AbSec — NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation has released the full program for the 2026 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child and Family Conference.
The conference takes place in just four weeks— 25–27 August 2026 at Panthers Port Macquarie on Birpai Country — bringing together 300+ sector leaders, carers, practitioners, policymakers and community members for three days of keynote sessions, workshops, yarning circles, and cultural experiences.
“The 2026 AbSec Conference will be a landmark event for our sector, and with the full program now confirmed, the depth and quality of what we’ve brought together is extraordinary,” said AbSec CEO John Leha. “A National Commissioner, peak body CEOs from three states, leading Aboriginal researchers, Aboriginal young people and powerful community voices — all united by one purpose: ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up safe, strong in culture, and connected to family and Country.”
Keynote Speakers and presenters
Across three days and 70 sessions, over 50 headline speakers and presenters will share their insights, including:
- Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
- Phillip Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP)
- Aunty Muriel Bamblett, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) and chair of SNAICC.
- Wendy Moore, SNAICC Board Member and Statewide Family and Children’s Program Manager, Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
- A/Prof BJ Newton, Associate Professor, UNSW Social Policy Research Centre
- Dr James Beaufils, Senior Research Fellow, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- Kristy Tansey, Principal Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Miimi Morris, RMIT University & AbSec Child Protection Practice Specialist..
Program Highlights
Day One opens with Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter, setting the direction for three days of sector dialogue. Young people from Mounty Aboriginal Youth and Community Services will close the day, presenting directly to delegates the priorities they want the sector to hear.
Day Two features a panel with ACCO peaks from three states sharing critical lessons from delegated authority models across three jurisdictions — with profound relevance for NSW: Aunty Muriel Bamblett (VACCA), Phillip Brooks (QATSICPP) and Wendy Moore (Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre). The evening culminates in the AbSec Gala Dinner & Awards Night, celebrating outstanding leadership across the sector, with performances by Luca Saunders and comedian Kevin Kropinyeri.
Day Three opens with A/Prof BJ Newton presenting the Bring Them Home, Keep Them Home research- the most significant Aboriginal-led data our sector has seen about the reunifying of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children that have been removed by the state to their families — before a rich program of community-controlled solutions, place-based commissioning, and the launch of AbSec’s Leaving Care Hub which provides a single information hub for Aboriginal young people exiting the care system into independent living.
Registration and Event Details
The 2026 NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference takes place across 25–27 August 2026 at Panthers Port Macquarie, on the 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.
Registrations are open for a limited time only. Group discount applies and single day tickets will be available from 27 July. Register on our website: conference.absec.org.au/program-speakers/
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 our children, young people, and families. We build strength and resilience by supporting community-led solutions, shaping policy, and driving reforms that ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and young person grows up strong in culture and identity.
For media enquiries, please contact Kristjan Porm | [email protected] | 0402 158 726.
For group bookings & sponsorship, please contact Celeste Ambalong | [email protected] | 0406 258 481
