SNAICC National Conference 2026 – OUR CULTURE KEEP IT STRONG WE BELONG
SNAICC’25 is a three-day national conference taking place in Meanjin at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7–9 October 2025.
The SNAICC National Conference is a dynamic space for learning, sharing and connection—bringing together voices from across the country to focus on early childhood education and child protection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. The conference is a powerful space to learn, connect and celebrate culture.
CSnet organisations Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency and Njernda Aboriginal Corporation are both contributors through their presentations and to recognise their important work below are details of all the sessions they are presenting or co-presenting. Great to see VACCA and Njernda collaborating to present the session on Self-determined legislation for Aboriginal children and families in Victoria.
Following the conference we will be updating this blog to include links to the session content when published.
Our practice ways: the approach to practice in Victoria’s Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care programThe University of Melbourne, The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency & The Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance
Presenters: Sarah Wise, Megan Van Den Berg & Jodie Kinsmore
This presentation introduces the Our Practice Ways case practice model, which was created with and for delegated Aboriginal agencies in Victoria. The need for Aboriginal specific child protection practice and the journey to implementation of delegated authority in Victoria are outlined.
The process undertaken to articulate a common practice approach is described, which included a desktop review of existing practice models and cultural elements of practice, and yarns with leading Aboriginal practitioners. Presenters will talk about general and specific ways that are included in the case practice model, and how they support and strengthen children and families toward better outcomes.
“Yinga” in practice: integrating Aboriginal healing approaches in therapeutic engagement for young people
Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency
Presenters: Ethan Bowman, Kyarni Pepper, Kieren Cheetham & Tiani Harvey
“Yinga” is a Wemba Wemba word meaning “this way.” Drawing on this concept, Emma Bamblett (Aboriginal Children’s Healing Team within VACCA) has developed a possum skin cloak artwork that symbolises six interconnected pillars of culture, grounding young people through a shared sense of belonging. Using these elements of “Yinga”, the ACHT has designed an after-school, culturally led engagement program for Aboriginal youth in Victoria, aimed at fostering cultural healing, strengthening connections, and nurturing a sense of belonging.
Indigenous data sovereignty and governance, intellectual property (IP) and indigenous cultural IP in ACCO projects
Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency
Presenters: Kerry Brogan & Paul Gray
This session will be delivered as a workshop, with both information sharing and the drawing out of good practice for ACCOs in aligning work with Indigenous Data Sovereignty and governance and protecting Community Intellectual Property (IP) and Indigenous Cultural IP (ICIP).
The session will provide information about the key concepts, hear from participants about challenges experienced relating to Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance, IP and ICIP, and identify good practice. The presenters will share information about strategies that can be implemented by ACCOs to protect IP and ICIP and align their collaborations with Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance.
Moorumbina Mongurnallin: providing culturally safe housing for Aboriginal young people transitioning from care
Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency & Kids Under Cover
Presenters: Jessica Smithett, Rebecca McDonnell & Kara Briggs
This presentation will be a yarning circle that will share the story of Moorumbina Mongurnallin, a housing model designed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people transitioning from care. It will discuss the consultation process with Community, Elders and young people with lived experiences, as well as the design process. The presentation will highlight the program’s intentions and success so far in strengthening young people’s identity, Culture, resilience, independent living skills, connections to Community and empowering them to pursue education, employment, long-term housing opportunities and fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
This program operates on the lands of the Bunerong people of the Kulin Nation.
Self-determined legislation for Aboriginal children and families in Victoria
Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency & Njernda Aboriginal Corporation
Presenters: Anna Gibson & Hazel Hudson
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in Victoria have been authorised with State power for the protection of Aboriginal children since 2017. Whilst this is proven to lead to better outcomes, decision-making still occurs within the confines of State law. To make substantial change, a transfer of State power for determining the content of the law itself is needed. This presentation shares the journey of a grass roots law reform movement transitioning from a State-led system of child protection to an Aboriginal Community of Care entrenching Aboriginal ways of knowing and doing into legislation designed by and for the Aboriginal Community.
Youth through care: Lore and Law. Cultural strengthening with young offenders
Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency
Presenters: Merna Giorges & Tyrell Anton
The presentation will share stories of young people and the families involved with Youth Through Care (YTC) program. Through their stories we hope to highlight how the Youth Through Care program has influenced young offenders positively. The presentation will demonstrate how we successfully reduce recidivism when working with high risk and complex young people in the youth justice system.
Preventing Aboriginal infant removals through early intervention: Insights from VACCA’s pre-birth response model
Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency
Presenters: Tessa Bolto, Trezalia Toohill & Emma Stevenson
By prioritising early intervention, cultural connection, and evidence-based practice, VACCA’s Pre-birth Response Model offers a promising framework for reimagining support for Aboriginal families expecting a baby. This presentation will focus on how VACCA has evolved its model post-pilot evaluation and highlight early findings through a case study review. The presenters will explore systemic change being created and cultural practice elements that strengthen outcomes for families.