An Evening with Matt Brown
A powerful conversation about the role men can play in creating safer communities
May 2026
In May 2026, the DV2650 Network brought the Wagga Wagga community together for An Evening with Matt Brown, launching the Men as Allies initiative and creating space for an important conversation about preventing domestic and family violence.
The event explored the role individuals, particularly men, can play in challenging harmful attitudes, supporting respectful relationships and contributing to safer families and communities.
Turning conversation into action
The evening was designed to do more than raise awareness. It aimed to encourage people to think about the part they can play in preventing domestic and family violence and to take that conversation back into their workplaces, sporting clubs, families and community groups.
Feedback following the event showed:
83% of respondents said they had a stronger understanding of the role individuals and communities can play in preventing domestic and family violence.
89% of respondents said they were more likely to take action to support respectful relationships and safer communities after attending. Men as Allies Feedback (2)
And those conversations continued beyond the event itself.
“The current participants of the Men’s Behaviour Change program had a collective outing and attended SINYR event. The feedback was that they really enjoyed it and used it as a talking point for their next session, discussing their individual responsibility in facing and talking about their issues and what positive change would look like!”
“Thanks again for the invitation to attend Tuesday evening’s session. I managed to get a couple of members of the Riverina Concert Band to attend as well, and we had some good conversations afterwards, as well as doing a brief presentation to the rest of the 20-piece concert band on where we were.””
The Men as Allies Project is a 12-month community initiative delivered by Wagga Women's Health Centre through DV:2650, supporting men and boys to play a positive role in preventing domestic and family violence in Wagga Wagga.
The project brings together local leaders, sporting clubs, workplaces, schools and community members to learn, collaborate and take meaningful action. Through training, community events and local partnerships, Men as Allies aims to build the skills, confidence and connections needed to create safer, more respectful communities for everyone.