Australia’s Largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference Opens in Brisbane
More than 2,000 leaders, advocates and experts have gathered in Meanjin/Brisbane today for SNAICC’25, Australia’s largest conference dedicated to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Hosted by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the biennial three-day event showcases excellence in Aboriginal-led practice, shares lived experience and research and drives national commitment to reform.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, said this is the largest and most impactful conference yet.
“Closing the gap starts with our children and SNAICC’25 is a showcase of knowledge, excellence and experience in what it takes to make that happen,” Ms Liddle said.
The event brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations, policymakers, educators, researchers, frontline workers and government representatives with a shared goal to create better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
“We’ve seen what’s possible,” Ms Liddle said.
“Our last conference helped galvanise the appointment of Australia’s first National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. “This year, I know we will go even further – the ideas, advocacy and collaboration that we see come out of SNAICC’25 will be monumental in driving impactful reform.”
Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7–9 October, SNAICC’25 comes at a pivotal time, with both significant opportunities and growing challenges for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families across the nation.
Key highlights include:
- 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 new National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children Sue-Anne Hunter, focusing on the actions that can be taken to ensure children grow up safe and supported.
- 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.
“This gathering is happening at a critical moment,” Ms Liddle said.
“We have the policy levers, and we have a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children ready to drive change.
“What we need now is real, sustained action by governments, proper investment in the ACCO sector, empowered Commissioners and evidence-based systems that replace the status quo.
“SNAICC’25 demonstrates we have the tools to build the bridge that will close the gap for our children. What is needed is the will to get on the tools and work together.”
The theme for SNAICC’25 is “Our Culture. Keep it Strong. We Belong.” – a call to action that centres cultural strength, identity and belonging as fundamental to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
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