On 18-21 May 2026, FRSA held its annual National Conference at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, on the lands of the Jagera and Turrbal peoples.
It is always a pleasure to bring the sector together to share research, practice learnings and insights and we were thrilled to have close to 600 delegates join us for this year’s conference. Practitioners, academics and policy makers working to support children, families and communities came together to share what is working in our sector, why it works, and to share the outcomes of these interventions.
The week started with four well subscribed pre-Conference workshops:
- Trauma and Healing Informed Care (Dr Carmen Cubillo, Healing Circle Mob)
- Embedding practice improvement and monitoring, evaluation & learning (MEL) for evidence-informed child and family services (Australian Institute of Family Studies)
- Family Law Workshop (facilitated by FRSA)
- Intersectionality in Practice (Drummond Street Services).
On Tuesday 19 May we were privileged to have proud Yagara, Koenpul, Ngugi, and Bundjalung woman, Aunty Sandra King OAM Welcome us to Country – to beautiful Magandjin / Meanjin. Our first two keynote speakers – Deb Tsorbaris, National Children’s Commissioner, and Sue-Anne Hunter the inaugural National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People – reminded us of the importance of centring children’s voices and children’s rights in decision making and ensuring that children and young people are kept safe and supported.
Corri McKenzie, Deputy Secretary, Department of Social Services then addressed the audience outlining the details of key relevant Budget measures, including measures that will underpin the new Children and Family Support program, due to come into effect on 1 July 2027.
Our sector is often asked to tell the stories of the people they work with – to gather case studies that can speak to the value and impact of our services. So, FRSA sought out an expert to help us in the art of storytelling – Kirk Docker, the mastermind behind TV series like ‘You can’t ask that’ and ‘I was actually there’. Kirk has a gift for asking curious and difficult questions whilst upholding the dignity of the individuals he works with. He joined the conference to share tips and techniques on the art of storytelling.
Day 2 of the Conference opened with another great plenary line-up. The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General provided a pre-recorded address and spoke to the value of community-based family law services.
We were thrilled to then welcome Judge Kylie Beckhouse, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), who gave an address about exploring how reform and frontline practice intersect to support safer outcomes for families navigating increasingly complex circumstances.
FRSA was delighted to welcome back Micaela Cronin, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner who provided an update on national priorities to address violence. Micaela emphasised the need to work with those using domestic, family and sexual violence as well as victim/survivors of violence if we are to make serious in-roads to reducing violence across the country. Micaela’s address set the scene nicely for the following panel discussion, Building the evidence for change: What does success look like in working with people who use violence?
The panel discussion, which was facilitated by FRSA Executive Director, Jackie Brady, provided thought-provoking insights into what works when engaging with men who use violence. Panellists included:
- Allison Wainwright, Family Life
- Professor Silke Meyer, Griffith University
- Michael Hawke, Anglicare SA
- Grace Jennings, Relationships Australia NSW.
On Day three of the Conference we were honoured to have the Hon Ged Kerney MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, address conference delegates. Minister Kerney shared recent Government’s commitments and outlined the National Healthy Men Community Conversations project to support the health and wellbeing of men and boys.
The final conference keynote was delivered by psychologist, author, podcaster and co-founder of three-time AFR Fast 100 company, Pragmatic Thinking, Allison Hill. Ali delivered a dynamic and engaging address on ‘becoming the boss of busy’ with practical strategies to keep pace with change and connect with purpose and progress.
The great richness and diversity of the sector was showcased each day in the concurrent session program. With 65 presentations and five symposiums delivered by FRSA members and stakeholders, we felt privileged to bring this part of the program to delegates. Slides from these presentations will be made available via the FRSA Conference page subject to author permission. Keynote presentations and the Panel Discussion will be uploaded to FRSA’s YouTube channel in the coming weeks.
Gala dinner
The Conference Gala Dinner provides an opportunity to come together, relax and celebrate all that the sector has achieved over the previous year. This year’s dinner was held at the beautifully lit Brisbane Town Hall and the FRSA Board and team were delighted to have close to 350 Conference delegates join us in an evening of music, dance and fine food.
We were thrilled to have the fabulous comedian and actor Steph Tisdall entertain the room with her trademark humour, warmth and generosity.
Local band, the Radio Club Band, kept people dancing till late in the evening!
