Left Write Hook is a compelling Australian documentary that follows the transformative journey of eight female and gender-diverse survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Combining trauma-informed, non-contact boxing with expressive writing, Left Write Hook introduces a groundbreaking two-year recovery program that supports survivors in reclaiming agency, processing trauma, and envisioning new narratives for their lives. This unique dual modality empowers the participants to release suppressed memories, regain control over their bodies, and redefine their futures.

Participant Voices: Reclaiming Power Through Storytelling

The film's raw, honest portrayal of this journey has earned widespread acclaim for its deep emotional resonance and impactful storytelling. Now streaming on Netflix Australia and New Zealand, the film stands out as a vital work on survivor recovery and justice. Through participatory filmmaking, the documentary captures the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of the participants as they navigate their paths to healing.

Facilitating meaningful conversations about safeguarding and workplace culture can be challenging. This creative team development exercise engages the whole organisation in thoughtful reflection on the values, norms, beliefs, and behaviours that may contribute to harm in professional settings. By using film as a tool for discussion, teams can explore complex dynamics in a structured and approachable way.

Why Use Film for Reflection?

Film can be a powerful catalyst for dialogue and a unique medium for team learning. It takes abstract concepts—like power dynamics, ethical blind spots, or silent complicity—and makes them visible through story and character. Watching and reflecting on a film together helps teams step back and see these issues more clearly, sometimes even recognising patterns or behaviours that feel familiar. It can also offer new perspectives on issues that are difficult to name or fully see in one’s own environment.

As part of a recent team training day, we watched The Assistant (2019) to guide our reflection. Staff found the experience really positive and useful—not only for reflecting on our current safeguarding work, but also for exploring personal experiences and observations of organisational culture. It was a valuable reminder of the importance of creating regular opportunities for learning, listening, and shared growth.

How to Facilitate a Film-Based Reflection Session

This reflection activity is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff, regardless of role or background. Here’s how to facilitate it:

a) Choose a Relevant Film

Select a film that explores themes of workplace ethics, safeguarding, or systemic issues. We recommend The Assistant (2019), directed by Kitty Green, as it highlights subtle but pervasive misconduct in a professional setting.

b) Organise a Group Viewing
Schedule a time to watch the film together, either in person or remotely. Be sure to create a safe, respectful space where everyone feels comfortable participating.

Supporting people through the redress process is a key part of Kooyoora’s work. Redress is the process through which survivors of abuse seek acknowledgement, support, and justice—often involving financial compensation, counselling, and a personal response from the institution involved. We provide independent, trauma-informed assistance to survivors across a range of redress pathways, always with a focus on fairness, transparency, and care. 

A Survivor-Centred and Independent Approach

Kooyoora’s role in redress is one of impartiality and informed support. We guide complainants through the process, conduct relevant inquiries, coordinate wellbeing referrals, and liaise with legal representatives, always working to ensure that each matter is handled with professionalism and empathy.

Tell us a little about your role at Kooyoora

Administration Manager – preparing reports and data, and also some work in the clearance space.

What inspired you to work at Kooyoora?

I have always looked for work in organisations that make a difference to people’s lives. I am proud of the ethos and processes Kooyoora has in place to keep people and children safe.

What do you like most about working at Kooyoora?

A great team of people with similar values, who support each other and work for the best outcomes for our clients.

What does a typical day 'in the office' look like?

I spend my day in my office at our farm in regional Victoria. My day starts with a walk, then a coffee, check my emails, and my workday begins. I’m fortunate that my office overlooks our paddocks and creek, with a view of our cows… bliss.

What is a hobby/interest you have outside of work?

I like to quilt – mainly hand piecing, with some machine work. I find the hand piecing very therapeutic, and the feel and look of fabric very soothing.

What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?

Quilting, watching AFL, and catching up with family and friends.

Coffee or tea (or neither)?

Coffee

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Happy, content, inquisitive

What's the best place you've ever travelled to? Why?

Tasmania – I really liked the history, and it’s a very pretty place.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’m creative when it comes to sewing.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I have a wicked sense of humour.

Cat or dog (or neither)?

Cat

Would you rather sing karaoke (solo) or be part of a choir?

Choir

Do you have a favourite quote or motto you live by?

Don’t stress the small things… and everything is small!

As part of the launch of Kooyoora’s Abuse Prevention Through Culture Change Framework, we’re pleased to announce that the full suite of framework documents and implementation tools is now available for download.

This framework was developed to support organisations in actively building safer cultures—ones that prevent abuse and promote transparency, accountability, and wellbeing. Grounded in research and informed by lived experience, the framework recognises that long-term change happens when prevention is embedded into everyday structures, behaviours, and beliefs.

We invite leaders, practitioners, staff, and volunteers to explore the materials, share them within your networks, and join us in building safer organisations. These resources are designed for use across a range of organisations—faith-based, educational, community, and sporting groups.

At Kooyoora, we are committed to delivering professional, compassionate, and high-quality services. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping us understand what we’re doing well and where we can improve. To make the process simpler and more accessible, we’ve created a dedicated Feedback Form. Whether you’ve recently engaged with Kooyoora or simply wish to share your thoughts, this form offers an opportunity to provide confidential feedback.

All feedback—whether positive, constructive, or a formal complaint—supports our commitment to continuous improvement and helps ensure our services remain respectful, responsive, and aligned with our values.