2024 NSW
The 2024 Aboriginal and Child Family Conference brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders, practitioners, advocates, and stakeholders to explore pathways toward meaningful systemic change.
This pivotal event underscored the power of collaboration and self-determination, driving critical conversations and actionable solutions for the wellbeing of Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities. AbSec extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making the conference a success—attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and organisers. Your contributions have shaped a transformative event, building momentum toward a brighter future for our children and families.
We will continue to update you with post-conference materials, including session recordings, a detailed conference report, and opportunities to engage in future initiatives.
Together, we are rewriting the narrative for Aboriginal children, young people, and families—one of empowerment, cultural safety, and restoration.
This year’s theme, Truth Telling: A Journey Towards Understanding & Empowerment, highlighted the power of sharing stories to foster cultural pride, understanding, and allyship. The conference provided a platform for Aboriginal voices to share their truths, guiding meaningful conversations and inspiring collective action. Together, we explored pathways to empowerment and cultural safety, driving a shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive future.
Participants called for systemic accountability and improved data collection to address the failures within child protection and justice systems. Implementing independent audits of Department of Communities & Justice (DCJ) data collection processes, and developing robust accountability frameworks were among the key recommendations.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of family-led decision-making and cultural safety in child protection practices. Participants highlighted the urgent need for family meetings and protocols that respect Aboriginal family structures and cultural rights.
Restoration emerged as a central theme, emphasising the need to reunite children with their families and communities. Truth-telling sessions were identified as a vital step in addressing systemic violence, acknowledging past wrongs, and fostering healing.
2024 Conference
The Western Sydney Conference Centre adjoining the Pullman Sydney Penrith, was thoughtfully chosen to honor the spirit of the event and provide an inclusive, welcoming space for all attendees.
Heavily inspired by Aboriginal themes, the fluid shape of the building reflects the nearby Nepean River, while the polished metal ceiling panels across the underside of the roof represent the way sunlight reflects upon the water’s surface. The garden is filled with mostly native plant species. A prominent First Nations sculpture tells the story of the river’s importance as a food source to the local Dharug people.
Set on the beautiful land of the Dharug Nation, the conference was held at a location that offered both modern facilities and a deep connection to Country, creating an environment that encouraged meaningful conversations and cultural reflection.
The speakers and performers at the 2024 NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference were thoughtfully selected to reflect the conference’s theme. They represented a rich tapestry of voices, including Elders, cultural leaders, young advocates, and industry professionals, each bringing unique insights and expertise.
From keynote addresses to panel discussions, every speaker was chosen to inspire meaningful dialogue, foster connection, and drive change within the child and family sector. The diverse lineup included those with lived experiences, cultural knowledge holders, and sector experts who collectively offered a powerful blend of storytelling, evidence-based research, and actionable strategies. By centering Aboriginal voices and perspectives, the 2024 event created a platform for authentic discussions and showcased the incredible work happening across communities to empower children, young people, and families.
Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency
Smoking Ceremony, Didgeridoo Performance
Chancellors Postdoctoral Indigenous Research Principal, Jumbunna Institute of Indigenous Education and Research
Actor, Author, Teenager, Young Advocate for First Nations Justice and Education Reform
Indigenous Culture Company
Deputy Chair, Commissioner Yoorrook Justice Commission
Chief Executive Officer, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
Chief Executive Officer, AbSec
Proud Biripi woman, First Nations actor and singer.
Kamilaroi and Tongan Aria-chart singer
Scientia Senior Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney
Author, Founder, Director
NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services
Traditional & contemporary fused dance group
Gamilaraay and Tongan performer
Welcome to Country, Didgeridoo and storytelling performance
Managing Director, Indigenous Psychological Services
First Nations Performance Audit Team Leader, Audit Office of NSW
Secretary, NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors and exhibitors
2024 Conference
2024’s conference artwork “Truth-telling” is by Jasmine Andrews, a proud Wiradjuri woman and an accomplished artist. At 21 years old, she is also a devoted mother to a beautiful little girl. Born and raised in Western Sydney on Dharug land, Jasmine continues to live and work in this vibrant community.
Jasmine envisions a future where all Aboriginal young people and children feel confident and comfortable sharing their culture. This starts freely sharing stories, traumas, and hardships. By doing so, future generations can gain the courage and knowledge necessary to decide their path forward.
If you’re looking for specific photos of yourself or others from the AbSec Conference, feel free to reach out to us directly at events@absec.org.au. We’re happy to assist!
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.
CEO, Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency.
Aunty Muriel Bamblett is proud a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman who has been employed as the CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency since 1999. Aunty Muriel is active on many boards and committees concerning children, families and the Indigenous community, including Chairperson of the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), the peak Australian agency for Indigenous child and family services; the Aboriginal Children’s Forum; the Aboriginal Justice Forum; the Coalition of Peaks Joint Council on Closing the Gap and is on the Elders Group for the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria.
Aunty Muriel’s contribution to her community and to Victoria has been recognised in many awards and she was recently bestowed the 2024 National NAIDOC Award for Person of the Year.
Chancellors Postdoctoral Indigenous Research Principal, Jumbunna Institute of Indigenous Education and Research.
Deputy Chair, Commissioner Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Sue-Anne Hunter is a proud Wurundjeri and Ngu rai Illum Wurrung woman and the Deputy Chair and Commissioner of Australia’s first truth telling process – the Yoorrook Justice Commission. She is an Adjunct Professor of Global Engagement at Federation University and a member of the National
Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice Advisory Board.
A child and family services practitioner by trade, Sue-Anne has over 20 years of experience in child and family services, and is recognised for developing rights-based, transformative practices that empower Aboriginal people to heal from the impacts of colonisation.
Sue-Anne has extensive experience in the governance and the leadership of ACCOs, and her expertise is regularly sought for government inquiries, parliamentary and ministerial advisory committees, academic research projects and media interviews.
Chief Executive Officer, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.
An Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia, Catherine has been a leading advocate in upholding the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on a national, regional and local level. Catherine has held senior management positions in First Nations organisations including First Nations Media and Jawun Indigenous Corporate Partnerships, as well as within the Northern Territory Education Department, the ABC and NITV/SBS.
A journalist by trade, Catherine’s motivation has always been to drive change that leads to positive outcomes and options for First Nations people. Over the past 10 years she has led multidisciplinary teams, overseen workplace transformations, and advocated for policy reform. Catherine is the CEO for SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the national non-governmental peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children that works for the fulfilment of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, in particular to ensure their safety, development and wellbeing.
Chief Executive Officer, AbSec
Scientia Senior Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney.
Dr BJ Newton is a proud Wiradjuri woman and mother to three young children. BJ’s research focuses on working in partnership with Aboriginal organisations to build evidence and support Aboriginal families interfacing with child protection systems. Her current research, Bring them home, keep them home investigates the rates, outcomes and experiences of successful and sustainable restoration for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care. This research is making significant impact across the child protection sector, facilitating truth telling, advocacy, and Aboriginal community-determined initiatives including the Aboriginal Authority for Restoring Children (AARC).
Author, Founder, Director.
Brenda Matthews is a proud Wiradjuri woman living with her husband, Mark, in Bundjalung country, Queensland.
Brenda co-directed the feature documentary The Last Daughter, which was released in Australian cinemas and on Netflix in mid-2023 to excellent reviews and critical acclaim. The film is based on her beautifully penned book of the same title, and was also released in 2023 to excellent reviews.
Brenda’s journey from being part of the stolen generation to becoming a Mother, Grandmother, Author, Speaker, Film Director, Storyteller and Co-Founder/Director of Learning Circle is an inspiring testament to the power of healing and reconciliation.
Her remarkable story, as eloquently portrayed in her debut book and Netflix documentary feature film, “The Last Daughter,” encapsulates heartbreak, love, forgiveness, hope and bringing the Country together.
NSW Minister for Families and Communities.
Kate Washington is the newly appointed Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion in the Minns Labor Government.
Since 2015, Kate has proudly represented the people of Port Stephens in the Parliament of NSW. Prior to entering Parliament, Kate was a partner in a law firm in Newcastle, specialising in health law.
As a parent, parliamentarian and lawyer, Kate has a strong track record of giving voice to the voiceless and looking after the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Managing Director, Indigenous Psychological Services
Dr Westerman AM, a Nyamal woman from Pilbara, WA, is a trailblazer in Aboriginal mental health, cultural competency, and suicide prevention. She has won numerous awards for her groundbreaking work. She was the first Aboriginal person to attain a master’s and PhD in Clinical Psychology.
She founded Indigenous Psychological Services in 1998 in the absence of government funding.
Delivered over 100 keynotes nationally/internationally in Canada, the USA, and New Zealand
Trained 50,000 plus practitioners, making her arguably the most in demand trainer in Australia.
She has developed numerous Australian firsts, including the only culturally & clinically valid tools for at-risk Indigenous people. The first national Indigenous youth mental health prevalence database
In 2019, she funded the Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program to ensure that our highest risk families and communities have access to a psychologist. In 2020, launched the charity, The Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health to drive Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention best practice. Jilya has supported 55 Indigenous psychology students, many of whom have now graduated.
She launched her memoir Jilya on September 3rd , which has already achieved best seller status
First Nations Performance Audit Team Leader, Audit Office of NSW.
Carla Ware is a Mualgal woman who currently resides on Darkinjung country, and has worked in the public sector for the last 20 years. Having
spent 16 years at the NSW Ombudsman’s office working in and then managing the Aboriginal Unit, Carla was involved in several audits that
inquired into and made recommendations supporting Aboriginal people’s rights to self-determination and how the public sector can practically and meaningfully support this.
During her time auditing the Interagency Plan to tackle child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities, she wrote the ‘healing’ chapter of the report. Following the release of this report, the NSW government included healing in their Aboriginal Affairs strategy: OCHRE, a first for any state in Australia. Carla acted as the Deputy Ombudsman, Aboriginal Programs before moving to AbSec as the Operations Manager and then on to creating the First Nations Performance Auditing Program at the NSW Audit Office.
Secretary, NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
Prior to joining DCJ, Mr Tidball had been the Chief Executive Officer of the Law Council of Australia (LCA) and the Secretary-General of LAWASIA. He also served as the CEO of the Law Society of NSW for 14 years.
During his 35-year career, Mr Tidball has worked with Government leaders and ministers, agency heads, industry leaders, the judiciary, non-government organisations and the community.
Mr Tidball began his career in child protection working for the South Australian public service, before moving to the Commonwealth to
develop community corrections and juvenile justice programs in the lead-up to self-government in the Australian Capital Territory.
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.
