FRSA National Conference 2019
19-22 November 2019
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
The FRSA National Conference is one of the largest annual gatherings of practitioners, academics and policy makers working to support children, families and communities. This ‘not to be missed’ event will feature a number of highly acclaimed keynote presenters, as well as Federal Ministers and sector leaders with a focus on delivering the most effective services to children, families and young people.
This year’s Conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 19-22 November and the theme is New Horizons: Building the future, Paving the way.
Conference 2019 will provide us with opportunities to identify how we can continue to pave the way to brighter futures for Australian children, families and communities, including in regards to how we can better use technology, be more innovative, build our workforce capacity, and measure and increase our service delivery success. Together, we will also explore new collaborative ways practitioners, policy-makers and researchers can work together, including in taking a more coordinated prevention and early intervention public health approach.


This is an Australian Community Workers Association endorsed CPD event. Members can claim Continuing Professional development (CPD) hours for their participation.
PROGRAM
To read the abstracts of the presentations or view the PowerPoint presentations from Conference, download the PDF version of the program below and click on the session you are interested in.
Please note:
- Program is subject to change
- Optional cost Pre-Conference workshops are on Tuesday 19 November 2019
- The Conference begins on 20-22 November 2019
FRSA 2019 Conference e-Journal
FRSA is proud to launch this forth e-Journal of peer-reviewed papers from the annual FRSA National Conference.
This e-Journal expands on the FRSA National Conference 2019 theme New Horizons: Building the future, paving the way. This year’s e-Journal features six papers showcasing just some of the work being undertaken towards ‘new horizons’ in family and relationship services.
SPEAKERS

Dr Michael McAfee
International Keynote

Dr Tim Hobbs
International Keynote/Workshop Presenter

The Hon Michelle Landry MP
National Keynote

Barry Sandison
National Keynote

The Hon Justice Sarah Derrington
National Keynote/Panellist

Professor Richard Chisholm AM
Panellist

Dr Nicola Ross
Panellist

Veronica Toth
Panellist

Professor Daryl Higgins
Panellist

Natalie Lewis
Panellist

Megan Mitchell
Panellist

Eliza Strapp
Panellist

Jackie Bennett
Workshop Presenter

Anne Taylor
Workshop Presenter
REGISTRATION
Registration for the FRSA 2019 National Conference is CLOSED.
Please note that all persons intending to attend the Conference must register, including invited speakers, chairpersons and media. Please register via the buttons below.
Registration Fees
Delegate Registration | Early Bird Registration Fee* |
Standard Registration Fee** From 31 August 2019 |
Onsite Registration Fee Applicable*** After 15 November 2019 |
Member Complete Conference Experience – Including dinner | $995.00 | $1,195.00 | $1,345.00 |
Member Conference Only – No dinner | $920.00 | $1,120.00 | $1,270.00 |
Non-Member Complete Conference Experience – Including dinner | $1,295.00 | $1,495.00 | $1,645.00 |
Non-Member Conference Only – No dinner | $1,220.00 | $1,420.00 | $1,570.00 |
* To be entitled to the early bird registration fee you must have registered and paid by 30 August 2019.
** Please note that registrations received after 30 August 2019 will incur additional fees.
*** Registration received within this time period prior to the Conference going onsite receive an additional fee of $150.00
Speaker Registration (THIS RATE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
Speaker Registration All speakers must be registered by 16 August 2019 |
Registration Fee |
Speaker Member Complete Conference Experience – Including dinner | $885.00 |
Speaker Member Conference Only – No dinner | $810.00 |
Speaker Non-Member Complete Conference Experience – Including dinner | $1,070.00 |
Speaker Non-Member Conference Only – No dinner |
$995.00 |
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops | Registration Fee |
Member – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Workshop: First 1000 Days movement (All day) – Open to All |
$150.00 |
Member – Family Law Workshop (All Day) – Members Only |
$150.00 |
Member – Workshop 3: How to make data work for you (All day) |
$150.00 |
Non-Member – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Workshop: First 1000 Days movement (All day)- Open to All |
$250.00 |
Non-Member – Workshop 3: How to make data work for you (All day) |
$250.00 |
Day Rates
One Day Registration | Registration Fee |
Wednesday and Thursday |
$465.00 |
Friday | $365.00 |
Group Registrations
FRSA 2019 is pleased to offer FRSA Members the opportunity to register five (5) participants and receive the sixth registration complimentary. To be eligible for the complimentary registration, you must register your five (5) participants using the link below. Instructions on how to register your complimentary registration will be provided on the confirmation email. Interested in becoming an FRSA Member? Visit our Membership page.
Please note: When registering the 6 for 5, to receive the 6th registration free the same registration type must be purchased for the entire group.
Need help? Please contact the Conference Secretariat via frsa@kaigi.com.au, or phone on 02 6198 3218.
VENUE INFORMATION
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale NSW 2325
Less than 2 hours drive north of Sydney, nestled amongst the Semillon vineyards and majestic Brokenback ranges; Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley gives you easy access to 150 world-class wineries, indulgent restaurants, gourmet produce, boutique breweries and a remarkable blend of special experiences brought to life by the friendly local communities in the region.
The Hunter Valley’s only fully integrated resort, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley provides world class facilities to help you relax and connect with colleagues. Explore the spectacular 18-hole championship golf course set amongst the vineyards, tennis, the region’s largest pool. Lovedale Brewery and a vast collection of unique experiences for all age groups are all on-site, as is Ubika Spa – which offers individual, couple and group treatments.
Resort Experiences
HUNTER VALLEY GOLF:
Experience resort style golf in the heart of the Hunter. Enjoy a spectacular 18 hole championship course set amongst the Hunter Valley’s world famous vineyards. With experiences available for small, medium and large groups up to 120 people. The Pro Shop is equipped with everything you need for your group’s hire or purchase.
UBIKA SPA:
UBIKA is from the Ancient Indian Sanskrit meaning ‘to grow’. The UBIKA Spa menu features a diverse selection of therapies for both men and women that help regenerate and restore – whether it’s an energising body scrub, muscle-melting hypnotic back massage or results-oriented facial. The instant you step into our Spa time will slow down.
SWIMMING:
If you are looking to simply relax and unwind, the resort’s two fully serviced outdoor swimming pools are the perfect place with sun beds, furniture and umbrellas.
TENNIS AND BASKETBALL:
The resort boasts three grass tennis and one basketball court which can be reserved for your group.
GYMNASIUM:
Balance out all the gourmet food, cheese platters and fine wine with complimentary access to our onsite gym. The centre is fully equipped with cardio equipment, rowing machines, weights, change rooms, showers and lockers.
BUS TOURS:
The resort hosts its very own double decker bus which can take your group of up to 93 people, on a recommended or tailor made Hunter Valley winery tour.
AMBER’S OF LOVEDALE:
The boutique store, located at the resort entrance, is your one-stop-shop to browse for Hunter Valley giftware, refreshments, everyday essentials and resort accessories.
GAMES ROOM:
Located next to the resort pool, our games room is ideal for big and little kids. Equipped with classic and the latest arcade games, our games room is guaranteed to provide hours of fun.
TRAVEL, DINING & SIGHTSEEING

From wine tasting in Australia’s oldest wine region to bushwalking in UNESCO World Heritage wilderness, the Hunter Valley is a marvellous escape. You’ll discover incredibly delicious food and wine experiences and beautiful landscapes of rolling vineyards, mountain ranges and ancient rainforest.
Travel

Getting to the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is within easy reach from Newcastle Airport, approximately 45 minutes drive. Choose from a range of transport services on arrival, including car rentals, limousines, shuttle buses as well as group and private transfers. Public transport options are available from the airport.
Newcastle Airport offers up to 50 direct flights a day to cities along the east coast.
Jetstar flies direct to and from Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane. QantasLink operates direct flights to and from Brisbane. Virgin Australia flies direct to and from Brisbane and Melbourne. FlyPelican operates direct flights to and from Adelaide, Dubbo, Ballina, Canberra and Sydney. Regional Express also flies to and from Sydney.
Visit Cessnock Radio Cabs website for local taxi services around Cessnock, Hunter Valley, Pokolbin, Branxton/ Greta, Lovedale area. Maxi taxi and wheelchair accessible vehicles are available on request.
Airport transfers
FRSA will be arranging bus coach transfers from Newcastle Airport to the Conference venue on 18 Monday and 19 Tuesday and from Conference venue to Newcastle Airport on 22 Friday and 23 Saturday November 2019. Please register for the bus transfers with the Conference Secretariat Kaigi when purchasing your conference registration. Below are the bus transfer times:
Airport Transfer: Newcastle Airport to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Date | Time |
Monday 18 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 14:00 |
Monday 18 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 16:00 |
Monday 18 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 17:00 |
Monday 18 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 18:00 |
Tuesday 19 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 10:00 |
Tuesday 19 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 11:00 |
Tuesday 19 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 14:00 |
Tuesday 19 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 16:00 |
Tuesday 19 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 17:00 |
Tuesday 19 November | Departing Newcastle Airport 18:00 |
Airport Transfer: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley to Newcastle Airport
Date | Time |
Friday 22 November | Departing Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley 14:00 |
Friday 22 November | Departing Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley 15:30 |
Saturday 23 November | Departing Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley 07:00 |
Please note these times may change slightly due to numbers and demands. You will be updated if any changes occur.
Bus
For a public coach, Rover Coaches can pick up from Morisset Train Station & they match their transfers with the train timetable.
Taxis
Newcastle Airport’s taxi rank is adjacent to the departures end of the terminal. Newcastle Taxis can be contacted directly, free-of-charge, on the dedicated taxi phone located in the arrivals end of the terminal. For bookings call: 133 300
Visit Cessnock Radio Cabs website for local taxi services around Cessnock, hunter Valley, Pokolbin, Branxton/ Greta, Lovedale area. Maxi taxi and wheelchair accessible vehicles are available on request.
Drive
Over Sydney Harbour Bridge and follow the A1 (Pacific Highway) towards Hornsby. Before Hornsby (at Wahroonga) take the M1 (Pacific Motorway) north towards Newcastle and take one of three exits to the Hunter Valley Vineyards.
Driving Routes From Sydney
ROUTE 1: After 120km (1 hour 15 mins), exit the M1 at the Newcastle Interchange and take the M15 (Hunter Expressway) and follow the M15 until you reach the Lovedale Road exit (24km), the Wine Country Drive exit (36km) or the Hermitage Road exit (48km).
ROUTE 2: After 100km (1 hour), exit the M1 at the B82 (Freemans Drive) exit ramp and follow the signs along the B82 to Cessnock/Hunter Valley Vineyards.
ROUTE 3: After 40km (20 minutes), exit the M1 (Pacific Motorway) at the Calga Interchange (Peats Ridge) and follow Tourist Drive 33 (TD33). This route will take you through scenic mountains and into the Hunter Valley at the historic town of Wollombi.
Car rental
To hire a car from Newcastle Airport, please visit their website
Train
To travel by train, the most convenient stations are at Maitland, Newcastle or Morisset. There are connecting buses from each of these stations to the Hunter Valley.
For train timetables, click here or call 131 500. For information on connecting buses, click here or call +61 2 4990 1699.
Charter Flights
Cessnock Airport is located right across from the Conference venue, and offers charter and private flights.
Blue Sky Airways offers charter services for groups of up to nine people from Sydney through to the Crowne Plaza hotels at Newcastle and Hunter Valley via its twin-engine Piper Chieftain, with a SeaFury seaplane and Beaver seaplane. Services are frequent from Friday to Monday, unless there is additional demand.
For more information visit the Blue Sky Airways website.
Dining

Did you know the Hunter Valley has four SMH Good Food Guide hatted restaurants? Yes, they have all the ingredients for a tasty gourmet getaway with 60 plus eateries serving knockout food.
For a quintessential dining experience you can’t beat an al fresco meal in a vineyard, but the Hunter Valley also has stylish hotel restaurants and oodles of places with stunning bushland views. No matter where you dine you’ll be treated to some of the freshest produce, plated creatively by our acclaimed chefs, using local olives, oils, cheeses, poultry and beef, along with a dose of true-blue Hunter hospitality.
To find a place to dine that best suits your taste, budget, atmosphere requirements and location – click here to view the dining options in the Hunter Valley.
Sightseeing

For information about exploring the Hunter Valley’s activities, attractions and must-do experiences. Everything from tutored wine-tastings and boutique brews to cooking classes, championship golf and spa treatments. For more information visit the Hunter Valley Wine Country Website.
ACCOMMODATION
We have secured rooms at a selection of rooms at the Conference Venue with flexible terms and conditions exclusively for attendees of the FRSA 2019 National Conference. Book early to secure your room and let our dedicated accommodation team look after you whilst taking advantage of the following:
- Specially negotiated rates
- Wi-Fi included for hotel guests booking through KAIGI
- Flexibility to change or cancel your booking at any time up to 30 working days prior to FRSA 2019 National Conference start date
- One night’s room rate deposit is all you pay to secure your booking – no full pre-payment needed. Full pre-payment may be made if you prefer.
- Your deposit is fully refundable up to 30 working days prior to FRSA 2019 National Conference start date
Please note that the hotel may not offer the same rates if you contact them directly.
Need help? Please contact the Conference Secretariat via frsa@kaigi.com.au, or phone on 02 6198 3218.
Reap the benefits of booking with the FRSA 2019 National Conference Managers and staying the officially contracted hotel below:

430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale NSW 2325
Conference Venue
Deluxe Room (SOLD OUT)
Room rate per night: $230
Each room features a private balcony or courtyard with picturesque views of the sparkling onsite pool, undulating hills or manicured golf course with 1 King Bed. Includes complimentary wi-fi and x1 full buffet breakfast.

Twin Deluxe Room (SOLD OUT)
Room rate per night: $255
This room offers contemporary décor and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. You can unwind on your private balcony or courtyard with 2 Double beds. Includes complimentary wifi and x2 full buffet breakfast.
One Bedroom Villa (SOLD OUT)
Room rate per night: $315
This modern villa offers scenic views of the resort grounds and surrounding vineyards. You can relax in the spacious living area which includes a kitchenette. The villa also features a private balcony or courtyard with x1 King Bed. Includes complimentary wifi and x1 full buffet breakfast.
Two Bedroom Villa (SOLD OUT)
Room rate per night: $410
Two bedroom villas are created by combining an adjoining Villa Guest Room and 1 Bedroom Villa with x2 King Bed. The villa is equipped with a master bedroom with ensuite, kitchenette, separate lounge and dining areas and a spacious balcony or courtyard with beautiful views of the resort and surrounds. Includes complimentary wifi and x2 full buffet breakfast.
Three Bedroom Villa
Great option for delegates to share and save on cost!
Room rate per night: $500 (3 person occupancy)
Room rate per night: $475 (2 person occupancy)
Catering for up to six people, the three bedroom villas come in two configurations. The first offers a master bedroom with king bed and two queen bedrooms, while the second has a master bedroom with king bed, one room with a queen bed and another room with two single beds. Each villa comes equipped with a kitchenette, separate lounge and dining areas and a spacious balcony or courtyard with beautiful resort views. Includes complimentary wifi and x3 full buffet breakfast.
2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
5 minute drive to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley (Conference Venue)
Studio Room
Room rate per night: $169 (based on 1 guest per room)
Beautifully appointed and spacious Hunter Valley accommodation, the Studio Room boasts contemporary design with natural, muted colour tones. With 1 King Bed and also features a private balcony. Includes complimentary Wi-Fi.
Please note: FRSA will be offering a complimentary shuttle to and from the Mercure to the Conference venue (Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley) on conference days.
SPONSORS

Family law and counselling programs at Uniting.
At Uniting, we believe in taking real steps to make the world a better place. A not-for-profit organisation, Uniting is the services and advocacy arm of the Uniting Church. We celebrate diversity and welcome all people, regardless of their lifestyle choice, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity.
We also deliver a broad range of family law and counselling programs supporting children and families in NSW.
- Family and relationship counselling supports families facing challenging times and might be an option for children having difficulty with school, friends or problems related to the extended family such as re-partnering, alcohol or drugs.
- Family dispute resolution is for separated couples and families. Accredited mediators help parents reach agreements about children and property in a less stressful and more affordable way.
- Couples counselling is for people with concerns about conflict, closeness and intimacy, or who have a desire to improve their parenting.
- Separation counselling can help people work through the difficult emotions and changes following separation.
- Individual counselling is available for grief and loss, depression, anxiety, life changes and worries at work or home.
- The Keeping Contact program works with parents who are experiencing difficulty making their court orders and parenting arrangements It aims to strengthen relationships between parents and children, helping them avoid the pain and distress of conflict post-separation.
- The Anchor supports children and adolescents after separation, employing community outreach, child consultation, and therapeutic support services.
- Gambling Help is a counselling service that uses a specialised model of counselling to minimise the negative impacts of gambling. It works with the person who is gambling, their partners and children.
Uniting has many more services for people of all ages, from early learning centres to residential aged care. Visit our website at uniting.org to learn more.
PHOTO GALLERY
Click a Conference day to expand and view the photos from the FRSA National Conference 2019.
Photography by Michael Blyde Photography
Get social with us! Keep up with the latest updates from the FRSA National Conference 2019 #FRSA2019
CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS - Partners, Sponsors and Exhibitors
Partners
Partner
Attorney-General's Department
The Attorney-General's Department delivers programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia's law and justice framework.
Partner
Department of Social Services
The Department of Social Services' mission is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.
Ochre Sponsor
Ochre Sponsor
Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for children, adults, couples, families and communities.
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Uniting
Uniting is the services and advocacy arm of the Uniting Church, and is one of NSW and the ACT’s largest providers of independent living and residential aged and health care services.
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Better Place Australia
Better Place Australia provides affordable services for individuals, couples & families facing parenting, relationship or financial issues.
Mobile Office Sponsor
Mobile Office Sponsor
Anglicare Australia
Anglicare Australia seeks to engage with all Australians to build communities of resilience, hope and justice.
Lanyard Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Mallee Family Care
A leading human service provider of the Mallee region covering north-west Victoria and far-west New South Wales
Exhibitors
Exhibitor
Athena Software
Athena Software, creators of the simple, smart and connected social services case management software solution, Penelope.
Exhibitor
College of Law
The College of Law is the school of professional practice for lawyers in Australia and New Zealand. We are also the largest provider of practice-focused legal education in Australasia.
Exhibitor
CSnet
We provide an online client information platform for human services, working with organisations interested in integrating practice and outcome measurement with client data and related management processes.
Exhibitor
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service.
Exhibitor
OurFamilyWizard
The OurFamilyWizard offers divorced or separated parents an array of tools to easily create an accurate, clear log of co-parenting communication.
Exhibitor
Emerging Minds
Assisting professionals and organisations who work with children, parents and families to have the skills to identify, assess and support children at risk of mental health conditions.
Exhibitor
Interrelate
Interrelate is a not-for-profit provider of relationship services that specialises in supporting parents and children.
Exhibitor
drummond street services
drummond street services supports families, promotes connected and inclusive communities and drives innovation and research into family support interventions.
Exhibitor
University of Newcastle
The Family Action Centre (FAC) is a research, teaching and practice centre focused on families and their communities.
Exhibitor
FamilyProperty
FamilyProperty is the first platform built for family law professionals that simplifies the manual, time consuming and repetitive aspects of family property matters.
Exhibitor
Catholic Social Services Australia
Catholic Social Services Australia is the Catholic Church's peak national body for social services in Australia. Our member organisations provide social services to hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Reciprocal Sponsors
Reciprocal Sponsor
Australian Institute of Family Studies
AIFS is the Australian Government's key research body in the area of family wellbeing.
Reciprocal Sponsor
SNAICC
SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children is the national non-governmental peak body representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Other Supporters
Supporter
Genealogy
Genealogy is an international, scholarly, peer-reviewed, open access journal devoted to the analysis of genealogical narratives and scholarship.
Supporter
RelationSpace
RelationSpace is a skilled team of professionals that specialise in helping children, parents and individuals improve the quality of their relationships.