2019 INDIGENOUS MEN | Conference Services

10TH NATIONAL INDIGENOUS

MEN'S CONFERENCE: BLACK & PROUD

PROUD AND BLACKMENS CONFERENCE2019_edite

DOUBLE TREE HOTEL Alice Springs n.t

24th - 26TH JUly 2019

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 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 acknowledgement 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. ICS recognises that ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

THE CONFERENCE

The 2019 National Indigenous Men's Conference: Black And Proud is the 10th conference in the series and has become Australia's premier Indigenous Men's cultural gathering. The conference aims to provide a platform for First Nations men’s issues, bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander men, Elders, health professionals and community workers to network and work together to strengthen the advancement of Indigenous men's well-being through effective strategic sharing of information, encouragement of strong leadership, empowerment and self-determination within our communities. This year’s conference focuses on being Black and proud First Nations men and the gathering will be held on traditional cultural homeland at Double Tree Hotel in Alice Springs.

The life expectancy for Aboriginal males is 11.5 years less than other Australian men. Two thirds of that gap is because of chronic disease — heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes — and Indigenous peoples are more likely to struggle with two or more serious illnesses at the same time than non-indigenous people. Statistics show that Aboriginal men under 45 are up to three times more likely to commit suicide than non-Indigenous men of the same age.

The conference is designed as an educational tool to develop networking opportunities and information sharing to the wider community on Indigenous men’s issues. The event will focus on Indigenous men’s health and wellbeing through the encouragement of strong leadership, empowerment and self-determination within our communities. Throughout the two days, we will be facilitating small group discussions with informative guest speakers. The conference emphasizes on the positives of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander resilience and determination to strive for a better tomorrow without the constraints of the negative stereotyping which is more prevalent due to social media and bad media coverage. Today as Indigenous men, we are making great strides to improve both ourselves and our communities.

Today’s society is plagued with stories of all the wrongs in our communities when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. For years as Indigenous men, we have strived to better our families which have given rise to countless numbers of great initiatives highlighting Indigenous monumental achievements. To share this knowledge has always been our cultural way; as such, we feel that it is time to start promoting these ideas so that others may be able to share and spread the knowledge and load.

CONFERENCE PHILOSOPHY & BELIEFS

The conference philosophy is based upon an approach of “Prevention is better than Cure” which require collaborative partnership between all stakeholders, working together to support First Nations communities in addressing Indigenous Men's Health and wellbeing issues to close the gap. The foundation of the conference is to share and discuss positive models of change and initiatives. The event is structured in such a way as to develop a wider methodology towards preventative programs that are culturally appropriate and therefore more likely to succeed. This conference is devoted to highlighting successful men's health programs rolled out in our communities and families today. Hence, the event has been developed with the belief that it is time to promote the positives and successes in Indigenous Men's programs whilst still recognising that we still have a long way to go to close the gap in Indigenous Men's Health.

CONFERENCE AIMS & 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.

To create a platform for open and frank discussion relevant to Indigenous Men's issues
Highlight successful community programs and projects involving Indigenous men
To bring together Indigenous men to share their stories of empowerment, experiences, new innovations, excellent outcomes of Indigenous programs
Bring together workers, researchers, service providers, government agencies, policy makers/ developers and organizations
Outlining the priority area and enablers for better Indigenous men’s performance both at work and in the community
Demonstrate the value of investment in Indigenous men
Networking and lend support to individuals and groups working in the field of Indigenous men’s health
Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects
Strategies for linking holistic policy with Indigenous men
Explore methods for improving accountability at all levels to sustain progress for Indigenous men

CONFERENCE THEMES

Men’s Health
Role of Men in stopping family violence
Men and Education
Achievements of Men
Men and Careers
The Empowering of Men

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Before European settlement and the introduction of foreign diseases, alcohol and other determinants, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture was vibrant and strong with spiritual and family lores that were guiding principles to a way of life that for centuries has now succumb to bright lights and the trappings of modern day society.

Throughout the decades we have seen the erosion and destruction of our language, custom and spiritual well being. The dynamics of contemporary Australia showing seventy percent (70%) of Indigenous people live in urban setting. A question we ask you to consider - What if Captain Cook didn’t land on the shore of the East Coast of Australia, but in a far more remote area? Would Australia’s east coast be what it is today?

The backbone of our existence is family, custom & spirituality. During group discussions, we would like to explore past and present experiences and therefore leading into future strategies & goals to empower our men to be strong leaders in their communities. We believe that through sharing of experiences and knowledge, we become stronger as a collective. This opportunity to discuss men’s issues in an open, transparent and culturally sensitive forum has become a vital networking source to develop collaborative approaches for the betterment of Indigenous men’s overall business.

CONFERENCE STATEMENT

Indigenous peoples, nationally and internationally, will come together in an environment that can lead to the sharing of information via their cultural and historical values. This men’s gathering is designed to inspire and enable Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander men, services and other partners to take control, step up and take action to the next level, to ensure the rights and self determination of First Nations men are upheld. To honour our Indigenous men and their families – their strength and resilience – by listening to their stories and strategies, learning from their experiences and committing to systemic change to protect the rights of our children, families and cultures.

To honour also the knowledge of our men Elders and wisdom of our cultural responses, sharing successes and struggles to chart effective, evidence-informed ways forward. The conference provides a forum to discuss solutions by men and to connect and acquire knowledge from each other to heal the spirit, heal the earth, and sustain cultural practices for this generation and for the future generations to come.

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 participants. Hence, all Indigenous people and non-indigenous people whether professional or community-based, who have a vested interest in improving Indigenous men's well-being are invited to participate.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Indigenous Men

• Health workers and professionals

• Indigenous professional bodies and other organisations

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services

• Indigenous Men Support Worker

• Health workers and professionals

• Indigenous Men’s Groups

• Community Elders/Leaders

• Community Workers

• Social Workers

• Psychiatrists

• Police Officers

• Education and Training bodies and organisations

• Researchers

• Policy makers

• Law enforcement workers

• Community representatives

• Government – Local, State/Territory and Commonwealth

• Students

YOUR INVITATION

We wish to invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous worker from Australia and throughout to attend the conference to share and gather information. We also extend an invitation to participants to join us at the conference dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.

To ensure that delegates attend and participate, it is important to note that to show accountability of delegates in meeting their obligation, each delegate will receive a Certificate of Attendance only when they attend 85% of all the conference sessions. In addition, delegates will receive a CD with all papers & presentations presented at the conference.

Who: Individuals, Groups, NGO’s, Government Agencies & Others

When: 24- 26 JULY 2019

Where: Double Tree Hotel Alice Springs N.T

Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Conference Networking Dinner 24 JULY

WARNING: Limited availability. Please register online or contact us via email, should you have any further queries.

WHO ARE WE

Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) is a privately-owned, self-funded Indigenous business which specialises in events and conferences. Even though we are a self funded enterprise, we came from a grassroots background with a burning passion for social justice issues; as such, we seek to compliment the workings of community initiatives and organisations across a broad spectrum in Indigenous affairs. The events that we design, seek not to have a political agenda; however, compliments local, state and national organisations. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) seeks to employ local community members wherever possible and gives a strong undertaking to adhere to local customs and protocols.

CONFERENCE PARTNERS

As we are a not for profit enterprise, we are continually seeking to partner with organisations. ICS-MEES Pty Ltd trading as Indigenous Conference Services is totally Indigenous owned and over time has help establish Indigenous controlled organisations free of charge. Our next major project is to establish and develop a full Indigenous Children Services within the Wide Bay region. Our vision for the service is that it will be a stand-alone privately sponsored organisation in which the core values are the protection of our children through reducing the number of children entering into state-controlled child safety and care.

CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS MEN'S STORIES

Come and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengths, successes and empowerment. To share each other’s stories and ideas about what has worked for you or your community’s and how we address life’s challenges.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING (FOR YOUR 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.

Staff attending conferences regularly tends to become long term employees
An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff
Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training
Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation knowledge base
The opportunity for saving organisations money because of the shortness of the event
Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally
May provide organisations with new ideas
Gives organisations a showcase and voice at a national level
Provide an opportunity to evaluate various programs
Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal number of days

CALLING FOR PAPERS

Guidelines for Submitting Paper:

Papers should not contain offensive language and take in to account cultural sensitivities.
Papers may treat the themes in a manner that contributes to a further discussion of the conference aims.
Conference papers must be presented in the finish format not less 60 days prior to the event.
First round of call for papers CLOSED. SECOND ROUND OPEN and will close by close of business Friday 14 June 2019
Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted if there is a second round.
Papers should be submitted in IBM and Microsoft Word format (word).
A Brief Outline of Paper (maximum 350 words online).
Presentation time at the conference for your papers will be allowed a maximum of 45 minutes, this will include question and answer time.
Call for papers registration fee of $650 will apply to all persons submitting papers, payable upon acceptance of papers.
Papers should explore ways in which the themes show up in the philosophy of the conference.
A maximum of two presenters for each paper are eligible for the discounted call for papers registration fee. If 2 presenters, then 2 biographies are required.
Two paragraphs outlining the proposed speaker’s biography.
All papers must be presented in a positive and informative light, maximum of 2 paragraph, 8 lines TOTAL.
A Head and Shoulders photo on a white background of papers’ authors/presenters are required within 14 days of confirmation of acceptance of paper.
Authors agree to have their paper published as part of the conference proceedings
Authors to agree to allow biography of themselves and their photo published as part of the conference promotion.
Authors agree to consent to media interviews, if required.
Authors and Presenters must show due respect and acknowledgement to Traditional Owners and “Welcome To Country” at the beginning of their presentation.
The correct wording will be provided as part of your confirmation letter if chosen and successful in being accepted with due respects and acknowledgement to traditional owners of land where we will be convening.
Author/s of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of acceptance.

TO SUBMIT A PAPER, COMPLETE THE ONLINE FORM AT THIS LINK: SUBMIT-A-PAPER

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 are non-refundable and must be received within 7 DAYS from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click here to 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

THE CONFERENCE AGENDA

(This agenda may change without prior notice to ensure the smooth flow of the conference proceedings on the day of the conference.)

DAY ONE JULY 24, 2019 (WEDNESDAY)

8:30am REGISTRATION OF DELEGATES
9:00am Welcome to Country by Traditional Elder

9:30am Combined Opening Keynote Address Sen. Patrick Lionel Djargun Dodson, Senator WA Government

10:30am MORNING TEA (Network with Exhibitors & Service Providers)

11:00am International Keynote: First People's Issues & Solutions, Dr Joe Stone (USA) & Dr Amber Logan (NZ), Clinical Psychologist Indigenous Development Specialist USA/NZ

11:45am Combined Keynote: Incontinence - Not shame, just life, Jenny Pechey Subject Expert and Foundation Member Continence Foundation of Australia
12:30pm LUNCH BREAK (Network with Exhibitors & Service Providers)
1:30pm Keynote: Code 4 Life Program, Michael Liddle, Program Manager, Desert Knowledge Australia NT

2:15pm Keynote: Is change an inside job? Craig Thorogood, Case Manager, Drug and Alcohol Services Australia NT

3:00pm AFTERNOON TEA (Network with Exhibitors & Service Providers)

3:30pm Combined Keynote: Mob Strong Financial Health, Amanda Cameron, Aboriginal Service Co-ordinator Financial Rights Legal Centre NSW

4:15pm Combined Yarning Circle & Debrief - Reflection of the Day

6:30pm CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

DAY TWO JULY 25, 2019 (THURSDAY)

8:30am SIGN-IN
9:00am Combined Keynote: Beating The Grog, Scott Wilson, CEO The Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council (SA) Inc

9:45am Combined International Keynote: Revitalising Indigenous Women’s Water Governance Roles Through Indigenous Legal Orders and Water Stories Patricia Hania, Post-Doctoral Researcher Ryerson University CANADA

10:30am MORNING TEA (Network with Exhibitors & Service Providers)
11:00am Keynote: Working with Men in the Community - Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP), Simone Clapham, Tangentyere Family Violence Prevention Program NT

11:45am Keynote: Engaging in the Men's Space, Paul AhChee, Alice Springs Desert Park
12:30pm LUNCH BREAK (Network with Exhibitors & Service Providers)
1:30pm Keynote: Colonisation and First Nations Men's Issues, Dr Joe Stone, Clinical Psychologist, Indigenous Development Specialist USA/NZ

2:15pm Keynote: Indigenous Men's Resilience to fight adversity, Matthew Mitchell, Department of Education & Training NSW

3:00pm AFTERNOON TEA (Network with Exhibitors & Service Providers)
3:30pm Combined Keynote: Empowering Indigenous Men, Empowering Families, Graeme Pearce & Kylie Butler, Managers Cross Borders Indigenous Family Violence Program, WA/NT/SA Police Services

4:15pm Yarning Circle: Where to from here? All Guest Speakers & Delegates

5:00pm END OF CONFERENCE: Distribution of Certificates

DAY THREE (FRIDAY)

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 and comes with a course certificate. Day Three is optional so please make sure you complete your registration form with the masterclass included if you intend to attend. This year’s program features a strong selection of Leadership and Empowerment topics for workers in Indigenous Health sector and practitioners at every level of experience and expertise.

POST-CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS - The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide

MANAGING INTER-GENERATIONAL TRAUMA & BECOMING AN INTERVENTIONIST TO SUICIDE

Worrying about how your team, family and community effectively assist and manage clients experiencing intergenerational 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 internalized the trauma imposed on ourselves and turned onto our own families, communities, and selves.

This workshop will teach you:

The strong benefits of recapturing and revitalizing our languages, cultures and spirituality
How to become an interventionist to suicide in your communities
Understand and utilise trauma-informed care to heal ourselves, our clients, and our communities.
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.

This Masterclass is strictly limited to 30 people only. Cost is $330 per person.

Call or email us to register for this workshop

SPEAKER'S PROFILE

The 2019 Indigenous Men’s Conference is blessed with a kaleidoscope of First Nations 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 longer after the conference is over.

To view each speaker’s profile, please click on this link:

CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

As they say, all work and no play, makes for a dull conference. So to overcome this, the conference secretary has organized a conference dinner to be held on the first night of the event. This dinner will give delegates the opportunity to further network while letting your hair down in an informal setting. The conference dinner will be a private a cost of $150 per person including a three course meal. The conference dinner is additional to the conference fees and bookings must be made prior to the event.

CARING AND SHARING

Furthermore it has been proven time and time again that events such as this empowers and reinvigorates workers with new ideas and with enthusiasm, with a greater feeling of support and contacts that may be utilised for the betterment of their own or local community. Whether you are an allied health professional, Indigenous health worker, medical professionals or in administrative clerical role within the organisation, this conference will provide excellent opportunities to gain and share information that will be of use to you back in your community. The opportunity that this Conference provides to people involved in Aboriginal Health is the sharing of knowledge and development of long term friendships/partnerships. This conference is basically 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.

REGISTRATION

(Register early to get a discount!) Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organizations 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 are non-refundable and must be received within 7 DAYS 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

To register, please click here to go to registration page.

CONFERENCE LOCATION & VENUE

Boasting an ideal location in a tourist strip of Barrett Drive, just off of Stuart Highway, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs is only 15 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs Airport and within walking distance of downtown Alice Springs, Alice Springs Convention Centre and Lasseter's Casino. Take a tour of the imposing MacDonnell Mountains and visit the prominent Simpsons Gap at dawn or dusk, when you might be lucky enough to spot a black-footed rock-wallaby.

Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and desert landscape your outback adventure begins in Alice Springs. Mparntwe is the Arrernte word for Alice Springs. The Arrernte people who are the traditional custodians of Alice Springs have a strong connection with the land. According to the Dreamtime the town of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges were created by the actions of several ancestral figures including the caterpillar beings Ayepe-arenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrengatye.

Stunning landscapes, remote communities, and a unique pioneering history create a diverse and exhilarating destination to explore. Spend a day or a week exploring the sites in and around Alice Springs. Visit the galleries on Todd Mall, to get to know the art and stories of the local Aboriginal Arrernte people. Board the Alice Wanderer bus for a hop on hop off tour and uncover the historic site from legendary explorers, prospectors, cattlemen and pioneering women. See the animals that live in Central Australia's habitats at wildlife parks or from the basket of a hot air balloon as they roam across the spinifex plains. Wander around Australia's only arid zone botanic garden. Try one of the many adventure activities on offer from riding a bike to Simpsons Gap, surveying the MacDonnell Range from the cockpit of a helicopter, or explore a working cattle station as part of a quad bike safari. The town has a lot to offer including a wide range of accommodation, excellent dining options and travel connections - there is something to suit all budgets and tastes.

MONEY SAVING IDEAS

The event secretary has come up with some great ideas on how to save money for you and your organisation.

ACCOMMODATION: We have negotiated a special room rate for delegates at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, please click this link to avail yourself of the special dicount rate https://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/A/ASPDADI-GIMWA-20190724/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
TRAVEL: We have engaged First Nations Travel Agency to negotiate with all the relevant airlines for discounted airfare & hotel rates.

3. CONCESSION: A special registration rate for university students is being offered for a flat rate of $650

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. 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 Agency quotation can be made out to either pay ASAP or to take into account the time that is required to obtain funding. For the best possible airfares and seat availability, please confirm your attendance ASAP.

FIRST NATIONS TRAVEL AGENCY

Contact: Phone 07 41945168

Email. adminics@iinet.net.au

To request a quote: https://www.evotravelagent.com/quote

Further advantage to using First Nations Travel Agency for your airfares is that if something goes wrong, you have greater access to your travel agent if required. Our company strives in making our event a lesser burden on the individual or organisation by negotiating competitive and affordable travel packages.

To book your accommodation and avail yourself of the special delegate discount rates, please click this link to go to the venue booking page https://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/A/ASPDADI-GIMWA-20190724/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

VISA TO AUSTRALIA

If you are an international guest or speaker, please note that citizens of some countries require visas before entering Australia. To obtain an Australian Visa, you may require a letter of invite from the conference secretariat. To obtain the letter of invitation, the guest must have registered for the conference and paid the required conference cost. This is refundable if visas are not approve, you should allow a minimum of 60 days for visa processing at the nearest Australian Embassy. Please note, processing visa documents in some countries may take longer, depending on your country of origin. Visas can be obtained online from the Australian Federal Government's Department of Home Affairs website at this link https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit#

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 +61455776668 or send us your expression of interest by e-Mail: adminics@iinet.net.au

ICS-MEES Pty Ltd

Indigenous Conference Services (Australia)

Postal Address: 8 Kiwi Court Pt Vernon Queensland 4655 Australia

Web: www.icsconferences.org

Email: adminics@iinet.net.au

Phone: 0741942803 | Mobile: 0455776668

Please note this website is continually being updated.

CLICK FOR SPEAKER'S INFO