National Conference

2024 First Nations National NDIS All Abilities Initiatives Conference

03- 05 August 2026Hilton Hotel, Gold Coast QLD
View Event Details
Skip to event content
Date
Aug 3 - Aug 5, 2026
Venue
Hilton Hotel, Gold Coast QLD
Call for Papers
Open
Accepting submissions
Register NowSubmit Paper

Acknowledgement to Country

In Australia, protocol requires us to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather. All presentations must therefore begin with an acknowledgement to Country and to local Traditional Elders: "We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting or attending from other areas of Australia who are present here." Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremonies and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land demonstrates respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols form a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

THE CONFERENCE

The 2024 First Nations National NDIS All Abilities Initiatives Conference is designed to provide NDIS registered service providers, community organisations, service managers, support facilitators, allied health professionals, frontline workers and NDIS participants the opportunity to network, discuss and share information in regard to the successes and challenges experienced in the rollout and implementation of Australia’s largest social policy reforms. The ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) stated that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience disability at more than twice the rate as compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples with disability also experience inequality and prejudice across a spectrum of health, well-being and social indicators, often facing multiple barriers to their meaningful participation within the wider community.

As a result, Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples living with a disability and their families are amongst the most disadvantaged and disempowered members of the Australian community, which impacts on health, education, employment, personal safety, and compounded risks of entering the mainstream justice system. The conference will also be a great resource and avenue to identify models of support and engagement that reflect various cultural practices of our communities to ensure that First Nations Peoples’ living with a disability can live life their way. Sharing stories and storytelling is so strong in Aboriginal communities, in that it leads the way to support healing in our community so we can move forward and get things right. Reflecting the importance of culturally respectful planning resources and tools to adapt the changes to the disability sector, that is people with disability will have “choice and control” over their own lives and empowered to make decisions for their own care according to their personal needs and wants.

Furthermore, the conference also aims to give a voice to Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples living with a disability and their family carers to share their needs, their concerns and share their story and experiences. This conference presents a chance for Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander frontline disability support workers, mainstream community and allied health workers serving First Nations NDIS service users to engage with industry leaders and peers, learn cutting edge innovations and techniques as well as hear firsthand experiences from Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples living with a disability. The conference will also examine innovative ways to activate and engage people with disability in employment opportunities and challenge delegates individually and collectively to identify the way forward for their organisations. This conference is for anyone who is interested in strengthening and upholding the rights of people living with a disability. With a rich diversity of speakers, delegates and exhibitors, this two-day conference will empower you, inspire you and invigorate your passion for supporting your clients to reach their goals each day through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

CONFERENCE THEME AND FOCUS

This year's conference focuses on how service providers are finding ways to deliver high-quality support to First Nations peoples with a disability in a NDIS context to tackle some of the difficult issues that have threatened to derail the delivery of NDIS in our communities. The conference themes include:

  • Health & Wellbeing

  • Community Living – housing and supported living accommodation

  • Residential and Centre-based Day Respite Services

  • Mobility & Transport

  • Capacity Building in Life skills, education and employment

  • Disability Workforce Sector Development • Technology & Innovations

  • Allied Health Services

THE VISION

The conference is not politically biased. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity to access information that is not readily available. Today the world has become smaller with the invention of the internet and jet travel. As such, we are of the belief that there is nothing more empowering and more effective than people having an opportunity to network and collaborate. The conference vision for this event is to embrace the philosophy of First Nations community-controlled and mainstream service providers through promoting an informative forum of research, health education and training of staff for the betterment of Indigenous health. To engage in partnerships with mutual respect

  • In 10 years, the closing the gap initiative has had mixed results

  • We still have an Indigenous life expectancy of around 10 years less than mainstream Australians

  • The past decade has seen a 70 per cent increase in Indigenous students undertaking Higher Education

  • Employment targets not met

  • Many Indigenous Health Targets were falling short of the mark The Federal Government has made a commitment to creating more opportunities for Indigenous Australians to

  • Celebrate those successes

  • Recognise “Healing Takes Time”

  • Acknowledge, embrace, celebrate the humanity of Indigenous people

  • Bring to the table policies and approaches that nurture optimism rather than entrench despair

  • Do things WITH Indigenous people, not FOR Indigenous People

  • Even though Indigenous Australians only make up 3 per cent of the population, First Nations People still make up over 20 per cent of the prison population and that number is still increasing

WHY ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE

This conference presents a unique opportunity for delegates to participate in a positive environment that is dedicated to the sharing of information and the empowering of all who attend. In our everyday working environment, the day to day stresses of our positions tends to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking. Whether you work at a community level or at the governmental level the opportunity to network and gain contacts outside of your local region tend to be limited, this is why this conference will be so valuable to participants. Hence all Indigenous people and non-indigenous people, whether professional or community-based, who have a vested interest in improving the health and well being of Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples with a disability are invited. This conference is for anyone who is interested in strengthening and upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples living with a disability. With a rich diversity of speakers, delegates and exhibitors, this two-day conference will empower you, inspire you and invigorate your passion for supporting your clients to reach their goals each and every day through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

  • Disability Support Workers

  • Allied Health Professionals

  • Behaviour Support Specialist

  • NDIS Participants

  • Family Carers & Advocates

  • Recovery Coaches

  • Psychologists

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Speech Therapists

  • Indigenous Community Workers

  • Remote Community Connectors

  • Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Peoples living with a disability

  • Nurses, Doctors, Psychiatrists, Social Workers and Allied Health Workers

  • Teachers and Special Education Educators

  • Community groups and Human Rights Enthusiasts

  • Family relationship workers

  • Elders and community leaders

  • Indigenous women and men’s groups

  • CEO, Executive Managements, Program Managers

  • First Nation’s groups, Human Rights Enthusiasts

  • Government and Non-Government Organisation Representatives

  • Field, Remote & Rural Health Workers

  • Community Visitors

  • Public Guardians (OPG Delegate) • Public Trustee Officers

EMPOWERING DELEGATE

This event guarantees the opportunity to enlarge your network and information base, thus empowering all delegates to make greater informed decisions within their professional and extended communities. Furthermore, it has been proven time and time again that events such as this empower and reinvigorate workers with new ideas and enthusiasm, with a greater feeling of support and new contacts that may be utilised for the betterment of their own local community. Whether you are an allied health professional, Indigenous health worker, medical professional or in an administrative clerical role within the organisation, this conference will provide excellent opportunities to gain and share information that will be of use to you and your organisation back in your community. The opportunities that this Conference provides to people involved in First Nations Health is the sharing of knowledge and development of long-term friendships/partnerships. This conference is designed from an Indigenous perspective, in which we all lend support to each other regardless of our employers. With all this in mind, we invite you to actively participate in the upcoming event.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The conference objectives are designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner that can and may be used back in our work environment to further develop strength, unity and education. Moreover, one of the most powerful objectives that Indigenous peoples have is the strength to overcome adversity through the power of sharing knowledge and therefore the conference will attempt to foster all of the issues set out in this conference. The conference believes that the participation of First Peoples living with a disability in the consultation, planning, formulation of policies and programs for Closing the Gap in Indigenous disadvantage to include the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and other aspects of the National Disability Strategy is fundamentally important to achieving our desired goal of closing the gap. Moreover, the conference also aims to:

  • Provide an open and frank forum for discussion

  • Network and lend support to individuals and families working in the disability sector

  • Help establish and grow a national network and resources through information sharing

  • Show that there are great efforts being made to make change

  • Exchange information regarding the successes and challenges in the roll-out and NDIS implementation

  • To bring together all sectors of the community as a united voice

  • Bring together researchers, service providers, government agencies, policymakers & organisations

  • Foster partnerships between government, NGOs, community groups and Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples living with a disability and their families

Why Attend

This conference offers delegates a unique opportunity to participate in a positive environment dedicated to sharing information and empowering all attendees. In our everyday working environment, the daily pressures of our roles often limit our capacity to expand knowledge and build networks. Whether working at community or governmental level, opportunities to network and establish contacts beyond your local region can be limited. This conference addresses that challenge, providing valuable connections and insights that extend well beyond your immediate professional circle.

Guest Speakers

This event features an impressive array of guest speakers who share stories, successes, and challenges they've overcome, offering inspiration and opportunities for delegates to engage with Culture, Empowerment, Education, and Networking. Drawn from diverse cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year's speakers transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary one. Their contributions create lasting impact, ensuring the conference remains a source of tremendous benefit and memorable insights long after it concludes.

Our Speakers

Joedie Saunders

Joedie Saunders

Artist, Advocate, Proud Biripi Woman
Indigenous Conference Services

Joedie Saunders a local Biripi woman and artist, has been creating contemporary Aboriginal art for over 30 years. Her artworks deeply reflect her culture, stories of her country, and a range of emotions and feelings. Joedie is passionate about sharing her art and loves seeing the connections others make with her creations.

As a proud Biripi woman, she draw strength from her roots – a lineage of resilient mountain women, the Wimara, known for their strength and wisdom. Joedie worked tirelessly in juvenile justice and child protection, confronting the harsh realities of sexual abuse in remote communities.Transitioning into cultural heritage conservation, she spent years advocating for our land and traditions, eventually becoming the first woman CEO of the Land Council in Taree. Currently, she works as Manager of Community Engagement & Investment at the Department of Premier & Cabinet and felt privileged to continue the work of her late brother, advocating for the revival and preservation of Aboriginal languages statewide. It's a tribute to his legacy and our shared dream of cultural preservation. Joedie stated, 'In everything I do, I pay homage to my family, my community, our culture, and our land. Together, let's walk forward, honoring the past and shaping a brighter future'. Joedie is a mother of two beautiful boys.

Sophia Eurell

Sophia Eurell

Tradition Custodian
Dreamtime Artistry Gold Coast QLD

Sophia Eurell is a 18-year-old Traditional Custodian from the Yugambeh region, descended from the Tweed River people and Wollumbin. A proud cultural ambassador, she has sung in Yugambeh language since age 8 as a leading member of the Yugambeh Youth Choir. Sophia has performed Welcome to Country ceremonies at major events, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games and with the Wallabies Rugby Union Team.

She graduated from Keebra Park High School as Indigenous School Captain, Valedictorian, and top student in English, Law, and Geography. Sophia is now enrolled at the University of Queensland to study criminal law, while working as a youth trainer at the Preston Campbell Café in Dreamworld—mentoring the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Aunty Erica Eurell

Aunty Erica Eurell

Tradition Custodian
Dreamtime Artistry Gold Coast

Aunty Erica Eurell is a Traditional Custodian from the Yugambeh Language Region of the Gold Coast, with ancestral ties to the Aboriginal people of Wollumbin (Mount Warning). Her work is deeply rooted in cultural connection, community engagement, and the transmission of knowledge.

With a strong passion for fostering understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture, Aunty Erica actively supports the growth of Indigenous artists and craftspeople. Her practice spans weaving, painting, language revival, and performance-based projects—each serving as a conduit for cultural exchange and empowerment.

Through these creative and community-led initiatives, she has cultivated a deep understanding of cultural protocols and the evolving needs of Indigenous youth. Her commitment to cultural continuity and intergenerational learning informs her ongoing contributions to community development and business growth.

Aunty Bernice Hookey

Aunty Bernice Hookey

Lead Yanalangami Facilitator, Founder and CEO(MZB Empowerment)
Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative

Bernice Hookey’s family lineage traces back to the Waanyi people from the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland. She embodies courage despite the fear that occasionally arises. As a solo mother, aunty, sister, cousin, colleague, and friend, she is deeply passionate about challenging the status quo.

An accomplished Lead Facilitator for an Indigenous National Women’s Empowerment program via Tranby, Bernice is also the Founder of MZB Empowerment. She is widely recognized as a Changemaker, Difference Maker, and Cycle Breaker, as well as a published author, mentor, and multi-award winner. Her achievements include being a finalist for national and international awards that celebrate Indigenous Excellence and Leadership.

Bernice has overcome challenges related to disempowerment, feelings of unworthiness, and well-being depreciation, navigating limited opportunities and barriers to self-expression within cultural spaces. Through experiential learning, she has lived these realities firsthand and continues to thrive.

As both a participant and now a Fellow of a globally recognized top 10 leadership program, Bernice has developed invaluable leadership skills that have strengthened her confidence. These skills, combined with her grassroots-led leadership approach, drive her mission to advance generational equity. Above all, she remains a steadfast cheerleader for families and communities, inspiring those around her with her unwavering dedication and vision.

Maria Liza Edubas-Callaghan

Maria Liza Edubas-Callaghan

Managing Director
ICS Australia Pty Ltd

Maria Callaghan is a nurse-midwife and a proud descendant of the Bol-anon tribe from her mother’s side and the mountain-dwelling Higaonon tribe from her father’s heritage. She completed her Australian Migration Law degree at Australian Catholic University. With over three centuries of Spanish rule and occupation of the Philippines, Maria knows too well the long-term effect of colonization the most devastating consequences for her people were the loss of cultural identity as her ancestors were chronically stripped of their unique traditions and languages from forced assimilation, coercion into adopting Spanish culture, Catholicism and cultural suppression that led to significant disconnect with their ancestral roots. The encomienda system, which granted Spanish colonizers control over Indigenous labour subjected her ancestors to brutal working conditions often without fair compensation and exploited their country's resources which continues to shape the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Philippines today. Maria has more than 20 years of experience in nursing and midwifery, health management, workforce development, event management, law and business. She’s passionate about building compassionate communities and has trained more than six hundred compassionate community connectors to date from Weipa in the Cape & Torres to Birtinya in Sunshine Coast where mobilised community connectors are making a difference and supporting families in communities one at a time. 

Dr Amber Logan

Dr Amber Logan

Health Psychologist
Indigenous Development Specialists NZ

Dr. Amber R. Logan is a traditional Kahungunu Māori wahine, a New Zealand Health Psychologist and Doctoral Fellow in Public Health at Otago University. She teaches health psychology course work at the University of Auckland & Otago University and is well-known in New Zealand for her work in methamphetamine education and community activism. She is a consummate grant writer, health services evaluator and health services program designer. She has presented extensively in Australia, Canada, and the USA at Harvard University, the University of Washington, and to the US Federal Government.

Dr Joseph Stone

Dr Joseph Stone

Clinical Psychologist
Indigenous Development Specialists USA

Dr. Joseph B. Stone, PhD is an Anasaki-pikuni ceremonialist and traditionalist and member of the OKKAN (Sundance), the Last Star Thunder Medicine Pipe and Beaver Lodge. Dr. Stone works at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga – a Kaupapa Māori Health Provider; Awhina Whanu Family Services, and the Napier Family Centre all located in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. He has clinical experience with adult prisoners & corrections and juvenile justice in both New Zealand and USA. He is affiliated with the National Centre on Trauma and Project Making Medicine – Indian Health Service Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse at Oklahoma State University. He has presented to, and served as consultant to, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs of Native Youth Suicide. Dr. Stone’s publications include articles on trauma, suicide, and other cultural & behavioural issues.

Cassara Hardie

Cassara Hardie

Acting Chief Executive Officer / Director of Operations
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council Ltd (NATSIAACC)

Cassara is a proud Dunghutti woman from Northern New South Wales, born and raised on Dharug Country in Western Sydney. Cassara's role within NATSIAACC is Director of Operations. Cassara brings over eight years’ experience across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, spanning frontline service delivery within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and strategic leadership within a state peak body. Over the past two years, she has worked at the national peak level focused specifically on ageing and aged care reform, contributing to policy development, sector advocacy, governance strengthening, and national stakeholder engagement. Cassara's work centres on advancing culturally safe, community-controlled models of care for Elders and Older People, strengthening the sustainability and capability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Providers, and influencing system reform to ensure the voices of communities are reflected in national policy settings. Cassara is particularly committed to building career pathways and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, recognising workforce development as fundamental to improving long-term health and wellbeing outcomes for communities.

Shane Hearn

Shane Hearn

Associate Dean
Bond University

Professor Shane Hearn is a direct descendant of the Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar people, and is the Associate Dean, First Nations Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University. Shane is a highly experienced leader in First Nations health, education, and community engagement. He brings over 25 years of expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating culturally safe programs, research initiatives, and policy frameworks across health, education, and not-for-profit sectors, with a focus on co-designed, inclusive approaches. Shane has led national-level campaigns, developed strategies for First Nations participation, and successfully guided multi-sector collaborations to deliver measurable outcomes for diverse communities.

Vanessa Langenberg

Vanessa Langenberg

Research and Community Impact Team Lead
Independent Living Assessment (iLA)

Vanessa Langenberg, Research and Community Impact Team Lead, from the national not-for-profit Independent Living Assessment (iLA). Vanessa leads iLA’s work with unique communities, drawing on expertise in assistive technology (AT) and reablement, inclusive research and communications. She is passionate about collaborating with these communities to rethink and improve mainstream programs, ensuring benefits are returned. Vanessa’s national research with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, received the Assistive Technology Service Award 2024 from Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA)

Conference Agenda

Note

This conference agenda may change without prior notice.

8:30 AM
Registrations and Networking
9:00 AM
Keynote Session: Master of Ceremony - Welcome & Safety Announcement
9:15 AM
Keynote Session: Welcome to Country & Traditional Performances
9:30 AM
Keynote Session: Supporting Stolen Generations and Institutional Abuse Survivors
9:45 AM
Formal Opening Keynote: Choice and Control – What True Empowerment Means
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Morning Tea - Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
11:00 AM

Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Session A - Elders’ Voices: Living with Dignity on Country
Concurrent Session B - Designing Culturally Respectful Tools & Resources
Concurrent Session C - Elders and Disability Advocates: Wisdom, Resilience, and Healing Through Culture
Concurrent Session D - Embedding Culture in Aged Care Practices (Calling for Papers from Community)
11:45 AM

Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Session A - Youth & Elders Intergenerational Dialogue: Passing Knowledge, Building the Future
Concurrent Session B - Breaking Barriers: Co-Designing Policy for Inclusive Aged Care
Concurrent Session C - Walking Forward Together: Honouring Elders, Shaping
Concurrent Session D - Language and Identity: Supporting Elders’ Cultural Rights (Calling for Papers from Community)
12:30 PM
Lunch Break - Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
1:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Session A - Walking Together – Placing Elders at the Heart of Reform
Concurrent Session B - Respite Services: Supporting Families and Preventing Burnout
Concurrent Session C - The Role of Elders in Community Wellbeing
Concurrent Session D - Housing & Home Care Support Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders
2:15 PM

Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Session A - Staying on Country: Housing, Supported Living, and Safe Care at Home for Elders
Concurrent Session B - Supporting Elders affected by elders abuse and financial exploitation
Concurrent Session C - Connection to Country and Healing in Ageing (Calling for Papers from Community)
Concurrent Session D - Storytelling & Cultural Protocols in Care (Calling for Papers from Community)
3:00 PM
Afternoon Tea - Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
3:30 PM
Keynote Session: Enabling better care for people living with dementia and their carers
4:15 PM
Keynote Session: Elder Care Support Program - Addressing barriers faced by First Nations Elders in accessing aged care services at home
6:00 PM
Conference Dinner - Conference Dinner Cruise Aboard Spirit of Elston (Seaworld Cruises)

Registration

Early Bird Discount Available!

Register early to save on registration fees. Pricing changes monthly!

Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all-day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch, and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation.

Important Payment Terms

Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered.

Register NowSubmit Paper

Let's Connect

We'd love to hear from you. Whether you have a question about our conferences, registration, or anything else, our team is ready to answer all your questions.

Contact us ICS

Indigenous Conference Services

ICS Australia Pty Ltd

Phone

(+61) 04557 76 668

0414687972

Email

admin@icsconferences.org

We typically respond within 24-48 hours

Mailing Address

8 Kiwi Court Point Vernon QLD 4655

Website

www.icsconferences.org

Send us a message

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Maximum 5000 characters

Ready to join us?

Register Now

Become Part of ICS

Keynotes

Keynotes

Empower others with your stories, insights, and wisdom, inspiring a world where Indigenous culture is celebrated and respected.

Become a Speaker
Exhibitions

Exhibitions

Use your platform to create awareness about vital Indigenous causes and issues, inspiring attendees to become advocates for positive change.

Become an Exhibitor
Sponsorship

Sponsorship

Associate your brand with a cause that matters, gaining valuable exposure to a diverse and engaged audience, both locally and globally.

Become a Sponsor
Australian Conference by Indigenous Organizers

Join Our Conference

Subscribe to our mailing list and stay informed about the latest developments in the world of ICS conferences.