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.