First Nations Strong Women

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY

In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which the conference is being held. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgment to Country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to 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 / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.​ Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.​

Welcome to the 2023 Women's Gathering Conference

We are excited to announce the upcoming 2023 Women's Gathering, set to take place at the Hilton Hotel in Cairns, Queensland, from December 11th to 13th. This gathering serves as a vital platform for Indigenous Women, Elders, and professionals to convene, exchange insights, and raise awareness on Indigenous Women’s issues. This year, our focus turns to women's holistic well-being. Marking the 12th National Conference in this esteemed series, this event is rapidly establishing itself as one of Australia’s premier Women’s gatherings. Join us to collaborate, fortify the advancement of Indigenous Women's well-being, and engage in effective strategic sharing of knowledge and information.

Empowerment and Advocacy in Focus

The Women's Gathering is thoughtfully designed to inspire and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, along with service providers and partners, to rise to the occasion, take purposeful strides, and uphold the rights and self-determination of First Nations women. Our mission is to honor the resilience and fortitude of Indigenous women and their families by actively listening to their narratives, gleaning insights from their experiences, and committing to systemic change that safeguards the rights of our children, families, cultures, and communities. This conference is our tribute to Indigenous women from diverse walks of life, acknowledging their contributions in the most meaningful way.

A Celebration of Progress

Amidst the narratives of challenges within our society, stories of triumph and success often remain overshadowed. As Indigenous women, we have continually endeavored to elevate our families and communities, resulting in a tapestry of remarkable achievements. Sharing knowledge has always been deeply embedded in our culture; thus, we feel compelled to amplify these transformative ideas. It is our time to foster awareness so that these initiatives can be embraced and disseminated throughout all Indigenous communities.

Conference Theme and Focus

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  Primary Health and Holistic Wellness: Exploring comprehensive well-being for First Nations women's health.

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  Successful Community Partnerships: Highlighting collaborative initiatives between First Nations peoples, governments, and NGOs.

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  Innovative Leadership Projects: Showcasing projects that promote leadership and innovation.

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  Empowering Grassroots Initiatives: Recognizing community-based efforts addressing women's concerns.

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  Culture's Role in Well-being: Examining the pivotal role of culture in fostering well-being among First Nations women.

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  Empowerment Through Education: Exploring education's transformative power for Indigenous women.

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  Celebrating Indigenous Achievements: Recognizing outstanding accomplishments of Indigenous women.

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  Uplifting Indigenous Women: Discussing strategies for empowering and uplifting Indigenous women.

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  Integral Role of Indigenous Women: Recognizing the vital role Indigenous women play within our communities.

WHY ATTEND 

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 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 all delegates. Hence, all professionals and community-based workers who have a vested interest in combating domestic violence are invited.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

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  Domestic violence workers

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  Community groups

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  Family relationship workers

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  Community leaders

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  Indigenous women’s and men’s groups

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  Psychologists, Social Workers, NGOs

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  Women groups, Human Rights Enthusiasts

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  Nurses / Doctors/ Psychiatrists, Police Officers

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  People who are interested in combating Domestic Violence

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  Government Representatives, Community Leaders

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  Consultants / Legal Professionals

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  Domestic Violence Field Workers, Teachers

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER

As an employee, we are asked to present valid reasons why we should attend. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance:

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  Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees.

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  An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.

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  Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation knowledge base.

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  Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.

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  May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/international level.

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  Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.

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  Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.

CALLING FOR PAPER

To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent of the conference proceedings are and is devoted to community groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations. Click the submit a paper button and complete the form online after reviewing the guidelines of submitting paper.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The 2024 Global Domestic Violence Conference is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers and grass-roots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over.  

REGISTRATION

Register early to get a discount! 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. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS of from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered.  To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice.  

SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE 

ICS Australia have developed flexible sponsorship packages to sponsor the conference either in part or in full. Sponsorship is a great way of promoting your organisation/ company/ department to all delegates attending the conference. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprise, not individuals. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61740009111 or send us your expression of interest by email through our Contact Page.