Over the past two days, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), community members and sector partners came together for the 2026 AbSec Youth Forum – a powerful gathering centred on connection, culture, leadership and creating stronger futures for young people and communities.
Held over the 19th and 20th of May on Bidjigal Country, the forum created a space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to yarn, learn, share experiences and lead important conversations about the challenges, opportunities and changes needed to improve outcomes for them across New South Wales.
A significant highlight of the forum was the official launch of the new Leaving Care Hub by AbSec Project Officer Carlee Maccoll.
Developed as part of the Client Experience Initiative (CEI) – Housing Project, funded by the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and delivered in partnership with AbSec and Dhiira, the Leaving Care Hub was created in response to strong feedback from young people, ACCOs, carers and communities about the urgent need for accessible, culturally safe and youth-friendly information for young people transitioning from out-of-home care into independence.
Over the past year, extensive consultation and co-design workshops were undertaken with ACCOs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people with lived experience of out-of-home care and leaving care. Through these conversations, young people consistently spoke about the lack of clear information, housing supports and practical guidance available during one of the most important transitions of their lives.
The Leaving Care Hub has been designed as a practical “one stop shop” resource to support young people preparing to leave care and navigating life after care. The Hub includes information on housing pathways, priority housing, money and grants, leaving care planning, Aboriginal housing supports, legal rights, healing and mental wellbeing, life skills, support services and downloadable checklists and resources.
Importantly, the Hub was designed to feel relatable, supportive and easy for young people to navigate, using language and tools shaped directly by young people themselves.
During the presentation, Carlee emphasised that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, leaving care is not only about becoming independent, but also about maintaining connection to family, community, Country and culture.
“You deserve a safe place to live, support around you and a strong future,” she shared during the launch. “Leaving care should never mean leaving support behind.”
The presentation also acknowledged the many ACCOs, communities and young people who contributed to the co-design process, including a special shout out to the deadly young people behind the youth-led initiative from Waterloo and Redfern. Some of the authentic images featured throughout the Hub include members of the group, reflecting the project’s commitment to ensuring young people could see themselves, their stories and their communities represented throughout the resource.
Following the launch, forum participants took part in an interactive workshop activity where they explored the Hub, tested the tools and resources and provided valuable feedback and ideas for future improvements. Young people and sector representatives highlighted the importance of having a culturally grounded resource that is practical, accessible and shaped by lived experience.
The launch of the Leaving Care Hub represents an important step forward in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people transitioning from care into adulthood — ensuring they have access to information, supports and culturally safe pathways that help them thrive, not just survive.
AbSec extends its sincere thanks to all young people, ACCOs, Elders, communities and partners who contributed to the project and helped make the Youth Forum such a meaningful and empowering event.
