From 25-27 September 2024, we gathered at the Adelaide Oval on the lands of the Kaurna People for the sold-out National Aboriginal Child Safety, Family and Domestic Violence Summit. A huge thank you to all our attendees and the powerful speakers who joined us from across the country.

 

This year’s Summit was a crucial platform for meaningful conversations on culturally responsive, Aboriginal-led responses to Family and Domestic Violence and Child Protection. It highlighted inspiring success stories and wise practices that are improving outcomes for Aboriginal women, children, men, families, and the wider community.

 

With a focus on system change and reform, the Summit showcased the power of Aboriginal-led research and the importance of building Aboriginal evidence base driven by community voice. It also aligned with KWY’s holistic approach to supporting men, women, and children – both individually and collectively – while acknowledging the value of diverse voices in this space.

 

The theme ‘Creating a Space for Change’ truly came to life as leaders from across Australia shared wisdom, innovative ideas, and strategies to drive positive change.

 

This year’s Summit showcased a series of powerful moments:

• Welcomes to Country were led by Uncle Mickey O’Brien, Aunty Rosalind Coleman with Daniel Coleman on the yidaki, and our future leaders Gracie Gollan-Ritchie and Sienna Watts.

• Opening addresses were delivered by Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP, Hon. Minister Amanda Rishworth and Hon. Kyam Maher MLC all speaking to the need for government to listen, learn and reaffirm commitments to working with Aboriginal peoples for system change.

• Commissioner Micaela Cronin set the tone in her keynote, highlighting how governments can better support Aboriginal communities in addressing domestic, family, and sexual violence.

• Dr. Tracy Westerman AM explored the issue of collective racial trauma, identifying it as a key factor in preventing Indigenous family violence.

• Three staunch panel discussions were led by our CEO Craig and Stan Grant discussing ‘Stories of Strength’, offering an uplifting exploration of resilience in the face of adversity, ‘Making our Way through Systemic Change’ which delved into strategies for transformative, community-led change and ‘Reflections and Aspirations’ reflecting on deep visions and hopes for the future holding our children at the centre. 

• Commissioner April Lawrie presented findings from the Holding on to Our Future report.

• SNAICC concluded day one with an engaging session on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan, and what shared decision-making looks like in practice.

• Six inspiring breakout sessions featured contributions from VACCA, Yalu Aboriginal Corporation, Lifeline Regional SA & Far West NSW, KICS Family Services, SAHMRI and SNAICC.

• Aunty Muriel Bamblett delivered a powerful address on the role of racism in gendered violence and the necessity of Aboriginal-led solutions.

• Commissioner Natalie Lewis emphasised the importance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principles as a key legislative safeguard for children's rights within statutory systems.

• Catherine Liddle discussed how a child-rights-based approach is essential for ensuring the voices of Aboriginal children are heard.

• Stan Grant delivered his keynote, The Price of Dignity, reminding us that true well-being goes beyond economic measures—dignity is central to human flourishing. He later led the ‘Reflections and Aspirations’ panel, which delved into hopes for the future.

• Dana Shen concluded our days with a thoughtful reflection process on the learnings and experiences of the three days and how we can keep the hopes, dreams and conversations at the forefront of our practice post Summit.

 

The 2024 KWY National Aboriginal Child Safety, Family and Domestic Violence Summit left attendees with a deep sense of purpose, a renewed commitment to community-driven change, and the collective strength to continue advocating for the safety, dignity, and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children.

 

​Can’t wait to do it all again in 2026. Stay tuned!