: (L-R): Minister Chanthivong, Minister Washington, Sophie McCarthy, Loredana Fyffe, Eileen Baldry AO, Aunty Jo Selfe, Minister Harrison, Corinne Kemp, Justice Yehia, The Honourable Andrew Bell.
We were thrilled to welcome more than 270 people to our 10th Annual Parliamentary Breakfast at NSW Parliament House on 4 June 2026 — our most successful event to date.
We were honoured by the presence of Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, Chief Justice Andrew Bell, Justice Dina Yehia, and Ministers Chanthivong, Catley, Washington and Sharpe.
Proceedings were opened with a Welcome to Country by long-time justice advocate Aunty Jo Selfe, who grounded the morning in truth and reminded us that meaningful systems change must be understood within the colonial context in which Australia’s justice system was formed, and the disproportionate harm this continues to impose on First Nations women.
Justice Yehia delivered a compelling keynote address, calling on all sectors to address the root causes of justice system involvement through informed decision-making, joined-up investment and shared responsibility. She spoke movingly about her experience with the Walama List and the transformative potential of solution-focused approaches, and closed with a compelling argument for the role of people with lived experience as essential, not optional, in effective responses to women in the justice system.
A particular highlight was the launch of the Corrective Services NSW Women’s Strategy by Minister Harrison — a significant moment that underscores the alignment between KWOOP’s Strategy and advocacy priorities and the direction of government policy.
The art raffle raised $5,000 toward the establishment of a KWOOP Lived Experience Advisory Group.
We were also pleased to see significant media coverage, with the story of Tiffany St Clair featured in more than 21 outlets across NSW and the ACT. Eileen Baldry was also interviewed on the Aboriginal Legal Service WA – Law Matters Program – listen here (start at 6.40 mins). This was a wonderful opportunity to take our message to a broader audience.
Our 10th Parliamentary Breakfast was a powerful reminder that change is not only possible — it is urgent. And that when lived experience, community leadership, and political come together, transformation becomes inevitable.
To support the The Keeping Women Out of Prison Coalition (KWOOP), a key impact fund of Sydney Community Foundation and make a tax-deductible donation click here.
To get in touch with the KWOOP Team pleae email kwoop@sydcf.org.au
