Australian of the Year

After her daughter experienced domestic violence in 2017, Carolyn Robinson was determined to forge a positive outcome, leaving her role as an educator to establish Beyond DV. 

Central to Carolyn's work is the Recovery Pillars Framework, a world-leading holistic model of long-term support for victim-survivors, addressing social connection, health, legal assistance, housing and financial recovery. Through this framework, Beyond DV has supported thousands of women and children to rebuild their lives.  

In 2022, Carolyn established the first HOPE Hub at Westfield Carindale – a highly accessible early intervention and recovery space now being replicated by Beyond DV in other shopping centres. 

Carolyn has also created the Ask a Mate primary prevention program, where high-profile male role models inspire young men to learn about consent and respect through the Ask a Mate App and other initiatives. 

Currently the Chair of the Australian DFSV Recovery Alliance, which she co-founded in 2022, Carolyn was also awarded 2026 Queensland Volunteer of the Year.