Georgia Opdenbrouw

Domestic violence services advocate and volunteer

2023 NT Senior Australian of the Year Nominee

Retiree Georgia Opdenbrouw is upfront and vocal in her advocacy for more funding and support for domestic violence services.

Georgia, who was born and raised in Darwin, has volunteered at the Darwin Aboriginal and Islander Women's Shelter (DAIWS) for many years. The shelter provides culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are homeless or escaping family violence. Volunteers and staff provide support, referral, outreach and crisis accommodation.

Georgia is currently DAIWS treasurer and the driving force behind the Sisterhood Group, a smaller volunteer group within DAIWS.

This group brings together senior Aboriginal women from across Darwin to coordinate volunteer activities for the shelter and acts as a support network that enables women to maintain healthy connections to their communities. 

The Sisterhood also organises and hosts events to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women learn more about critical issues such as cardiac health, physiotherapy and mental health.