Held from November 19 to 21, 2019, on Gumbaynggirr Country at the stunning Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour, the conference was hosted by AbSec, the NSW Child and Family Peak Aboriginal Corporation. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge, while also serving as a collective reset to refocus on what is needed to keep Aboriginal children safe and healthy.
Despite the challenging circumstances posed by the bushfire emergency in NSW, the 2019 Conference was the largest NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference to date, with over 350 delegates registered from across the state and country. Although attendance was affected by the bushfires, the event was still a tremendous success, providing a valuable forum for exchanging knowledge and experiences and sparking meaningful conversations that delegates could take back to their communities and organisations.
Over the three days, 26 workshops were conducted over seven concurrent sessions. These served as the highlight of the conference, presenting important work various organisations are doing on the ground with the same united goal, to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal children, families and communities. The robust
exchange of information, allowed conference delegates to take away learnings and insights to apply in their own practice.
The conference emphasized the importance of involving Aboriginal youth, families, and communities in the development of services and policies. By fostering these inclusive discussions, the conference aimed to drive systemic change and improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families.
The bushfire crisis in NSW presented significant challenges, affecting attendance and disrupting schedules. AbSec extends its gratitude to all delegates, presenters, and supporters for their patience and understanding throughout these disruptions. We also acknowledge those affected by the bushfires and express our deepest appreciation to everyone working to keep communities safe.
Despite the obstacles, the 2019 conference served as a platform to showcase successful strategies for building well-integrated, holistic, and culturally responsive local service systems. The event underscored the importance of accessible services from the early intervention stage, emphasizing that these services are critical to strengthening connections to culture and promoting self-determination.
AbSec would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all practitioners, community members, guest speakers, and sector professionals who joined us to enhance their skills and knowledge in supporting Aboriginal children, young people, and families. Your participation and dedication made the 2019 conference a powerful and transformative experience.
Thank you to our 2019 sponsors and exhibitors
2019 Conference
Taya Biggs, a Barkindji woman, studied art at Menindee Central School and have been supported by family, friends, school and the community to advance her passion for painting which has resulted in continuing on with her art.
“The story of my painting here is is one depicting our people spread out over Country. We come together as one to support and care for one another, and this fits perfectly with the theme of AbSec’s conference and my beliefs – Strong Communities, Strong Kids.”
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.
