FRSA National Conference 2025
Safe, Strong & Thriving
The FRSA National Conference is heralded as a highlight event for the Family and Relationship Services network and 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.
As social service organisations we are always at the cutting edge of emerging trends and changes in society – for the FRS sector, especially for vulnerable children, families and communities.
The theme for the FRSA National Conference 2025 is Safe, Strong and Thriving and will be held at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park on 19-22 May 2025.
FRSA’s vision is an Australia where children, families and communities are safe, strong and thriving. At National Conference 2025 we ask: What will it take to bring this vision to life in a complex and ever-changing environment? How do we navigate complexity, change – and the unexpected – to ensure our services work for children, families and communities? Importantly, how do we ensure that our sector is safe, strong and thriving so that we can realise our vision for the people we work with every day?
Family and relationship services are designed as early intervention universal services – available to all people living in Australia, as and when they need them. However, people are increasingly presenting to family and relationship services with complex and intersecting needs, exacerbated by the cost of living and housing crisis, and overloaded tertiary service systems. In this context, what does early intervention mean? And, how do we ensure access for all? We ask presenters to reflect on this context as they prepare an abstract that responds to the theme, Safe, Strong and Thriving.
The FRSA National Conference 2025 provides a platform to showcase and learn from on the ground practice, policy, and research. It will provide an opportunity to identify the strengths we can build on and the opportunities we can harness to meet the changing needs of children, families and communities.
The FRSA Conference is heralded as a highlight event for the Family and Relationship Services Network and will, as always, deliver a prime opportunity to showcase the impressive work of the sector.
SCAM ALERT ⚠️
SEE MORE DETAILS BELOW
This is a Community Work Australia endorsed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event. Members can claim 10 CPD hours for their participation.
PROGRAM
To read the abstracts 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 Monday 19 May 2025
- The Conference begins on 20-22 May 2025
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS - COMING SOON
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP SPEAKERS/FACILITATORS
Stuart McMinn
Pre-Conference Workshop Facilitator
Sharnee Moore
Pre-Conference Workshop presenter
Kat Goldsworthy
Pre-Conference Workshop presenter
Stephanie Beckwith
Pre-Conference Workshop Facilitator
Dr Mandy Charman
Pre-Conference Workshop Facilitator
REGISTRATION
Registration for the FRSA 2025 National Conference are OPEN.
Please note that all persons intending to attend the Conference must register, including invited speakers, chairpersons and media. Please register via the buttons below.
Standard Registration Fee From 18 March 2025
| Member Rates | Non-Member Rates | |
| Complete Conference Experience – Including dinner | $1,295.00 | $1,595.00 |
| Conference Only – No dinner | $1,220.00 | $1,520.00 |
Onsite Registration Fee Applicable** From 19 May 2025
| Member Rates | Non-Member Rates | |
| Complete Conference Experience – Including dinner | $1,445.00 | $1,745.00 |
| Conference Only – No dinner | $1,370.00 | $1,670.00 |
**Registration received within this time period prior to the Conference going onsite receive an additional fee of $150.00
Speaker Registration*** opens 20 December 2024
All speakers must be registered by 4 March 2025
| Member Rates | Non-Member Rates | |
| Speaker Complete Conference Experience – Including dinner | $985.00 | $1,170.00 |
| Speaker Conference Only – No dinner | $910.00 | $1,095.00 |
***After 3 March 2025 Early Bird and Standard rates apply to Speakers
Pre-Conference Workshops – FRSA MEMBERS ONLY
| Member Rates | |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Workshop: Cultural Frameworks and Embedding Them into Professional Practice (Full Day)* | $175.00 |
| Family Law Workshop (Full Day) | $175.00 |
| Communities for Children Facilitating Partners (CfC FP) Workshop (Full Day) | $175.00 |
| Survey success: Simplifying data collection for maximum impact (Half Day) | $130.00 |
*Please note if not pre-registered for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Workshop you will NOT be able to register or attend on the day – due to limited spaces
Group Registrations
FRSA 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.
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
(FRSA MEMBERS ONLY)
Pre-conference Workshops will be held on Monday, 19 May 2025, commencing at 10am. This years National Conference will comprise of four workshops. More details on each workshop coming soon. Please note all Pre-Conference Workshops are for FRSA Members only.
Cultural Frameworks and Embedding Them into Professional Practice (Full Day)
Facilitator: Stuart McMinn, Gawura Cultural Immersions
This workshop introduces participants to cultural frameworks and epistemologies that have been integral to First Nations cultural practices for hundreds of thousands of years. It aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to embed these concepts into their professional practice.
The session will be interactive, strengths-based, and focused on building confidence in applying good practices when working with First Nations people. Participants will explore concepts such as the “6Ls” developed by Paul Gordon, translated into a professional setting to enhance understanding of community engagement, therapeutic practice, cultural celebration, leadership, and community dynamics.
Led by Stuart McMinn, who brings over 10 years of experience in the relationship services field, this workshop is a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge and creatively integrate cultural knowledge systems into your practice.
*Please note spaces are limited for this workshop if you are not pre-registered, you will NOT be able to register or attend on the day.
Survey success: Simplifying data collection for maximum impact (Half Day)
Presenters: Sharnee Moore, Kat Goldsworthy and Stephanie Beckwith, Australian Institute of Family Studies and Dr Mandy Charman, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
In the realm of Families and Children Activity funded programs, the use of surveys is a critical tool for building strong and thriving programs and meeting client needs. As well as supporting routine monitoring and evaluation activities, a good survey helps to understand client needs and preferences in a systematic way.
However, many program managers and practitioners encounter challenges in integrating these surveys into their daily work with clients and still adhering to robust data collection principles. This workshop aims to address these challenges by providing a practical, hands-on approach to embedding surveys and data collection into routine operations.
Who should attend: This half-day workshop is designed specifically for program managers and practitioners who are currently using surveys or planning to integrate them into their programs and services.
Participants will gain:
- Practical skills in designing and adopting meaningful surveys
- Techniques for incorporating surveys into routine practices
- Strategies to use surveys for building relationships with service users
- Ideas for how to increase survey response rates
- Effective survey data management practices.
Key topics to be covered include:
- Survey design and implementation: Creating user-friendly surveys that capture meaningful data.
- Integrating surveys into routine practice: Relational techniques for embedding survey activities into regular program operations, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.
- Data collection principles: Ethical considerations, data privacy and accuracy in data collection.
- Overcoming common challenges: Practical solutions to issues like low response rates, survey fatigue, and data management.
The workshop will be highly interactive, featuring case studies, group discussions, and hands-on activities. Participants will leave with a toolkit of resources and actionable strategies to enhance their survey practices. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to implement surveys that not only meet reporting requirements but also contribute to continuous program improvement.
Join us for this engaging and practical workshop to transform your approach to survey integration and elevate the quality of your program’s data collection efforts.
Family Law Workshop (Full Day)
Sponsored by UnitingCare
More details on this workshop coming soon
Communities for Children Facilitating Partners (CfC FP) Workshop (Full Day)
More details on this workshop coming soon
GALA DINNER
The FRSA 2025 National Conference Gala Dinner will be held on Level 3 of Doltone House Hyde Park on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
Just steps away from the Conference venue, the evening will kick off at 7pm on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, with semi-formal attire. Attendees will be welcomed with drinks and canapés on arrival.
Additional dinner tickets are available for purchase for $195.
BURSARY PROGRAM
FRSA is pleased to announce the availability of bursaries that are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are registered for or would like to attend the 2025 Family & Relationship Services Australia National Conference, Safe, Strong and Thriving.
Bursaries are provided to assist with covering the cost of conference registration, and travel & accommodation. To be eligible you must be an employee of a fully financial FRSA member organisation. There are two bursaries available. Each package includes:
- 1 x Complimentary full registration to the Conference (including dinner)
- $500 towards travel and accommodation
The application process closes on FRIDAY, 28 March 2025.
Please note, this Bursary Program is open to people who are yet to register and those who are already registered.
VENUE INFORMATION
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
161 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
One of Sydney’s most celebrated five-star hotels, Sheraton Grand Sydney, Hyde Park reinvents traditional luxury to present a more refined and residential experience. Located opposite Hyde Park and on the doorstep of Sydney’s luxury and premium shopping precinct, Sheraton Grand Sydney offers a fashionable and timeless base in the heart of Sydney.
TRAVEL, DINING & SIGHTSEEING
Travel
From the Airport
The Conference venue is 12 kilometres from Sydney Airport and a short walk from Hyde Park, Park Street, Stand C bus stop, St. James Metro Station or St. James Train Station.
Train
Car rental
To hire a car from Sydney Airport, please visit their website.
Taxi
Venue Parking
Self-parking is available for $60 overnight. Valet parking is available for $85. The secure car park entry is via Castlereagh Street, it has 8 electric charging stations.
Getting around the city
Bus
Bus services operate day and night throughout Sydney and surrounding areas. Buses form a key part of Sydney’s public transport system, connecting all areas of the city, including those without rail or water transport. There are also NightRide services replacing most train routes between midnight and 4:30am.
Trains
Sydney trains run frequent and reliable services in Sydney and surrounding areas. Sydney’s main terminus for local and regional trains and buses is Central Station at Railway Square, close to Chinatown. Trains operate North to the CBD and across the harbour to North Sydney and beyond, as well as east to Bondi Junction and South past and including Sydney Airport. Sydney train maps and train timetables can be found at Transport NSW.
Light Rail
Sydney light rail operates thorugh popular shopping and entertainment districts. The L1 Inner West Light Rail network operates in both directions between Central Station and Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s West. The CBD and South East Light Rail includes the L2 Randwick Line connecting Circular Quay to Randwick and the L3 Kingsford Line between Circular Quay and Junior Kingsford. Visit Transport NSW for more information and for a Sydney Light Rail map.
Metro
Sydney Metro is Australia’s first fully accessible, automated driverless train network. Experience fast, reliable and frequent services that enable you to just turn up and go. Fully accessible stations are designed to connect Sydney’s north-west, city and south-west.
Ferries
Ferries provide a fast and convenient way to cross the harbour, as well as offering a fantastic vantage point of the city. From Circular Quay you can take the Manly Fast Ferry or F1 to Manly, the F2 to Taronga Zoo and the F4 to Watsons Bay and Rose Bay.
Dining
Sydney is, without a doubt, one of the world’s great food cities. You can dine at three-hatted restaurants where the chef is as big a star as the food. Or chow down on authentic Asian cuisine in a food hall and have change left from $20. Sip cocktails made by the globe’s best mixologists in a hidden bar or enjoy a cold beer in a neighbourhood pub where everyone’s your new best mate. Your taste buds will be eternally grateful.
Sightseeing
You’ll discover wonderful places to visit in Sydney, from sun-kissed beaches to fascinating heritage and amazing attractions. The city fans out from beautiful Sydney Harbour to Bondi Beach in the east, Palm Beach in the north, fun adventures in the west and Australia’s oldest national park in the south.
From the iconic sails of the Opera House to the golden sands at Bondi Beach, Sydney is brimming with spectacular icons. Discover the city’s unmissable attractions by ticking these experiences off your bucket list.
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 2025 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
- Flexibility to change or cancel your booking at any time up to 30 working days prior to FRSA 2025 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 2025 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 2025 National Conference Managers and staying the officially contracted hotel.
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (Conference Venue)
The Conference venue and one of Sydney’s most celebrated five-star hotels, Sheraton Grand Sydney, Hyde Park reinvents traditional luxury to present a more refined and residential experience. Located opposite Hyde Park and on the doorstep of Sydney’s luxury and premium shopping precinct, Sheraton Grand Sydney offers a fashionable and timeless base in the heart of Sydney. The hotel features a rooftop fitness center and heated indoor pool, a day spa, and a premier club lounge.
City Side/Park View Room
Room Rate: $300 per night excl Breakfast.
Guests will be allocated to either a City Side or Park View Room, with king or twin bedding configuration. Room allocation is at the discretion of the Hotel.
Mantra on Kent
Mantra on Kent offers contemporary, stylish Sydney accommodation in the heart of the CBD, and is less than a 10 minute walk to Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (the Conference venue). Buffet Breakfast available at an additional cost of $25.00 per person, per day. Self-Car parking is available at an additional cost of $55.00 per vehicle, per exit (subject to availability).
**Please note: Mantra on Kent has a 2 night minimum stay.**
Executive Studio Apartment
Room Rate: $240 per night.
The layout of this apartment varies with some rooms offering an extra study area or balcony and some face either the harbour or Kent Street. All apartments offers full kitchen facilities, a two seat lounge and dining table which can double as a work desk.
Hilton Sydney
488 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Located in downtown Sydney’s central business district, Hilton Sydney offers contemporary accommodations close to the city’s most iconic attractions. Explore world-famous destinations like the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Tower, and shopping at The Galeries within minutes from our front doors. Parking: Valet parking – AU$95.00 per 24 hours.
The Hilton Sydney is located close to the conference venue, it is 350m away, approximately a 5 minute walk.
**Payment note** At 30 days prior the hotel will take full payment from the credit card provided during the booking. If you prefer to pay from an invoice, please contact frsa@kaigi.com.au after you have made your booking.
King Room
Room Rate: $300 per night.
Check in to this contemporary room with a king-size Hilton Serenity Bed, stylish working desk, Nespresso coffee pod machine. Make use of the desk and WiFi access to get some work done, or relax in front of the LED TV. Special touches include blackout blinds, bathroom amenities, and bathrobe.
Ibis Sydney World Square
382-384 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Ibis Sydney World Square hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Sydney CBD. Staying in a hotel on Pitt Street means guests are close to the vibrant entertainment & shopping precincts, and many of Sydney’s most famous attractions including Darling Harbour, Chinatown the Rocks and Sydney Harbour. Getting around the city is easy with public transport easily accessible from our centrally located budget Sydney accommodation. Parking is available under World Square for $55 per day.
The Ibis Sydney World Square is 750m – approximately 11 minutes walk – from the Conference venue.
**Payment note** At 30 days prior the hotel will take full payment from the credit card provided during the booking. If you prefer to pay from an invoice, please contact frsa@kaigi.com.au after you have made your booking.
Standard Queen Room
Room Rate: $255 per night.
Enjoy the comfort of staying at this stylish Queen Standard Room featuring LCD screen, tea and coffee making facilities, ensuite bathroom, high-speed internet access, small fridge and own desk area. Room accommodates up to 2 adults. No rollaways.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The FRSA Conference is a truly national event, expecting to attract over 600+ delegates from organisations in every state and territory.
The Conference has established a reputation for delivering high quality speakers and presentations relevant to a range of individuals and organisations working in the family and relationship sector. Sponsorship will greatly enhance your organisation’s profile within this sector as well as allowing you to be seen supporting the work of family and relationship services.
Conference delegates have unique exposure to key products and information. In the past, the event has attracted sponsorship from funding bodies, suppliers and training and research institutes. The exhibition space at the FRSA Conference is one of the largest in the sector, with three days of exposure to delegates.
Sponsoring this conference will enable you to:
- Reach up to 600+ senior executives, practitioners, and academics;
- Support the work of family and relationship services;
- Connect to leading Australian NGOs/community organisations;
- Launch or promote new products;
- Invest in knowledge sharing and practice development;
- Showcase your services or contribution to this sector; and
- Expand your networks to create opportunities.
For further information and to discuss how we can assist you to tailor a sponsorship package to ensure your organisation gains maximum benefit from this opportunity, please contact the FRSA Team at events@frsa.org.au, call the FRSA office 02 6162 1811 or complete the form below.
Sponsorship Form
Keep up with the latest Conference news including call for abstracts, registration, accommodation details, special offers for delegates and more!
Simply subscribe to our conference email updates below.
SCAM/PHISHING EMAIL ALERT
Family & Relationship Services Australia (FRSA) is aware that there have been scam/phishing emails doing the rounds offering the FRSA Conference attendee list for purchase.
Please be aware these offers are fraudulent. These scammers do not have any relationship with FRSA or our assisting Conference Organisation, Kaigi Conferencing, and no data breach has been detected that would enable the senders of these emails to access the data they are attempting to sell.
FRSA is very careful with individual/personal data we capture as part of our event offerings. We specifically ask delegates about how we can use their data and seek their permission confirming what information can and can’t be used when building delegate lists. We do not share, rent or sell our email lists.
If you receive an email or phone call about the conference that appears suspicious, please let us know via email events@frsa.org.au.
Get social with us! Keep up with the latest updates from the FRSA National Conference 2025 #FRSA2025
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.
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
Drummond Street Services
Drummond Street Services supports families, promotes connected and inclusive communities and drives innovation and research into family support interventions.
Silver Sponsor
CatholicCare Sydney
Our door has been open for over 80 years to help those dealing with relationships, parenting, ageing, disability, addiction, homelessness, or mental health concerns. With over 70 highly effective support programs, we help people to write the next chapter of their story.
Café Corner Sponsor
Café Corner Sponsor
Anglicare Australia
Anglicare Australia is a network of organisations linked to Anglican Church. We are one of Australia’s largest charitable networks, working in every community across the country.
Conference App Sponsor
Conference App Sponsor
Mallee Family Care
A leading human service provider of the Mallee region covering north-west Victoria and far-west New South Wales.
Pre-Conference Workshop Sponsor
Family Law Pre-Conference Workshop Sponsor
UnitingCare
UnitingCare provides health and community services to thousand of people every day of the year through its service groups.
Lanyard Sponsor & Exhibitor
Lanyard Sponsor and 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.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Sponsor
Interrelate
Interrelate is a not-for-profit provider of relationship services that specialises in supporting parents and children.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor
Parenting Calendar +
Powered by LEAP Family Law, Parenting Calendar + is the ultimate parenting schedule solution for family lawyers that use LEAP. Included in your LEAP subscription at no extra cost, the Parenting Calendar + app allows you to simplify and streamline the custody arrangement process for your clients.
Exhibitor
eSafety Commissioner
The eSafety Commissioner is Australia’s national independent regulator for online safety. Its mission is to keep Australians safe online by preventing and addressing online harms, including the removal of harmful content from online platforms.
Exhibitor
DV-alert Lifeline Australia
DV-alert is a nationally recognised training program with training and assessment delivered by Lifeline Australia.
Exhibitor
International Social Service Australia
International Social Service Australia provides intercountry social work, legal and mediation services for children and families separated by international borders.
Reciprocal Sponsor
Reciprocal Sponsor
Australian Institute of Family Studies
Australian Institute of Family Studies is the Australian Government's key research body in the area of family wellbeing.