I know there is a bit of a debate as to how far into the new year you can actually wish someone a HNY – but as this is our first eBulletin for 2026 – I will take the liberty of wishing all our readers a Happy New Year!
Here at FRSA we have been busily preparing for the year ahead.
Whilst everyone is active with their ‘Business as usual’ activities, lingering in the background of course are the unresolved matters around the future of services for children, families and communities. Spending some time over the break reading submissions in response to the Government’s consultation process, it is clear there is significant agreement and resonance from those making submissions with the Government’s proposed reform of the Families and Children’s Activity. Whilst we wait for the Government’s decision, what we do know is there will be a grant round for DSS funded programs. Whilst we know it can’t be too far away – I don’t have any clarity around dates and timelines at this stage (although I have asked).
I know we also await any further advice regarding the Government’s response to the Metcalfe Review and any reform in the Family Law sector and services – but that too is a ‘watch this space’ in what I believe will be a longer timeframe.
A few key FRSA dates to have on your radar are the:
FRSA Conference, 18-21 May 2026 in Brisbane
The FRSA Conference program is close to being finalised. We aim to have that out to the sector in the next two weeks.
Strategic Leadership Forum, 16- 17 September in Canberra
Just noting this event will be held in September again this year.
I also wanted to highlight that our Communities of Practice for DSS and AGD funded programs will start up again in mid-February this year. There is space for new participants in some of those CoP groups so, if you are involved in delivering programs under the DSS FaC Activity or the AGD FRSP program and interested – please don’t hesitate to reach out to either Rhys Jaconley or Lisa Curtis (contacts below)
With 2026 well underway, just a reminder that the FRSA team is here to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
- Jackie Brady, Executive Director – ExecDirector@frsa.org.au
- Robyn Clough, Manager, Policy and Research – policy@frsa.org.au
- Lisa Curtis, Policy and Projects Officer – projects@frsa.org.au
- Rhys Jaconley, Project Officer – Family Law Communities of Practice – FLProjects@frsa.org.au
- Narelle Kay, Events and Membership Officer – events@frsa.org.au
- Vanessa Lam, Communications Officer – communications@frsa.org.au
- Heidi Aynsley, Administrative Officer – admin@frsa.org.au
Or contact the National Office on 02 6162 1811.
