AbSec — NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation is delighted to announce the 2026 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child and Family Conference, to be held 25–27 August 2026 at Panthers Port Macquarie on Birpai Country.
The 2026 conference will bring together 300+ sector leaders, carers, practitioners, community members, and supporters for three days of keynote sessions, workshops, policy discussions, and cultural experiences. At its heart are Aboriginal-led solutions and lived experience, with every session centring the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, carers, and community.
This year’s theme – Stronger Together: Uniting Voices, Empowering Futures – reflects the urgency and opportunity of this moment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be overrepresented in the child protection and out-of-home care (OOHC) systems.
AbSec CEO, John Leha, says “the 2026 AbSec conference creates a space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, communities, Elders and sector practitioners to unite and focus on what the evidence and our communities have long told us — that keeping children safely connected to family, culture and community must always be the priority.” Mr Leha continued, “the systems that shape the lives of our children are changing rapidly. What our conference provides is something no government policy can replicate — the collective wisdom, lived knowledge, and deep cultural strength of our communities coming together to shape what comes next.”
First keynote speakers confirmed
The 2026 program features a diverse and compelling line-up of keynote speakers whose work is directly shaping the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family services:
• Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People — bringing national leadership and lived experience to the centre of the conversation 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 the 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 critical information about Active Efforts legislative requirements relevant to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and raising awareness of rights and obligations that must shape every child protection decision.
• Miimi Morris, RMIT University — presenting findings from her PhD study focused on the experiences of Aboriginal mothers who have had their children removed through the child protection system, centring voices that are too often absent from the policy table.
• Michael Roach, Yalari — sharing insights from Yalari’s work creating educational pathways and life opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
“The keynote speakers reflect the depth of leadership across the Aboriginal child and family sector,” Mr Leha said. “Sue-Anne Hunter’s leadership as National Commissioner for example, ensures the voices of Aboriginal children and young people are heard at the highest levels. Having that perspective at the conference will strengthen the conversations we must have as a sector.”
Gala Dinner & Awards
The conference will also feature the AbSec Gala Dinner and Awards Night, a special evening celebrating leadership, commitment and achievement across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family sector. The event brings delegates together in a relaxed setting to recognise the people and organisations making a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal children, young people and families across New South Wales.
The 2026 awards will honour outstanding contributions from community leaders, practitioners, carers and organisations whose work strengthens families, culture and community. The evening will include cultural performances, entertainment and an opportunity for the sector to come together to celebrate the impact of Aboriginal-led solutions.
Registration and event details
The 2026 NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference will be held from 25–27 August 2026 at Panthers Port Macquarie, on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW. AbSec acknowledges the Birpai people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past and present. Throughout the 2026 conference, delegates will experience cultural protocols and ceremonies that honour the enduring connection of the Birpai people to their land and waters.
Early Bird pricing is now open and available until 30 April 2026. Delegates are encouraged to register early and register 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, sessions and program details, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and supporting information can be found at: conference.absec.org.au
AbSec is calling for Expressions of Interest from speakers across the sector to present at the 2026 Conference.
This is an opportunity to share what is working in community, highlight innovation and contribute to the conversations shaping the future of the sector. Practitioners, researchers and community leaders with experience, research or examples of deadly practice are encouraged to register & get in contact.
Connection to Country
AbSec has 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, Joedie 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.
