Flat Out Inc.

You can still buy one on our website - orders received before this Tuesday will be posted out on Wednesday (6 May). #carenotpunishment #buildhomesnotprisons #fundraising

Council’s survey is live and it’s critical we all let them know our demand for a Footscray based on care, not cops. We’re in the final stretch of influencing council’s approach that will shape the future of Footscray. The security guards will be gone very soon! But will they be replaced by cops and PSOs, more punishment, stigma and exclusion, or will council hear the community’s calls for care, support and tackling inequality? FCR has created a guide [link in bio and /maribyrnong-council-is-seeking-the-communitys-views-on-their-welcome-crew-model/] to make it easier to complete council’s survey, with prompts and ideas you might include. The survey is only three short questions - about five minutes. We know the harm and cruelty that has come from security guards, and we know cops are basically the same. We know what happens when cops are deployed against people experiencing homelessness, mental distress and trauma (more violence, trauma, exclusion and suffering = more crime and less safety). Let’s make our position to council loud and clear. #cityofmaribyrnong #footscraybelongstoeveryone #acab

🚨🏳️‍⚧️🚨 BBB recruitment alert 🚨🏳️‍⚧️🚨 We are extremely excited to welcome a new BBB team member! We are looking for a highly motivated, organised and values-aligned trans or gender diverse (TGD) community or social worker to provide direct support and advocacy alongside criminalised and incarcerated trans and gender diverse people. This role requires a skilled, passionate and dedicated worker with experience in support and advocacy that is grounded in gender affirming, decarceral and anti-racist feminist practice frameworks. The role is a 12-month fixed term contract at SCHADS Level 5, 0.8 FTE (4 days p/w) While we value relevant qualifications in social, health and legal services (e.g., social work, community services, counselling, healthcare), we are equally keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of the criminal legal system. You’ll bring a sound understanding of issues like substance use, mental health and trauma-responsive care. You must be confident and experienced in working alongside community who sit within multiple intersects of identity and marginalisation. You will be a strong advocate, ready to provide immediate support alongside criminalised and incarcerated trans and gender diverse community navigating complex systems and issues, from a person-centred, anti-carceral approach. APPLICATION LINK IN BIO ❤️🏳️‍⚧️⛓️‍💥

These Build Homes Not Prisons tshirts sold out fast last time. This latest print run probably won't last either! Visit our website to buy yours and help keep Flat Out going. Pick up from our office will be available on Wednesday 22 April. (link in bio)

The evidence is clear; any time spent behind bars increases the likelihood that the child will be trapped in a cycle of offending and incarceration – ultimately increasing future crime. And yet right now, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are being criminalised and imprisoned at alarming rates. Flat Out is proud to be one of the 200+ organisations and individuals who have signed NATSILS’ open letter to @anthonyabanese , calling on him to act. Will you add your name too? .au/open-letter-pm/ or link in bio

This Trans Day of Visibility, support initiatives that are building supports and safety for all trans and gender diverse people — leaving no one behind. 🩷🩵 The Incarcerated TGD Fund @incarceratedtgdfund provides material aid to TGD people in prison. 🩷🩵 Beyond Bricks and Bars @beyondbricksbars supports TGD people in Victoria to get out and stay out of prison. (See link in bio for the Equal Identities Report)

We want to thank all the speakers who will be standing with us and sharing their voices on the day. Your solidarity means so much to our community. @vixenworkers @justiceforoursisters @demyunn @humanrightslawcentre @flatout.inc @unitedworkersoz @clementineford After 18 months, on Tuesday 31 March, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court will deliver its decision on the rape and murder of our sister Yuko. They will decide whether the killer will stand trial or be set free. Front of Melbourne Magistrates’ Court At 8:45am (speeches from 9:00am) We urgently call on our community to join us in solidarity to honour Yuko’s legacy. We cannot stay silent. This is about whose lives are protected, and whose are not. We must end the silencing of survivors. We must build community-based systems of justice. We must end border policing, visa crackdowns, and raids in our homes, workplaces, and communities. We must decriminalise and end the policing of all forms of sex work. We gather for our beloved Yuko, and for all our sisters who never came home. Wear red (Yuko’s favourite colour) to honour her. Join Rising Red Lantern in demanding justice for all.

Strip searching is state-perpetrated sexual assault and contraband is found in less than 1% of cases and includes things like stationery items like pens and post-it notes, deodorant, soap, lip gloss and hair extensions. Read the full report .au/resources/end-strip-searching

We need to listen to women's voices - especially the voices that are routinely ignored or suppressed. Women, trans and gender diverse people who are survivors of structural violence should be at the centre of any movement for change. They know what they need to build a fair and safe society, and how to build peace and justice through community support. #IWD26

Strip searching in Australian prisons is a cruel, ineffective and deeply harmful practice - that’s why we’re calling for all governments to ban them in law. Yesterday we launched our new report ‘Ending Strip Searching in Australian Prisons’ in partnership with Formerly Incarcated Girls Justice Advocates Melbourne (FIGJAM) and @flatout.inc . Combining national data with lived experiences, the report exposes the profound trauma inflicted by strip searches. Karen Fletcher, Executive Officer at Flat Out and our First Nations Director Maggie Munn, spoke alongside gender-based violence and prison advocates about the injustice, trauma, and absence of proper oversight around the practice. An estimated 15,154 strip searches occur on average every month across adult Australian prisons, despite little evidence they uncover contraband or improve safety. It’s time to end strip searches. Swipe 👉 to view photos from the launch.

📣 Reminder: Applications to be Flat Out's CEO close 5pm tomorrow (6 March) We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of criminalisation. 📍 Melbourne | Flexible full-time or part-time 🗓 Applications close 6 March 2026 👉 View the role and apply via link in bio