SNAICC National Conference 2025
7–9 October | Meanjin | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
More than 2,000 people from across the country, including leaders, advocates, experts and allies, gathered in Meanjin/Brisbane from October 7-9 for SNAICC’25, which officially became Australia’s largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander conference and one of the largest First Nations conferences in the world.
Organised by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the biennial three-day event showcased excellence in Aboriginal-led practice, shared lived experience and research, and strengthened national efforts to drive reform for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. The gathering brought together Elders, community leaders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations, service providers, researchers, educators, frontline workers, students and representatives from all levels of government.
The conference put into spotlight the depth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and leadership across sectors. Program highlights included:
- a presentation from SNAICC’s new Youth Voice, with young leaders demonstrating the importance of integrating their perspectives into policy and advocacy
- a Commissioner’s Panel, including Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman Sue-Anne Hunter, the newly appointed National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
- four unique perspectives of experience, success and resilience in a keynote presentation with Dr Katrina Wruck, Prof Jack Beetson, Adj Assoc Prof Joe Williams and Fiona Jose
- 80-plus break-out sessions and a powerful program led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts.
A key focus of advocacy at SNAICC’25 was the urgent need for independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioners in every state and territory, alongside strong legislation to empower the newly established National Commissioner. At the conference, SNAICC and Commissioners from across jurisdictions came together to call for enabling legislation that would provide the authority to compel evidence, the power to hold systems accountable, a mandate to investigate systemic failures and binding inquiry and reform powers.
SNAICC extends deep appreciation to all presenters, Elders, knowledge holders, performers, delegates and sponsors who contributed to SNAICC’25. Every person in attendance upheld the meaning behind this year’s theme, Our Culture. Keep it Strong. We Belong., reinforcing the power of cultural strength and identity in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
We look forward to seeing you at SNAICC’27.
About SNAICC’25
SNAICC’25 was the 11th SNAICC National Conference, held in Meanjin at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7–9 October 2025.
The theme for SNAICC’25, Our Culture. Keep it Strong. We Belong., reinforced the importance of keeping Culture strong and celebrating that strength. It also references the importance of cultural identity and belonging in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
The Embodied SNAICC’25 Design was created by students from Hymba Yumba Independent School and Jabiru Community College, reflecting their connection to strength, culture, and Country. This design reflects a powerful collaboration, celebrating strength, connection, and the stories of community and Country.
SNAICC’25 is officially the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-focused conference in Australia. SNAICC’25 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations, policymakers, researchers, educators, frontline support workers, government representatives, and students to share knowledge, experiences, and a renewed commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
We look forward to seeing you at SNAICC’27!
Official SNAICC'25 SiteWhat is the SNAICC National Conference?
The SNAICC National Conference is one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-focused conferences in Australia with an average of 1000+ attendees.
It is held to assist with the achievement of the SNAICC vision: an Australian society in which our communities are empowered to determine their own future; where the rights of our children, young people and families are protected, our cultural identity and achievements are valued and our children and families have access to culturally appropriate services.
The conference brings together delegates and speakers from across the country – and around the world – to discuss our challenges and share our knowledge and experiences in raising happy, healthy and confident children in our communities. It not only provides a powerful and inspiring learning experience for all attendees, but it also provides opportunities to meet and experience the rich cultures of our communities.
SNAICC’23 – Voices at the Top was held in Garramilla/Darwin on Larrakia Country from 5-7 September 2023. Relive the highlights as we look back on a fantastic week that brought together 1600 voices within our sector.
Share & celebrate stories
The National Conference provides opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengths and successes in child and family services and to share our stories and ideas about what works and how we address our challenges.
Listen, learn & grow
The National Conference provides us with a platform to listen to, learn from and grow our knowledge of Elders, families and communities, to strengthen our connection to culture and to inspire, and develop leadership and collective responses.
Inspire action
The National Conference inspires and enables leaders, services and others to act in a way that strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agency, self-determination and cultural connection and to ensure our children and families’ rights are respected and fulfilled.
What to expect at the SNAICC National Conference
The conference program regularly includes keynote speakers and 70+ concurrent sessions, including papers, workshops, yarning circles, displays, poster presentations and exhibitors. The participating representatives come from a variety of agencies and services in Australia and from around the world, including those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, child welfare leaders, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, government and others working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services. Special events and performances are also held throughout the conference.
Join Us
Be part of our advocacy efforts and stay informed about our initiatives.
Become a member today and add your voice to the cause.