- 25–27 August 2026
- Panthers Port Macquarie
- #AbSecConference
- 25–27 August 2026
- Panthers Port Macquarie
- #AbSecConference
- 25-27 August 2026
- Panthers Port Macquarie
- #AbSecConference
- 25-27 Aug 2026
- Panthers Port Macquarie
2026 New South Wales
Across three days, engage in conversations, knowledge sharing, and cultural experiences that strengthen our collective commitment to Aboriginal children, families, and communities.
25-27 Aug 2026
Panthers Port Macquarie
1 Bay St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Experience a dynamic program of keynotes, workshops, and policy discussions that directly address the pressing issues facing the child and family sector in NSW.
Each session is designed to inform, challenge, and inspire, creating space for collaboration and meaningful dialogue. At the heart of the conference are Aboriginal-led solutions and lived experience. Every session places the voices of our children, families, carers, and community leaders—at its centre.
Connect
with sector leaders, policymakers, carers, and community voices, building relationships that extend well beyond the conference walls.
Learn
from leading thinkers and grassroots voices about reform, cultural safety, and practical strategies that truly strengthen Aboriginal families.
Contribute
your knowledge and experience to shaping the future of Aboriginal child and family services in NSW.
Celebrate
the richness of Aboriginal culture through powerful performances, storytelling, and the prestigious AbSec Sector Awards.
Stronger Together: Uniting Voices, Empowering Futures
Thriving partnerships for our kids, our culture, our way
The AbSec Conference 2026 theme reflects both the challenges and the opportunities in the NSW child and family sector today. Aboriginal children and young people continue to be over-represented in the child protection and out-of-home care systems. While the Family Is Culture report laid out a clear pathway for reform, many of its recommendations remain unimplemented. The recent Special Inquiry into out-of-home care has again revealed systemic failures, from fragmented services to cultural disconnection.
The 2026 NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference welcomes a diverse mix of voices and perspectives.
Strengthen connections with peers and sector leaders, access culturally informed strategies, and gain insights into innovative programs that support mob. The conference offers a platform to showcase ACCO-led solutions, share success stories, and influence policy decisions that impact their communities.
Hear directly from Aboriginal communities, ACCOs, and carers, ensuring policies are informed by lived experience and culturally grounded solutions. Network with sector leaders, identify priority issues, and co-design initiatives that improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Carers benefit from workshops, practical guidance, and peer networking that support their vital role in child and family care. The conference creates a space to amplify your voice, advocate for systemic improvements, and gain recognition and support from sector leaders and policymakers.
This event offers a chance to deepen understanding of Aboriginal-led practice, discover collaborative opportunities, and strengthen partnerships across the sector. Leaders can engage with best practice models, cultural insights, and policy discussions that drive meaningful impact for communities.
Attendees can connect theory with practice, access current data and research, and explore real-world applications of findings in Aboriginal child and family services. The conference fosters collaboration with practitioners, ACCOs, and policymakers, enriching research relevance and sector impact.
Stay informed on emerging issues, strengthen advocacy strategies, and collaborate with sector leaders, ACCOs, and policymakers. Advocates can amplify community voices, share insights, and contribute to shaping solutions that promote wellbeing and self-determination.
Panthers Port Macquarie will host the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference
Situated on the stunning Mid North Coast, the venue offers a welcoming, accessible, and culturally safe environment for our 2026 delegates. Accommodation, dining, and travel information will be available closer to the date.
Each day of the conference offers a series of sessions, led by experts and thought leaders, focusing on themes central to the welfare and growth of Aboriginal children and families. These sessions will provide insights into cultural safety, family empowerment and community-led initiatives.
Workshops will be an integral part of the conference, offering hands-on experiences and practical learning opportunities for professionals, caregivers and community leaders. These interactive sessions are aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge in areas crucial for supporting Aboriginal families and children.
Cultural performances will punctuate the event, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of Aboriginal communities. These performances are not only entertaining but also serve as a powerful medium for cultural expression and storytelling.
Starting with welcome drinks on the first day, attendees to connect and share experiences in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The highlight of the conference is the gala dinner and awards ceremony, a celebratory evening honouring achievements and contributions in the field of Aboriginal child and family welfare.
Tickets are limited. Secure yours now!
Don’t miss this opportunity to attend sessions, workshops, and performances by leading experts. Network and contribute to critical discussions in our field.
Frequently asked questions
Whether you’re travelling by car, taxi or public transport we have outlined the best route to take here.
Complimentary parking is available throughout the precinct, including dedicated undercover parking for the conference centre and hotel.
For those staying at Pullman Sydney Penrith, you can access parking upon check–in.
To ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient, we have partnered with two excellent hotels near the conference venue. Both options offer special rates for AbSec Conference attendees. View the options here.
On arrival, please present yourself at the registration desk where you can collect your lanyard and name badge.
Our conference offers unique networking opportunities. Take the opportunity to connect with presenters and attendees with welcome drinks on the first evening of the conference.
Join us for the Gala Dinner and Awards Night on day two, where you can network in a relaxed setting and enjoy live performances, including an unforgettable showcase from ARIA-nominated Kamilaroi/Tongan artist David Leha, also known as Radical Son.
Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to hear from our inspiring keynote speaker, Dujuan Hoosan, an Arrernte/Garrwa advocate whose voice has reached the United Nations. These events provide memorable moments to build relationships and strengthen our shared vision.
Attendees of the conference are encouraged to use the Warami Community Centre room as a breakout area throughout the three days. This space offers a screen for online meetings, power outlets to charge your electronics, and peace and quiet for those needing timeout.
Help us spread the word! Use our official event hashtag #AbSecConference2024 on social media to share your experiences and connect with attendees online.
Delegates are required to follow all health and safety guidelines and protocols as directed by AbSec and the venue. If you feel unwell, please stay home to ensure the safety of all attendees.
The venue is fully accessible. If you have any specific needs or require assistance, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate and ensure your experience is seamless.
Select meals and refreshments will be provided during the conference, including lunch, and morning/afternoon tea breaks. If you have any dietary requirements, please ensure they have been communicated to us via your ticket registration.
The dress code for the conference is business casual. Those joining us for the Gala Dinner and Award Night, please dress in cocktail attire. If you’re attending the welcome drinks, feel free to dress smart casually for a relaxed evening.
Please ensure your mobile phone and other devices are set to silent, or vibrate during presentations. If you need to take a call, kindly step outside the session to avoid disruption.
A designated smoking area is located to the left of the front entrance doors. Please refrain from smoking in all other areas of the venue.
Our official photographer and videographer will be capturing key moments throughout the event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify our team upon arrival.
Should you need assistance during the event, our friendly staff will be available throughout the venue. Look out for staff members wearing nametags.
For further inquiries, please reach out to Celeste Ambalong [email protected] or 0406 258 481.
E.g. Attend one day and have someone else attend in my place the next day?
All Access Passes for the conference are issued exclusively to individual attendees and are non-transferable. This means you cannot share your pass with others, such as attending on Tuesday and sending someone else in your place on Wednesday.
For safety and organisational reasons, we’ve tailored dietary arrangements and emergency contacts specifically for each registered attendee. Sharing your pass compromises this, and if identified, you may be required to purchase an additional single-day pass or gala dinner ticket.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us create a secure and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
AbSec is the peak organisation concerned with the welfare of Aboriginal children, young people and families. We advocate for their rights, while supporting carers and communities. Our main priority is to keep children and young people safe, with the key goal of also keeping them within their family and community. It is vitally important that young people grow up surrounded by those who understand them, comfortable within their own culture where they will thrive.
AbSec ensures Aboriginal children, young people, families, carers and communities have access to services and support that give them the best possible chance to fulfil their potential. We work with both Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and non-Aboriginal organisations, as well as government agencies and other stakeholders, to steer and coordinate efforts to close the gap.
The bottom line is that we want to see Aboriginal children and young people cared for in safe, thriving Aboriginal families and communities, where they are raised strong in spirit and identity. We want them to have every opportunity for lifelong wellbeing and connection to culture, surrounded by holistic supports.
AbSec would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we will meet to discuss important matters, the Mulgoa clan of the Dharug Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home and the ongoing impact of government policy and practice on Aboriginal children, young people and families.