FRSA events are front of mind in the FRSA office this fortnight. Last week we were excited to open the call for abstracts for FRSA National Conference 2026. There is so much incredible work going on in our sector and we encourage all FRSA members and friends to consider sharing the work you do by submitting an abstract to present at the Conference. Early Bird registrations for the Conference are now open too.
FRSA’s Strategic Leadership Forum is just a few weeks away. This FRSA-Member only event is designed for CEOs and senior managers and provides an opportunity to connect with peers as well as meet with politicians and advisers. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to register now!
Speaking of events, FRSA Policy and Project Officer, Lisa Curtis, and I had the privilege of attending the SNAICC’25 National Conference this week in Meanjin/Brisbane. It was a vibrant and inspiring event celebrating the strength, resilience, and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Lisa and I returned to Canberra energised, full of ideas, and grateful for the opportunity to listen and learn.
Next week is Anti-Poverty Week (12-18 October), which aims to help Australians understand poverty and to take action to end it. More than 3.24 million people live below the poverty line in Australia, including close to 774,000 children. First Nations Australians are over-represented in lower household income distributions, which in turn can have a direct impact on quality of life. I know that our members work daily with families struggling to make ends meet – many without secure housing. If you haven’t already, please do take a look at the Anti-Poverty Week website to find out more about the action you can take to help end poverty.
National Carers Week is also coming up (12-18 October) and provides a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about the 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged. Many people in our sector provide unpaid care to family and friends as well as working in their paid roles providing supportive and therapeutic interventions to children and adults. You are amazing!
We are looking forward to having our Executive Director Jackie back in the office next week and we also look forward to connecting with many of you in the weeks ahead – at the FRSA Strategic Leadership Forum, through Conference abstract submissions, and in our online and face-to-face travels.
