AbSec

Gathering for truth telling 🖤💛❤️ Keynote Sessions Now Available On-Demand Sign in to watch here: https://lnkd.in/gQa9Dk_E Looking back at three incredible days of cultural performances, insightful keynotes, and thought-provoking discussions from the 2024 NSW Aboriginal Child and Family Conference. Our theme, "Truth-Telling," sparked passionate conversations about the urgent need for change within the sector. Speakers shared inspiring stories and innovative approaches, emphasising the importance of Aboriginal-led solutions for children, young people and families. We're excited to see these ideas translate into actionable solutions that will drive transformative change. Stay tuned for full-length presentations, photos, and videos from the event, coming soon to our website. Your participation made this event a success. We look forward to future opportunities to learn and collaborate together. @georgia.brogan 📸 @lochie_simmons 📸

It was undoubtedly a highlight of my year to be part of this panel at the AbSec conference back in November, to reflect on the five years since the landmark Family is Culture Review recommended sweeping changes to the NSW child protection system. I was privileged to appear alongside Aunty Deb Swan, one of the founding members of Grandmothers Against Removal who were instrumental in bringing about the review, Dr Paul Gray from UTS Jumbunna and Zoe De Re from the Aboriginal Legal Service. As is often the case when in a room with these incredible advocates, I spent most of my time nodding in furious agreement. I was also really pleased to share some thoughts on respectful and successful partnerships, and how the NSW Government has fallen drastically short in this respect when it comes to working with the peaks to make change to the child protection system. Largely, it’s been five years of failure to make progress, despite the efforts of community – a reality documented in the most recent Family is Culture Community Report Card, and the timeline on AbSec’s new Family is Culture website: https://lnkd.in/gy_rGwAd It was clear from the conference there is still much to be done to make the recommendations of FIC a reality in NSW. I look forward to the Justice and Equity Centre (formerly the Public Interest Advocacy Centre) continuing to support AbSec, the ALS, UTS Jumbunna and others on this vital work into 2025.

The Holiday season is a time for family, love, and togetherness. But for too many Aboriginal children and young people in New South Wales, it’s a time of separation and heartache. AbSec, and our members, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across the state are ready to stand in the gap for our people. Your support helps us keep Aboriginal children and young people connected to family and thriving in culture. Just $50 can provide three support packages to Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care Donate Here: https://lnkd.in/dVE-KR5g Your donation can help bring hope and connection back to those who need it most. #Restoration #FamilyPreservation #SupportAboriginalFamilies #CloseTheGap #AbSecNSW

And they’re off! These gifts are on their way to Indigenous families in need across western NSW. Thank you Summer Hill for your generosity. Every year we’re amazed and overwhelmed by your response to this Christmas call out. And a big thank you to AbSec who take it from here, and ensure so many young kids have a very merry Christmas.

For many of us, Christmas is a time of love and family, but for over 6,500 Aboriginal children in out-of-home care across New South Wales, it can be a stark reminder of loss and separation. Each year, @jo haylen helps to bring smiles and joy to Aboriginal young ones and their families with a toy drive. Every gift adds to the growing pile of kindness from the Summer Hill community. Thank you for standing with AbSec to support Aboriginal children, young people and families this Christmas! If you would like to support our communities over Christmas, consider donating - your support plays a vital role in helping us achieve this vision: https://lnkd.in/dVE-KR5g #ChristmasToyDrive #AbSecToyDrive #AbSec #SupportLocal #CommunityCare

2024 NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference 🖤💛❤️ The AbSec 2024 NSW Aboriginal Child and Family Conference, held on the on the beautiful land of the Mulgoa Clan of the Dharug Nation, brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders, practitioners, advocates, and stakeholders to explore pathways toward meaningful systemic change. This pivotal event underscored the power of collaboration and self-determination, driving critical conversations and actionable solutions for the wellbeing of Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities. AbSec extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making the conference a success—attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and organisers. Your contributions have shaped a transformative event, building momentum toward a brighter future for our children and families. Together, we are rewriting the narrative for Aboriginal children, young people, and families—one of empowerment, cultural safety, and restoration. https://lnkd.in/gnChmfb3 OzChild Life Without Barriers Western Sydney Conference Centre Sue-Anne Hunter Michael Tidball Catherine Liddle Brenda Matthews NSW Office of the Children's Guardian Dr Tracy Westerman AM SNAICC - National Voice for our Children NSW Department of Communities and Justice Association of Children's Welfare Agencies Hearing Australia Tiah Trimboli📸 Lachlon Simmons 📸 fraser whitehead 📸 #2024AboriginalChildFamilyConference #AboriginalLeadership #DriveChange #ChildProtection #IndigenousVoices #awards #awardsnight

Thank you to Baxter Australia and New Zealand in supporting AbSec with a toy drive, making a meaningful impact on local and regional Aboriginal communities. As part of their ACT: Activating Change Today program, a global multidimensional and multiyear initiative to advance racial justice within the workplace and within the communities the company serves, Baxter’s commitment to reconciliation and advancing racial justice aligns with AbSec’s vision to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and families. Every toy donated helps bring joy and hope to Aboriginal families, ensuring children feel loved, valued, and connected during what can be a tough month. Thank you again, Baxter Healthcare, for walking with us on this journey of change and empowerment. Baxter International Inc.  Faraimie Nicole Brady #CommunitySupport #Baxter #AboriginalFamilies #HolidayGiving #AbSec

"If we had a concerted program across 20 of the most deprived communities, we would transform the social landscape in Queensland within a decade, if not earlier." A Queensland based study has found that intervention and investment into the early years of a child's life has been shown to be more effective in reducing youth crime. This study comes after the Queensland Government's introduction of the 'Make Queensland Safer' laws, proving that there are other ways to address youth crime other than locking children up.

Human rights are universal—but are they truly universal for everyone? In New South Wales, Aboriginal children and young people are 12 times more likely to be removed from their families than non-Indigenous children and young people. Access to culturally safe services and support remains unequal. The voices of our communities are still silenced in decisions that impact their futures. Is this justice? Is this equality? This International Human Rights Day, it's time to confront the uncomfortable truths and demand change. Human rights should be more than words on paper—they should be a lived reality for everyone, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. AbSec continues to advocate for systems and policies that respect and protect the rights of our Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities. 🔗 Learn more about our work: https://lnkd.in/g2DM2Ky6 #HumanRightsDay #JusticeForAll #AboriginalRights #StandUp4HumanRights #AbSec

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 🌏 Today, we join communities worldwide to recognise and celebrate the achievements, strength, and contributions of people with disabilities. This year's theme, "amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future", reminds us of the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and breaking down barriers. We take this opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by our communities with disabilities across New South Wales. AbSec continues to advocate for better access to culturally-safe supports and services. Together, let's celebrate the resilience and unique contributions of people with disabilities in our communities. #IDPwD2024 #AmplifyLeadership #InclusionMatters #AbSec #DisabilityAdvocacy #AboriginalCommunities