Our History

MAGIC began in 2018. Spurred by the words of Betty Taylor, CEO of the Red Rose Foundation, a small group of men and women came together to organise the “Men’s Rally for Women’s Safety”, held on 22 July 2018 to speak out against violence against women. It was supported by major anti-violence groups such as White Ribbon, YFS, Safe Haven, and Red Rose. Over one hundred people attended.

This event was the basis for the formation of the Men Against Gender Injustice Collective. The organisers of the event, plus others, formed MAGIC, and this organising committee of six or so people has met regularly since August 2018. A wider pool of people are members of MAGIC and on its mailing list, with many first signing up at the July 2018 event.

MAGIC held six public events over 2018-2019. These include gigs and panel events, workshops, and a film screening. Some of these events have raised funds for local domestic violence services. MAGIC’s events thus far include:

Rally, Men’s March for Women’s Safety
Band Together 2018: Panel and Gig on sexism in the music industry
Screening of documentary “The Bystander Moment” and facilitated discussion
Workshop: Challenging Everyday Sexism
Workshop: Sex, Dating, and Relationships after #MeToo
Band Together 2019: Panel and Gig on sexism in the music industry

In January 2020, a man who was a member of MAGIC assaulted his female partner. In response, he was withdrawn from any organisational and administrative roles in the group, and members of MAGIC are working with him to hold him accountable for his actions and support him in addressing his violence.

MAGIC has ideas for a range of events and activities in 2020. These include further public workshops, collaborations with women’s and violence prevention groups and organisations, and another ‘Band Together’ event in late 2020.

The Organisers

Holly Pearson comes from a background of working in a variety of NGO’s whose primary focus is ‘Closing the Gap’ in Indigenous inequity. She currently studies Social Justice at Macquarie University and is a passionate intersectional feminist.

HOLLY PEARSON

Michael G. Flood is an Australian sociologist and an Associate Professor at the Queensland University of Technology School of Justice. Flood gained his doctorate in gender and sexuality studies from the Australian National University.

MICHAEL FLOOD

Rebecca Congram is a public servant with experience in project & change management, marketing and community organising. Drawing on a Bachelor of Social Work, Beccy is passionate about gender equality and creating a safe society.

REBECCA CONGRAM

James Gartry is a Union organiser who has been an ally to some of Queensland’s most vulnerable people. His organising experience combined with his involvement in the Brisbane music and arts scene has united communities and provided a solid platform to enact change.

JAMES GARTRY

Pauline has been working as a counsellor in NGOs for more than 8 years. In her current position, the nature of her role is predominantly supporting clients who have been impacted by DFV.

PAULINE LIEN

Kathryn Wenham is a lecturer in public health. She has a passion for human rights and social justice, which has led her to work with immigrant communities in relation to gender and public health.