absec’s annual

2025 Gala Dinner & Awards Night

Highlighting and honouring those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in their work.

Honour the Past, Empower the Present, Shape the Future

“The land is our mother, the children our future.”

Join us for an evening of celebration, reflection and inspiration as AbSec hosts our annual Gala Dinner & Awards Night.

This year’s theme — Honour the Past, Empower the Present, Shape the Future — reflects the enduring strength of our ancestors, the remarkable leadership we see today, and the shared responsibility we hold to create a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

In our culture, children are sacred, they carry the hopes of today and the promise of tomorrow. To protect them is to protect our future, our kinship, and our culture.

Recognising excellence

AbSec is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the incredible efforts of those working tirelessly to secure better futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families. The NSW Aboriginal Child and Family Awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations who demonstrate dedication, innovation, and impact in their work.

These awards inspire us all to keep striving for better outcomes and stronger communities.

By celebrating those who lead with courage, care, and vision, we reaffirm our commitment to building a future where every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and young person grows up safe, supported, and strong in culture.

2024 winner, Young person of the year: Tyrah Chan-Hampton

With thanks to our gala sponsors

Award categories

As we gather for the 2025 Gala Dinner andAwards Night, we Honour the Past by remembering the resilience of our ancestors and communities who held kinship strong, even in the face of adversity, Empower the Present by celebrating those working tirelessly to keep our children safe, connected and strong in culture and Shape the Future by investing in the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, carers, and families.

Past winners have included community leaders who protect culture and kinship through their advocacy and care, organisations that deliver innovative programs that strengthen families, and young change-makers who inspire hope and action for the next generation. By showcasing their contributions, we celebrate the power of community-led change and the resilience of our people.

Nominations close 11:59pm Monday, 27 October 2025.

Community member of the year

Recognises the contributions of an Aboriginal person to the welfare and wellbeing of Aboriginal families and their community. Awarded to an Aboriginal community member that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to, and positive impact on, the wellbeing of families and communities.

Eligible criteria

Must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Demonstrated voluntary or community-led contribution to Aboriginal children, families, and/or communities. Must not be in a paid formal role where the contribution is part of their job description (eg, government/community services). Evidence of sustained commitment and positive impact.

Walking Together award

Recognises the contribution of a non-Aboriginal agency in partnering with Aboriginal communities in service design and delivery, achieving improved outcomes for Aboriginal families and communities. This could include a team or an organisation.

Eligible criteria

Open to a non-Aboriginal organisation or team delivering services or programs in NSW. Demonstrated genuine, respectful, and outcomes-focused partnerships with Aboriginal communities or ACCOs. Evidence of shared decision-making, cultural safety, and improved outcomes for Aboriginal children and families. Co-designed or culturally embedded practice is highly regarded.

Legal and justice award

Recognises an individual, program, or organisation working to improve legal or justice outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, or families—especially in relation to culturally safe, trauma-informed, and restorative practices.

Eligible criteria

Open to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal nominees working in NSW. Includes lawyers, community legal centres, youth justice workers, court support programs, diversion initiatives, or systemic reform advocates. Must demonstrate a commitment to cultural safety, justice equity, advocacy, or reform. Recognised for improving experiences and outcomes within the legal, child protection, or youth justice systems.

Carer of the year

Recognises the outstanding contributions of a carer for an Aboriginal/Torres Strait islander child or young person.

Eligible criteria

Open to any person providing care for an Aboriginal child or young person Demonstrated commitment to cultural connection, stability, and wellbeing of the child or young person. Must be or have recently been an active carer in NSW. Recognised by community, professionals, or family as providing exceptional care.

ACCO of the year

Recognises an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) demonstrating excellence in service delivery to their community, achieving lasting positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and their communities.

Eligible criteria

Must be a registered ACCO operating in NSW. Provides services directly benefiting Aboriginal children, young people, families, or communities. Demonstrated strong cultural governance, community leadership, and service excellence. Evidence of sustainable outcomes and innovative or impactful programs.

Deadly advocate of the year

Honours an individual who has made a significant impact in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal children, young people, and families. This award recognises those working within or alongside the NSW Department of Communities and Justice or other mainstream systems who have successfully integrated Aboriginal perspectives and driven meaningful change.

Eligible criteria

Open to Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal individuals working within or alongside mainstream systems (e.g., DCJ, health, justice, education). Demonstrated strong advocacy for Aboriginal rights and wellbeing—particularly in policy, practice, or systems change. Successfully integrated Aboriginal perspectives and contributed to structural or cultural change. Recognised by peers or community for impact and cultural integrity.

Practitioner of the year

Recognises an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Practitioner’s excellence in achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and communities.

Eligible criteria

Must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Currently working in a professional role (e.g., social work, casework, education, health) that supports Aboriginal children, young people, and/or families. Demonstrated excellence in culturally responsive practice. Achieved tangible positive outcomes for individuals, families, or communities.

Young person of the year

Recognises the achievements of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Young Person aged under 25 years for their leadership and contribution to their community.

Eligible criteria

Must identify as Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander and be under 25 years of age at the time of nomination. Demonstrated leadership, initiative, or community contribution—in school, community, culture, advocacy, or social impact. Recognised as a role model among peers, community members, or professionals.

Early educator of the year

Recognises an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander early childhood educator or early learning professional who has made a significant impact on the development, cultural identity, and wellbeing of Aboriginal children in their early years.

Eligible criteria

Must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Works in an early learning or early childhood education setting in NSW (e.g., preschool, long day care, Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, playgroup). Demonstrated commitment to culturally safe, nurturing, and strength-based early education. Actively supports children's identity, language, connection to Country, and readiness for lifelong learning. Recognised by families, peers, or community for their care, leadership, and impact.

By nominating, you agree to the below conditions and criteria.

Individual nominees must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, that being of Aboriginal descent, identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person or be accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
The nominee’s work, impact, or contribution must have occurred primarily in New South Wales and be relevant to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, or communities.
AbSec employees are not eligible to nominate or be nominated.
The nominee must clearly demonstrate outcomes or contributions aligned with the specific category’s purpose.
All nominees must demonstrate a commitment to cultural safety, respect for Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, and uphold community values.
Contributions can be recognised over the past 12–24 months, unless otherwise stated.
Nominators must have consent from the nominee and provide accurate, respectful, and truthful information. Supporting documentation or references may be required.
Previous recipients are eligible to be nominated again if there is evidence of new or ongoing exceptional work.
An individual may not win an Award in more than one category in one year. If a nominee ranks in the first position across multiple Award categories, the AbSec judging panel will select the most relevant category for that nominee to win the Award for.
Awards will not be granted posthumously.
No weight is given to the number of times a person is nominated.
Two referees are required to verify/support the information of nominees.
Finalists will be required to be interviewed and filmed to share their story at our Awards night and on social media.

Gala Dinner agenda

6:00pm

Registration and welcome drinks

Guests arrive at the stunning Murrook Culture Centre to be welcomed with drinks and the chance to connect before the evening begins. A Smoking Ceremony at the entrance will set the tone for the night — grounding us in culture and respect.

6:30pm

Welcome to Country

A representative from the local Land Council will officially welcome guests onto Worimi Country, honouring the land and community on which we gather.

6:45pm

Opening address

Our MC, the incredible Luke Carroll, will guide us through the evening with warmth and energy. The night will be officially opened by AbSec CEO, John Leha, who will reflect on the theme Honour the Past, Empower the Present, Shape the Future. We’ll also take a moment to acknowledge and thank our major sponsors who make this event possible.

7:00pm

Entrees and performance

The night’s first cultural performance will feature the Gabinya Miyay – Muloobinba Youth Dance Group, bringing vibrant storytelling to the stage through movement and song. Guests will enjoy a delicious entrée while experiencing the energy of our next generation of performers.

7:20pm

Catherine Liddle, CEO SNAICC

We are honoured to welcome Catherine Liddle, a prominent voice from within our community to deliver the keynote. Drawing on lived experience and leadership, this address will inspire and challenge us as we reflect on our theme of past, present, and future.

7:40pm

Awards presentations, part one

The spotlight turns to the first five awards of the evening. Each award will celebrate the achievements of individuals, carers, young people, and organisations making extraordinary contributions to Aboriginal children, families, and communities.

8:30pm

Main course and performance

As a main course is served, guests will be treated to a special performance from Midnight Studio. Music, movement, and storytelling will blend seamlessly into the night’s celebrations.

9:05pm

Awards presentations, part two

We continue the celebrations with the final five awards, recognising leadership, resilience, and innovation across the sector.

10:00pm till late

Dessert and DJ perfomance

The formalities give way to celebration! DJ Paul James Gordon will keep the dance floor alive as we close the night with music and connection.

AbSec would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we will meet to celebrate our sector’s outstanding achievements, the Worimi people, custodians of the coastal land in eastern Port Stephens and the Great Lakes regions of NSW. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Murrook Culture Centre

This year, we are proud to host the 2025 NSW Aboriginal Child and Family Awards at the Murrook Culture Centre, on Worimi Country in Williamtown.

Murrook is a living space for culture, truth-telling, and connection. Grounded in the stories of the Worimi people, the centre provides a setting that honours Country, celebrates resilience, and creates space for us to come together in respect and unity.

As a place where ancient knowledge meets contemporary storytelling, Murrook is the perfect backdrop for recognising excellence across our sector.

This year’s awards aren’t just about achievement – they’re about belonging, healing, and celebrating culture in a place that embodies all three.

Traveling to the venue

From Newcastle Airport (NCL)

From Newcastle Interchange

Accommodation options

Whether you’re travelling from interstate, regional NSW, or just making a night of it, there are plenty of accommodation options close to our venue. The Port Stephens region offers a range of hotels, resorts, and holiday apartments — all within a 15–35-minute drive of the Gala venue.

11 min drive

Fern Bay Motel

26 min drive

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

17 min drive

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2025 Gala Dinner Awards Night

2025 Gala Dinner & Awards Night

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Honour the Past, Empower the Present, Shape the Future