AbSec conference set for Birpai Country

AbSec — NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation has announced the 2026 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child and Family Conference, a three-day gathering set for 25–27 August 2026 at Panthers Port Macquarie on Birpai Country.

The event is designed to bring more than 300 leaders, carers, practitioners, community members, and supporters together to advance Aboriginal-led approaches to child protection and family wellbeing.

Key Points

The 2026 conference will convene keynote sessions, workshops, policy discussions, and cultural experiences, with every session centring the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, carers, and community.

AbSec underscores a central focus on Aboriginal-led solutions informed by lived experience and evidence. This year’s theme – Stronger Together: Uniting Voices, Empowering Futures – reflects the urgency and opportunity identified by sector leaders as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children remain over-represented in child protection and out-of-home care (OOHC) systems.

AbSec chief executive John Leha.

AbSec CEO, John Leha, framed the gathering as a catalyst for collective leadership.

“keeping children safely connected to family, culture and community”

— John Leha

He emphasised that the conference is intended to mobilise shared knowledge and cultural strength at a time of rapid change.

National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Sue-Anne Hunter will lead an impressive line-up of keynote speakers.

Program and Keynote Speakers

The program features a diverse and compelling line-up of keynote speakers whose work is shaping the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family services. Confirmed speakers include:

• Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People — providing national leadership and lived experience on children’s rights and system accountability
• Phillip Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP) — sharing insights from Queensland’s experience of Aboriginal community-controlled child protection reform, with key lessons for NSW
• A/Prof BJ Newton — presenting Aboriginal-led evidence on out-of-home care placements and outcomes, including restorations, in the first two years after removal
• Kristy Tansey, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) — equipping community members and the sector with information about Active Efforts legislative requirements relevant to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), and raising awareness of rights and obligations guiding child protection decisions
• Miimi Morris, RMIT University — presenting findings from her PhD study on the experiences of Aboriginal mothers who have had children removed through the child protection system
• Michael Roach, Yalari — sharing insights from Yalari’s work creating educational pathways and life opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
• SNAICC director Wendy Moore, also a member of the national Safe and Supported Aboriginal Leadership Group — listed as a keynote speaker

Mr Leha described the speaker line-up as representative of the sector’s breadth and depth.

He noted that Sue-Anne Hunter’s role as National Commissioner brings the voices of Aboriginal children and young people to the highest levels of decision-making, strengthening sector conversations at the conference.

Phillip Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak

 Connection to Country

The AbSec Conference 2026 will include cultural performances from local Birpai Country based performers. AbSec has also engaged local Biripi artist and weaver Joedie Lawler to create the 2026 conference artwork.

A proud Biripi woman of the Goywangal (Shark) people and descendant of the Russell women, Lawler is an artist, weaver and cultural mentor who shares traditional knowledge of Country, weaving and art with community. Her work brings the spirit of Birpai Country into the conference and reflects the strength of culture, family and community.

SNAICC director Wendy Moore, also a member of the national Safe and Supported Aboriginal Leadership Group, is a keynote speaker.

Gala Dinner & Awards

The conference program includes the AbSec Gala Dinner and Awards Night, celebrating leadership, commitment and achievement across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family sector.

The 2026 awards will honour outstanding contributions from community leaders, practitioners, carers and organisations whose work strengthens families, culture and community. The evening will feature cultural performances, entertainment and opportunities for sector-wide connection.

A/Prof BJ Newton led the Bring Them Home, Keep Them Home research, and is a keynote speaker at the 2026 Conference.

Registration and Participation

Early Bird pricing is now open and available until 30 April 2026. Delegates are encouraged to register early and in groups to secure their place by taking advantage of preferential pricing. More speakers and presenters will be announced over the coming months. Speaker bios, session and program details, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and supporting information can be found at: conference.absec.org.au.

About AbSec

AbSec is the peak Aboriginal organisation in NSW dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by advocating for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children, young people, and families.

The organisation supports community-led solutions, shapes policy, and drives reforms to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and young person grows up strong in culture and identity.