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Evidence to Action: System Gaps and Priorities & community Yarn‑Up (Kempsey)

18 June , 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Dunghutti Elders Council (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC

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Overview of the Day

AbSec is hosting a full day community engagement in Kempsey, starting with the Evidence to Action: System Gaps and Priorities Yarn‑Up, followed by a flow on AbSec Roadshow and CODA Workshop in the afternoon.

The Evidence to Action Yarn‑Up centres Aboriginal community voices within a culturally safe space, bringing together community members, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Elders, and partners to identify system gaps and priorities across Housing, Disability, Early Childhood, Justice, and Health.

What is shared through the Yarn‑Up will directly inform the State of the Sector Report and the Gap Analysis and Prioritisation Report, ensuring future decisions and reforms are grounded in community‑led evidence and lived experiences.

The afternoon AbSec Roadshow and CODA Workshop builds on the morning Yarn‑Up by sharing information, resources, and next steps, strengthening connection, accountability, and collective action with community and organisations.


Have your voice heard on system gaps 

AbSec is developing two major community-led reports guided by lived experiences across Housing, Justice, Disability, Health and Early Childhood.

Through Evidence to Action, we are visiting communities across NSW to listen and ensure Aboriginal and ACCO voices are central to understanding what is working, what is not, and what needs to change across the systems that impact children, families, and communities.

What you share will inform:

  • The State of Sector Report – Providing a clear picture of how systems are currently operating for Aboriginal communities
  • Gap Analysis and Prioritisation Report – Identifying the most urgent gaps and reform priorities


ACCO Support Package Pilot Opportunity

As part of this work, AbSec is inviting three ACCOs to participate in a pilot of a new Comprehensive Support Package focused on strengthening:

  • Workforce
  • Governance
  • Infrastructure


Participation in a Yarn‑Up session is required to express interest in the pilot.

Yarn-ups across NSW

Dubbo: 6 May 2026 Wagga Wagga: 12 May 2026 Albury City: 14 May 2026 Walgett: 26 May 2026  Tamworth: 3 June 2026 Kempsey: 18 June 2026 Redfern: 30 June 2026 Campbelltown: 2 July 2026


Roadshow & CODA Workshop

Session commencing at 12:30pm

AbSec is returning to Kempsey to continue the conversation with community.

When we last visited, you told us that being listened to is important — but being heard and seeing action matters just as much. This visit is about coming back to share what we’ve heard, provide updates, and continue working together toward meaningful change.


About the Event

This free community gathering brings together community members, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal service providers for a day of connection, conversation and shared learning. Your voices and lived experiences guide our work as a peak body, and this is an opportunity to continue shaping that work together.

This session will:

  • Share key themes and insights from our previous Kempsey visit
  • Provide updates on advocacy priorities and sector work shaped by community feedback
  • Strengthen relationships and accountability with local communities
  • Continue conversations about what children, families and communities need now and into the future


This session also forms part of the Community Organisations Disaster Adaptation (CODA) Project, which is exploring ways to strengthen disaster preparedness, response and recovery across our communities.


Why Your Voices Matter Across the Day

Attending this full day engagement gives you the opportunity to have your voice heard across both the Evidence to Action Yarn‑Up and the AbSec Roadshow and CODA Workshop.

Together, these sessions create space for community‑led conversation, shared learning, and practical action. Your lived experience and insights help shape the evidence, priorities, and advocacy that inform future decisions and system reform.

By attending, you can:

  • Share lived experience and on‑the‑ground insights from your community
  • Contribute to evidence that will inform the State of the Sector and Gap Analysis and Prioritisation reports
  • Help shape advocacy priorities and sector reform
  • Hear how community feedback is influencing action and change
  • Connect with ACCOs, Elders, community members, and sector leaders
  • Strengthen relationships and collective action across the sector


Whether you attend one session or stay for the full day, your voice matters and will contribute to shaping outcomes for children, families, and communities.


Register Now

This is a free event with catering provided. Please register to assist with catering numbers.

Tickets

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Community Engagement Yarn-Up & Roadshow (Kempsey)
AbSec is developing two community‑led reports shaped by lived experience across Housing, Justice, Disability, Health and Early Childhood. We’re visiting communities across NSW to listen and ensure ACCO voices are central to system change. What you share will inform: The State of Sector Report Gap Analysis and Prioritisation Report
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Frequently asked questions

Who should attend a yarn‑up?
Yarn‑ups are open to ACCOs, community members, service providers, and sector leaders with lived experience or on‑the‑ground insights across Housing, Justice, Disability, Health, and Early Childhood.

Will my comments be confidential?
Yes. All information shared will be handled respectfully and confidentially. Individual comments will not be attributed to people or organisations without consent.

How do I express interest in the ACCO pilot opportunity?
Attendance at a yarn‑up is the first step. Further information about the pilot and next steps will be shared with interested ACCOs following the sessions.

Will food be provided?
Yes. Lunch will be provided for all attendees

What is the policy on photos and videos during the event?
AbSec may use the images and videos captured during the event for various proposes, including but not limited to advertising, social media, websites and other promotional materials. This material may be made available to the public and there will be no compensation, financial or otherwise, for the use of these images and video.