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Zahra Foundation challenges South Australian leaders: What will you do with your influence?

Zahra Foundation Australia

Key Facts:

• Zahra Foundation Australia is hosting Changemaker Adelaide 2026 at Adelaide Zoo on 21 October 2026, calling on leaders across business, government, sport and the community to take practical action to support women's safety and economic security.
• Nationally respected leader Tanya Hosch AM, the first Indigenous person and second woman appointed to the AFL's executive ranks, will deliver a keynote challenging attendees to identify the influence they already hold and act on it.
• Zahra Foundation CEO Tania Potts emphasised that domestic and family violence cannot be left solely to governments and specialist services, noting the organisation supports more than 800 women each year amid growing demand.
• The foundation was established in 2015 by the children of Zahra Abrahimzadeh to honour their mother and turn their family's experience of domestic violence into practical support for other women and families.
• A panel discussion will follow the keynote, featuring leaders from Zahra Foundation, Port Adelaide's community arm, the South Australian public service and the Premier's Council for Women.
  
  Tickets available at https://bit.ly/changemakerevent2026tickets.

Tanya Hosch AM and Zahra Foundation co-founder Arman Abrahimzadeh are calling on leaders across business, government, sport and the community to move beyond awareness and take practical action to support women’s safety and economic security.

 

Zahra Foundation Australia is asking South Australian leaders to identify one action they can take within their workplace, organisation or community to help create safer and more economically secure futures for women.

 

The challenge will be at the centre of Changemaker Adelaide 2026, featuring nationally respected business and sporting leader Tanya Hosch AM at Sanctuary, Adelaide Zoo, on Wednesday 21 October.

 

Zahra Foundation CEO Tania Potts said domestic and family violence could not be treated solely as a private issue or left to governments and specialist services to address.

 

“Every workplace, boardroom, sporting organisation and community group has influence. Awareness matters, but awareness without action will not change women’s lives,” Ms Potts said.

 

“Zahra Foundation supports more than 800 women each year. The demand for services and the complexity of cases continues to grow. The answer is not just more services, but a unified response in which business, sport, government and the community each play their part.”

 

Leadership must move beyond statements

 

Ms Hosch has spent her career advancing social inclusion, gender equity and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition. As the first Indigenous person and only the second woman appointed to the AFL’s executive ranks, she led significant work addressing racism, sexism, diversity and inclusion.

 

“Leadership is demonstrated through action but through the behaviour we challenge, the voices we hear and whether we are prepared to act when doing so is difficult,” Ms Hosch said.

 

“Business and sport have enormous influence over culture. At Changemaker, I want to challenge people to identify the influence they already have and decide how they are going to use it.”

 

 

Turning loss into lasting change

 

Zahra Foundation was established in 2015 by children of Zahra Abrahimzadeh, Arman, Atena and Anita, to honour their mother, Zahra, and turn their family’s experience of domestic violence into practical support for other women and families.

 

“Our family did not establish Zahra Foundation simply to continue conversations,” Mr Abrahimzadeh said. “Women need the support and economic security to rebuild their lives. South Australia has made progress, but every institution, workplace and community still has a responsibility to act.”

 

A conversation focused on action

 

Following Tanya Hosch’s keynote, a panel will explore the practical role of leaders and organisations in responding to domestic and family violence, advancing gender equity and strengthening women’s economic security.

 

The panel includes Tania Potts, CEO, Zahra Foundation Australia; Jake Battifuoco, General Manager, Power Community Limited; Graeme Jackson, Executive Director, People and Corporate Services, Department for Infrastructure and Transport; and Fiona Dorman, Chair, Premier’s Council for Women SA and National President, National Council of Women Australia.

 

Zahra Foundation is encouraging CEOs, board members, business owners, people leaders, sporting organisations and community leaders to attend with a colleague or decision maker and leave with an action they can implement together.

 

Changemaker Adelaide 2026 is proudly supported by Port Adelaide Football Club.

Attendance also supports Zahra Foundation’s specialist financial counselling, recovery programs and pathways to education and employment for women impacted by domestic and family violence.

 

Event details

Wednesday 21 October 2026 | 6.00 pm–9.00 pm | Sanctuary, Adelaide Zoo

 

Tickets are available online until 20^th October at: https://bit.ly/changemakerevent2026tickets

About us:

Zahra Foundation Australia is a specialist domestic and family violence service helping women rebuild their lives and achieve long-term economic independence through specialist financial counselling, recovery programs and pathways to education and employment.

www.zahrafoundation.org.au

Contact details:

Media interviews

Tanya Hosch AM — leadership, business, sport, organisational culture, social inclusion and gender equity.

 

Arman Abrahimzadeh — Zahra Foundation’s founding story, domestic violence advocacy, South Australia’s progress and community responsibility.

Tania Potts — financial abuse, economic recovery, Zahra Foundation’s services and practical action by employers and leaders.

 

Media enquiries

Tania Potts | Chief Executive Officer | Zahra Foundation Australia
0475 757 822 | [email protected]