Marg is a co-founder and founding member of RPI. My first exposure to restorative justice felt like I had been struck by a bolt of (good) lightning. It has continued to be so for me, as I work to help transform relationships and organisations. It is truly exciting work. I enjoy connecting with some truly outstanding and wise folk who share the same vision to make a difference.

I love the potential that Restorative Practice has to resolve the tricky stuff whilst holding the wellbeing and care of all parties central to the process. I love the potential for transformation, that people emerge from these difficult moments in life with a greater understanding of themselves, others and the organisations that they are a part of.

Christine is CEO of Cygnet Centre for Peacebuilding and Transformation Ltd. Still after 18 years of being a restorative practitioner I am captivated by the magic that happens in a skillfully managed restorative process. A trauma informed, culturally sensitive magic that provides for healing, accountability and transformation of all who are present in the circle. No one leaves the same!

I learnt about Restorative Justice in University and knew that’s what I wanted to do someday! Eventually someone gave me an opportunity and I’ve now worked in mediation and restorative justice conferencing since 2013, more recently in a leadership position. I’ve also been a volunteer facilitator of nonviolence workshops since 2008. For me working restoratively means listening to people, asking the right questions to help them connect with their goals and needs, and then facilitating meaningful encounters that meet those. It also means understanding the nature and operation of power and using it lightly and carefully.

A combination of learnt and lived experiences led me to adopt restorative approaches into healthcare where the human centred and relational lens is transforming our understanding of system safety and humanising responses to harm. There is growing evidence that restorative principles and practices can facilitate the paradigm shift required by promoting or restoring collaboration, dignity, wellbeing and trust.

I first learned about Restorative approaches when working in a support role in schools and am excited and passionate about spreading the word. As a longstanding Branch Member of RPI QLD, I joined the RPI Board of Directors in February 2020.

I strongly believe that restorative practice allows us to build and strengthen connections with each other for a more humane and just society. I became involved in restorative justice as part of my mediation and conflict resolution training and have worked in the area ever since. Facilitating constructive conversations between people who were harmed is a wonderful way to contribute to a more peaceful world where children and adults can reach their full potential.