AbSec 2017 Conference — “Keeping it real: Empowering Aboriginal children, families and communities”
REGISTRATION FOR ABSEC 2017 CONFERENCE IS NOW CLOSED.
The biennial conference for the Aboriginal child and family sector in NSW will be held from 22 to 24 November 2017 at Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour. This year's theme is 'Keeping it real: empowering Aboriginal children, families and communities'. Reflecting the theme, we’ll be cutting through the spin and talking about strategies and programs that really work for our people.
Hosted by AbSec, the sector peak body, the conference provides participants an opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge in supporting Aboriginal children, young people and families.
The Sector Conference will be held on Wednesday 22 November. It promises to be an informative day for any and all people who work with Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.
The Workers Conference will be held from Thursday 23 November to Friday 24 November. This part of the conference is tailored specifically for Aboriginal workers who interact directly with Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.
Distinguished guests
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with key colleagues in the Indigenous rights and child and family sectors. Our keynote speaker, John Tamihere, has a long history fighting for Maori rights both as a New Zealand Government minister and as CEO of the Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust (an urban Maori authority delivering not-for-profit services to the community of Waitakere and across Aotearoa). John, affectionately known as JT, was widely expected to become the country’s first Maori Prime Minister before leaving parliament to return to the grassroots.
We also welcome special guest Jocelyn Formsma, a member of the Moose Cree First Nation in Canada and an advocate for First Nations’ rights. Jocelyn has over 15 years of experience in Indigenous and children’s rights. She was also was the recipient of the Canadian Coalition on the Rights of Children's 2009 Child's Rights Award, and is an alumni of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (2015). She currently serves as an Associate Lawyer with Nahwegahbow, Corbiere Genoodmagijig Barristers and Solicitors, a board member of the National Indian Child Welfare Association, and the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) Board of Directors.
Conference dinner exclusive: We are also looking forward to welcoming performer Rochelle Pitt. Rochelle is a proud Aboriginal woman from Cairns and rose to fame as a finalist on The X Factor in 2014. Since then she has featured at many events, including festivals, communities and conferences, released her EP Soul Mumma, and become ambassador for Kidney Health Australia. Rochelle has been affectionately dubbed Australia's very own ‘Soul Mumma’. Our conference dinner promises to be an unmissable event with Rochelle headlining.
Conference dinner exclusive: Australia’s premier Aboriginal comedy star, Kevin Kropinyeri is a one-man whirlwind that will have you holding your sides laughing, as he shares tales of growing up, marriage and the particular, absurd challenges of life as an Aboriginal Australian family man. A high-energy performer, Kevin is sharp, likeable, silly and measured; mixing keen observational standup with joyfully ridiculous physical comedy.
Thanks to our sponsors
This conference couldn’t happen without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to our premium sponsor, the Office of the Children’s Guardian; our major sponsors, the NSW Department of Family and Community Services and My Choice Matters; as well as proud sponsors NCOSS, Woomera Aboriginal Corporation & Relationships Australia.
For further information regarding the conference, please call 02 9559 5299 or keep an eye on this 2017 Conference page.
