Who We Are

Ben is an operational Police Officer, on the Board of Directors for DVConnect Ltd, and volunteers as the Regional Coordinator of the Queensland Police Service LGBTI Liaison Officer Program. He became a fierce advocate for improved services for LGBTQ victims and survivors of domestic violence after he experienced abuse within a same-sex relationship and discovered a huge gap in services.

A 2016 Churchill Fellow, Ben travelled to the USA, Canada, UK and the Netherlands where he discovered best practice solutions for Police Departments to enhance the way they respond to domestic violence in LGBTQ communities and the critical need for LGBTQ inclusive support services. He has since been actively involved in advising government and non-government organisations internationally on a range of initiatives designed to improve service delivery to LGBTQ communities.

Ben is an awarded educator and campaigner. In 2020 he had the honour of being inducted into the Queensland Government Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Honour Roll.  He was also named a ‘Human Rights Hero’ by the Australian Human Rights Commission and one of Australia’s Outstanding 50 LGBTI+ Leaders by Deloitte, Google and Energy Australia. Most recently he was awarded the International Association for Chiefs of Police ’40 under 40’ Award for his commitment and leadership in improving relationships between the police and LGBTIQ communities. He has also been named as one of the top 50 most influential and inspiring LGBTI Australians by Cosmopolitan Magazine for his work in this area.

Beck is the CEO of DVConnect, Queensland’s 24/7 domestic violence crisis response service and sexual assault helpline. Her primary focus is on ensuring the safety, choices and diverse life experiences of people impacted by violence are acknowledged and respected.

From way back in the 90’s, Beck was an active campaigner for LGBTQ rights. She was the Managing Editor for BrotherSister, Queensland’s then leading independent community newspaper for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identified people. In a time before the world wide web, Beck was entrusted with a significant responsibility to ensure LGBTQ people, especially those in regional areas, had an accessible way to connect with culture, art, music, politics, health information, safe services and events!

Beck was one of the first openly lesbian-identified foster carers approved by the Queensland Government and was active in the Queensland Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby and Queensland Pride Collective. She currently sits on the National Sector Advisory Committee for 1800RESPECT, Stopping Gender Violence Advisory Board for QUT and is a member of the Queensland Government’s CALD Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Roundtable Advisory Group.

He has spearheaded several impact ventures, and led the reshaping of traditional policy and practice within the private sector, to aid in solving some of society’s toughest social and environmental issues.

 After a decade within financial services, Luke co-founded a global Indigenous procurement consultancy in 2015, and more recently has worked within some of Australia’s most remote communities to establish economic sustainability models. He currently serves in several board and advisory roles, and lecturers with the University of Sydney’s Business School.

 Luke’s unique background within corporate leadership, entrepreneurial venture and community development affords him the ability to effectively navigate boardrooms, organisations and diverse population groups through alternative engagement methodologies and communication styles.

 Originally from Aotearoa (New Zealand), Luke’s whānau background is of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Toa and European descent.

Jazmeen has extensive experience within the community sector as a communication and digital marketing specialist, particularly within feminist organisations and the sexual violence prevention space. 

 Throughout her professional career, Jazmeen has collaborated with the LGBTQIA+ community to design and transform events, exhibitions, and social media campaigns to be inclusive of diverse stories and beliefs.

 Jazmeen’s career path is underpinned by her rich history in leadership positions within grassroots youth-led organisations. 

 Jazmeen has had the opportunity to advocate for young people locally and nationally through speaking at events, facilitating workshops and sitting on advisory committees. Most recently, she sat on the Federation for Ethnic Communities Council Australia’s Youth Advisory Committee, representing queer culturally and linguistically diverse youth to inform planning and practice development.

In 2022, Jazmeen was privileged to be listed as a BCG and Out for Australia 30 under 30 winner for making tangible contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community and for success in her field.