The biennial conference for the Aboriginal child and family sector in NSW was held from 22 to 24 November 2017 at Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour, under the theme ‘Keeping it real: empowering Aboriginal children, families and communities’. Reflecting the theme, we endeavoured to cut through the spin to talk about strategies and programs that really work for our people.
We kicked off our 2017 biennial conference today in a rainy Coffs Harbour, welcoming around 170 guests to a jam-packed agenda on how to empower Aboriginal children, families and communities. Guests were treated to a warm welcome to Gumbaynggir country from Uncle Barry Hoskins as well as traditional dances Girrwaa Galambilanyarr. Then it was straight into our Sector Conference keynote address from John Tamihere, CEO of Te Whamau O Waipareira Trust (an urban Maori authority delivering not-for-profit services).
We hope that all attendees left beautiful Coffs Harbour today with a much clearer understanding of the current system, how it helps Aboriginal kids and how it needs to improve to help our people achieve greater health, happiness and wellbeing. Most importantly, we hope you took these discussions home with you and kept talking about what we can do better – empowering our children, families and communities across NSW.
Thank you to all people and organisations who presented at the AbSec 2017 conference. Some presenters have generously made their presentations available below.
Thank you to our 2017 sponsors and exhibitors
Join us for the 2024 NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference!
Looking ahead, we invite you to join us for the 2024 Conference, November 12-14, at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, Sydney Penrith.
Aboriginal Carer Support
Aboriginal Carer Support
Child Protection Helpline
Child Protection Helpline
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.
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.
