
Indigenous Conference Services is 100% Indigenous-owned and operated. ICS conferences and events are developed in a
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Culturally-appropriate manner
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In-line with community controlled beliefs, values and cultural protocols
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Cost effective for organisations and
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Brings together representatives from Australian governments and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and mainstream health sectors, grassroots communities and Elders
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ICS believes that an holistic approach needs to be taken in all facets of its conference agendas and in developing projects
INDIGENOUS CONFERENCE SERVICES
(ICS-MEES Pty Ltd)
The IMPOSSIBLE IS JUST THE NEXT STEP FOR US IN OUR JOURNEY
INDIGENOUS CONFERENCES 100% Proudly presented, formulated, designed and organised By First Nations Peoples
AUGUST 15-17, 2022 HILTON HOTEL CAIRNS QLD

2022 National Indigenous Mental Health Conference
ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO COUNTRY
In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which we are gathering. 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 the 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.
THE CONFERENCE
The 2022 National Indigenous Mental Health Conference aims to bring together mental health workers and Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander Emotional and Social Wellbeing workers from Indigenous and Non-Indigenous organisations throughout Australia and presents unique opportunities for Mental Health workers to meet and discuss issues specifically centred on Indigenous Mental Health The increasing frequency and severity of mental health and well being issues throughout Indigenous Communities has reached a crisis level through the length and breadth of this country. However this is not news to Indigenous peoples. Communities have proclaimed the need for action to address the needs of the many First Nations peoples with mental health issues.
This year’s conference theme will be based upon the principles of we all have a role to play in healing wherein range of issues brought to the forefront by our communities will be examined and as such, will endeavour to heighten the need for Australian Government, Non-Government, Health and Community organisations to refocus on their duty of care to all Aboriginal Peoples.
CONFERENCE AIMS
The 2022 National Indigenous Mental Health Conference aims to:
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Provide an open and frank forum for discussions
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Highlight inspiring initiatives, successes and challenges faced by mental health workers and Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander social and emotional well-being workers.
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Lend support to individuals and groups working in the field of Indigenous Mental Health & Wellbeing
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Help grow a network for the sharing of information and resources
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Bring together both government and non-government agencies working in the field of Indigenous Health
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Show that poor health is no longer tolerated or acceptable in today’s society
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To bring together organisations as a united voice in closing the gap
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Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects in the field of Indigenous Health in general
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Reduce incidence of poor health at all levels within the community
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Strategies for linking holistic policy with health interventions
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Explore methods for improving accountability at all levels to ensure sustainable progress
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Provides opportunity to network and meet face to face to exchange ideas, valuable information and successful programs in place in their communities.
CALLING FOR PAPERS
Guidelines in Submitting Paper:
• Papers should not contain offensive language and take into account cultural sensitivities of Australian first nation people.
• Papers must treat the themes in a manner that contributes to further discussion of conference aims.
• Conference papers must be presented in the finish format not less than 60 days prior to the event.
• First round of calling for papers is now open with closing date will be on 3rd of June 2022.
• Papers MUST be submitted in Microsoft Word format. Papers other than this format will NOT be considered.
• Authors of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of their acceptance in writing.
• Registration fee of $650 will apply to all persons submitting papers payable within 7 days upon notification acceptance of papers.
• Papers should explore ways in which the themes show up in the philosophy of the conference.
• All papers must be presented in a positive and informative light.
THE CONFERENCE AGENDA (DRAFT)
(PLEASE NOTE: This draft agenda may change without prior notice and is only published to guide those submitting papers)
DAY 1
8:00am REGISTRATION
8:30am Master of Ceremony - Welcome & Safety Announcement
9:00am Welcome to Country & Traditional Performance
9:45am Formal Opening Keynote
10:30am MORNING TEA & NETWORKING
11:00am Exploring Best Practices For Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention
11:45am The Journey of Healing
12:30pm LUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING
1:30pm Stop Craving Happiness CEO and Happiness Coach Rotary - Matilda Bay
2:15pm Community Collaboration: Integrating a Healthy Lifestyle Service and Aboriginal Mental Health Service
3:00pm AFTERNOON TEA & NETWORKING
3:30pm Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Residential Rehabilitation Network
4:15pm Transformation Beyond Greed: Native Self-Actualisation - Healing Historical Trauma
6:30pm CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER
DAY 2
8:30am Registration of Delegates
9:00am Indigenous clients and access to the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) at North Richmond Community Health Centre Dr Nico Clark, Director North Richmond Community Health Centre
9.45am The Glen - Culture as Healing, Joe Coyte CEO of The Glen
10:30am MORNING TEA & NETWORKING
11:00am E-mental health resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
12:30pm LUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING
1:30pm Support the Family - Improve The Outcome Chrissie Kelly Qld State Manager Family Drug Support
2:15pm Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Elizabeth (Anne) Russell Founder & CEO Russell Family Fetal Alcohol Disorders Association
3:00pm AFTERNOON TEA & NETWORKING
3: 30 pm New approach in New Zealand towards Methamphetamine Use and Depression Dr Amber R. Logan Clinical Psychologist, Doctoral Fellow Indigenous Development Specialists, University of Auckland, Otago University
4:15 pm Improving Mental Health for Aboriginal Consumers
4:30 pm END OF CONFERENCE WITH CULMINATION LUNCH
DAY 3
For 2019, we offer new and exciting innovation for our conferences. Day 3 is devoted to professional development workshop or masterclass. As such, we have introduced several exciting networking and professional development innovations which is an extra cost for your chosen masterclass. Day Three is optional so please make sure you complete your registration form with the masterclass included if you intend to attend.
POST-CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS A - MANAGING INTER-GENERATIONAL TRAUMA & BECOME AN INTERVENTIONIST TO SUICIDE
Worrying about how your team, family and community effectively assist and manage clients experiencing inter-generational trauma? Indigenous peoples around the world endured several generations of trauma and other neurological effects and compromised behavioural immunity which leads to behavioural indicators such as substance-abuse and suicide. Our current generation is impacted by structural violence, poverty, racism, governmental neglect and ongoing hostilities, and unfortunately our mob have learned our lessons in traumatisation as well where in many situations, we have internalised the trauma imposed on ourselves and turned onto our own families, communities, and selves.
This workshop will teach you:
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The strong benefits of recapturing and revitalising our languages, cultures and spirituality
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How to become an interventionist to suicide in your communities
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Understand and utilise trauma-informed care to heal ourselves, our clients, and our communities.
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Strategies in managing clients and families affected by inter-generational trauma and break the cycle of suicide in our communities.
In Just One Day You Can Learn Strategies how to become an interventionist to suicide and work effectively with your clients who are experiencing inter-generational trauma and their families.
THE PRESENTERS:
Dr. Joseph B. Stone, PhD, an Anasaki-pikuni ceremonialist and traditionalist and member of the OKKAN (Sundance), the Last Star Thunder Medicine Pipe and Beaver Lodge. He is a clinical psychologist and with his partner, Amber Logan, owner of Indigenous Development Specialists of Havelock North, New Zealand. Dr. Stone works at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga – a Kaupapa Maori 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 and corrections and juvenile justice in both New Zealand and USA. He is affiliated with the National Center on Trauma and Project Making Medicine – Indian Health Service Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse at Oklahoma State University. He has presented too 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.
Dr. Amber R. Logan is a traditional Kahungunu Maori Whine and 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 and Otago University and is well-known in New Zealand for her work in Methamphetamine education and community activism. Amber Logan 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.
This Masterclass is strictly limited to 30 people only. Cost is $350 per person.
Call or email us to register for this workshop or CLICK TO BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE.
CONFERENCE DINNER
As they say, all work and no play, makes for a dull conference. So to overcome this, the conference secretary has organised a conference dinner to be held on the first night of the event. This dinner with give delegates the opportunity to further network whilst lets your hair down in an informal setting. The conference dinner will be at a cost of $150 per person for a three course meal. The conference dinner is additional to the conference fees and bookings must be made prior to the event. For those who wish to see more of the area the conference secretary has also negotiated a special rate for those delegates who may be interested. Delegates can avail themselves of these offers.
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 organization. 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 page and complete the form or you can also request for a conference brochure and the registration form to be sent to you by email at adminics@iinet.net.au
MONEY SAVING IDEAS
The event secretary has come up with some great ideas on how to save money for you and your organisation.
1. ACCOMMODATION: We have negotiated a special room rate for delegates at the venue. Contact us to avail for the delegates rate
2. TRAVEL: We have engaged Helloworld (formerly Harvey World Travel) Hervey Bay to negotiate with all the relevant airlines for special or discounted airfare rates.
3. CONCESSION: A special rate for university students is being offered for a flat rate of $650, upon verification of study via student number.
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 tends to become long term employees,
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An event such as this adds to the positive moral of staff,
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Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training,
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Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation knowledge base,
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The opportunity for saving organisations money because of the shortness of the event,
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Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally,
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May provide organisations with new ideas,
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Gives organisations a showcase and voice at a national level,
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Provide 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 minor amount of time.
SPEAKER'S PROFILE - coming soon
This conference is blessed with the abundance of the highest calibre Indigenous First Nations speakers. The speaker's list will be updated once all photos and biography are completed. Please watch this space as it will be updated regularly.
HOST CITY & CONFERENCE VENUE
From the sparkling harbour and WWII history to the city's Asian-influenced food and tropical outdoor lifestyle, Darwin is an adventurers' paradise. Treat your tastebuds and indulge your sense of fun and adventure in the Territory’s tropical capital city. Darwin is world famous for its fabulous food, colourful outdoor markets and a diverse bag of adventure activities. Darwin is the capital of Australia's Northern Territory and a former frontier outpost. It's also a gateway to massive Kakadu National Park. Its popular waterfront area has several beaches and green areas like Bicentennial Park. Also near the water is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, displaying Southeast Asian and Pacific art, plus a pearling lugger and other seafaring vessels.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
One of the prohibitive factors in attending a conference is the airfare component. Our company strives in making our event a lesser burden on the individual or organisation by negotiating competitive and affordable travel packages. We also negotiated with Hilton Hotel for delegate's special room rates.
Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) also recognises that some NGO’s or other agencies will need to seek additional funding to attend, therefore First Nations Travel quotation can be made out to either pay ASAP or to take into account the time that is required to obtain funding. Further advantage to using a Travel agent for your airfares is that if something goes wrong, you have greater access to your travel agent if required.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Flexible sponsorship packages are available. 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 +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest by e-Mail: adminics@iinet.net.au
CONTACT US
ICS-MEES Pty Ltd
Indigenous Conference Services (Australia)
Postal Address: 8 Kiwi Court, Pt Vernon QLD 4655 Australia
Email: adminics@iinet.net.au
Phone: 07 4194 2803, +61 4557 76 668
Please note this website is continually being updated.