Iconic Brisbane designers will step out in support of domestic violence charity Beyond DV at its annual High Tea and Fashion Show at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday May 19.

Beyond DV Founder Carolyn Robinson said the event, being held during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, will feature a fashion show by Brisbane’s iconic shopping destination, Brisbane Arcade. “We are honoured to be partnering with Brisbane Arcade and showcasing the latest collections from designers such as Darb Couture, Irma J Smith House of Fashion, Keri Craig Emporium, Maiocchi, Pia du Pradal and Tengdahl Australia,” Robinson said. “Adding to the experience, our MC Samantha Heathwood, Channel 9 News Presenter and Beyond DV Ambassador, will lead an enlightened discussion around Domestic Violence in our community, featuring inspirational DV survivor and Beyond DV Ambassador Simone O’Brien, Paralympian and DV Implementation Council Member Karni Liddell and Brisbane Domestic Violence Service Program Manager Belinda Cox. Guests will also have the chance to win an array of exciting prizes in our raffle, with all funds raised on the day directly supporting the work of Beyond DV.”

The inaugural High Tea and Fashion Show held in 2018 saw almost 200 guests come together to raise funds to support the work of Beyond DV, with 2019’s event slated to be even bigger. Robinson, who launched Beyond DV in January 2018, said she is enjoying having the opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of domestic violence survivors. “After supporting my daughter through her own domestic violence experience in 2017 and accompanying her to court, my eyes were opened by the amazing work undertaken by existing domestic violence charities,” Robinson said. “I knew I wanted to help those women and children who have survived domestic violence, so with encouragement from my family and friends, and assistance from our local member Joe Kelly, I created Beyond DV. Our aim is to support, empower and improve the lives of domestic violence survivors, and raise awareness of domestic violence within the community.”

Beyond DV provides a range of programs, including ‘Bright Start’, helping children settle into new schools by supporting families before, during and after the enrolment process, and ‘Time Out’, offering personal development workshops for women to regain their self-confidence and connect with other women who have endured similar experiences. The Beyond DV team, made up predominantly of teachers, are all volunteers.

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