The QATSICPP Members’ Conference continues to grow and showcase the great work being delivered in our communities across the state. A record 193 delegates registered for this year’s event held at Rydges Southbank on 27 & 28 June 2019.
The Concurrent Sessions, linked to QATSICPP’s four (4) Strategic Priorities, showcased members’ local responses to meeting the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families. Sharing successful initiatives and learning from each other was a key goal of the conference and evaluations confirmed that delegates found these sessions to be most helpful to their work.
Professor Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society in Canada delivered the Keynote Address, sharing their story of Spirit Bear and his role in engaging children in reconciliation. Professor Blackstock’s statement about the importance of having ‘moral courage’ when working with, and advocating for children and families was a key message for delegates.
In her Key Speech, Minister Di Farmer highlighted that for the first time in many years, the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out-of-home-care had plateaued and commended our Family Wellbeing Services for the work they are doing with families to contribute to this.
Plenary Sessions included discussion on the development of measures relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children and families and QATSICPP members, the QATSICPP Youth Council and future legislative reforms.
The winners of the karaoke competition were Leisa Bennett from ATSICHS Brisbane (individual) for her rendition of Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper and a combination of TAIHS and PICC staff (group) and their performance of Abba’s Dancing Queen.
The QATSICPP Board and staff extend a big ‘thank-you’ to all those who presented and attended.
A Post Conference report is currently being produced and will be available on QATSICPP’s website.
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Top: The HALT Collective
Bottom: Jennifer Parsons & Colleen Wall Mulungu presenting on Grandmothers’ law Framework and Cultural Plans
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Top: Lesley Barney from CQID presenting on Striving for best practice in Family Wellbeing case management
Bottom: Kevin Walker, Alice Dooley & Ricardo Rimando from Kummara presenting on FLDM across FPP and FWS
