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
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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. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal culture.

 

THE CONFERENCE

The 3rd National Indigenous Disability & Allied Health Conference: Working towards a better future through partnerships and co-operation 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 regards to the successes and challenges experienced in the rollout and implementation of  Australia’s largest social policy reforms, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in its 9th year anniversary.  

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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 into the mainstream justice system. 

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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 story-telling 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 and every day through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

 

CONFERENCE THEME AND FOCUS

The National Indigenous Disability & Allied Health Conference focuses on how service providers are finding ways to deliver high-quality support to First Nations peoples with a disability in an 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 conference will highlight how service providers are working together, with the government and with Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples living with a disability and their families to find innovative ways to address the above topics. The conference will include keynote speakers, practical workshops and concurrent sessions as well as yarning circles and interactive panel discussions.

 

The conference is not politically based, rather should be seen as an opportunity to access information that is not readily available. The conference envisions that partnerships and working in unison should form the basis of closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage, particularly in Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander peoples who are living with a disability.

 

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 8 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

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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

 

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 conference is designed to inspire and enable Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander disability and community workers as well as Indigenous peoples living with a disability, NDIS service providers and other community partners to take control, step up and take action to the next level, to ensure the rights and self-determination of First Nations peoples living with a disability are upheld. To honour our Indigenous men, women, youth and children living with a disability, acknowledge their strength and resilience by listening to their stories, learning from their experiences and committing to systemic change to protect the rights of our sisters, brothers, children with a disability and their families and community. 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 Indigenous peoples 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 future generations to come.

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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).

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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

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YOUR INVITATION 

We wish to invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous people 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 in the conference experience, 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 at the end of the conference, delegates will receive a copy of all papers & presentations presented at the conference through Dropbox.

 

CONFERENCE ORGANISER

​Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) is a privately owned, wholly self-funded Indigenous business that specialises in events and conferences. Even though we are a self-funded enterprise, we come from grassroots backgrounds with a burning passion for social justice issues. As such, we seek to complement the workings of community initiatives and organisations across a broad spectrum of Indigenous affairs. The events that we design seek not to have a political agenda, however, to complement 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. As we are a not for profit enterprise, we are continually seeking to partner with organisations. ICS-MEES Pty Ltd is totally Indigenous-owned and over time has helped establish Indigenous controlled organisations free of charge. 

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​CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS REQUIREMENTS
If you have any participation requirements (e.g hearing loop, interpreters, large print program) please advise us to ensure availability. Delegates will need to organise their own personal support. Family carers attending will need to register as well. The venue is wheelchair accessible and meets all the requirements to be NDIS user friendly.

 

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR EMPLOYERS

​​Come and celebrate First Nations people & Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengths, successes and empowerment. To share First Nations peoples stories and ideas about what has worked for you or your community and how we address life’s challenges. This conference is blessed with an abundance of the highest calibre guest speakers from proud Indigenous peoples around Australia.  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

• 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 short duration of the event

• Allows delegates to showcase their organisation nationally and internationally

• May provide organisations with new ideas

• Gives organisations a 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  

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. To further ensure the continued success of the conference, an Indigenous working group is being established to advise on correct adherence to cultural equilibrium. If you are interested in submitting a paper please,  Click here to read more

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the CONFERENCE AGENDA 

Please note this agenda may change without prior notice to ensure a smooth flow of the conference proceedings on the day of the event.

 

day 1 august 15, 2022 

 

8:30am            Registration                Registration of Delegates  

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8:45am            Combined Session     Master of Ceremony - Welcome & Safety Announcement          

9:00am            Welcome Address      Welcome to Country & Traditional Performance

9:45am            Keynote Session        Formal Opening Keynote  

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10:30am          Morning Tea               Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors   

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11:00am          Combined Session     Mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous peoples - acknowledging the past and making sense

                        (Grand Ballroom)       of the present - Dr. Amber Logan & Dr Joe Stone, Clinical Psychologists Indigenous Development Specialists  NZ/USA                                                               

11:45am          Combined Session     Responsiveness and Cultural Healing in Communities within Australia - Uncle Ara Harathunian

                        (Grand Ballroom)       Managing Director - Kultchafi QLD

                                                          

12:30pm          Lunch Break               Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

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1:30pm            Keynote                      Improving outcomes for First Nations NDIS participants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing -

                        (Break-out Room A)   Jody Barney, Deaf Indigenous Community Consultant, Julie Judd  - Interpreter & Dr. Alexandra Devine, Research                                                                                 Fellow University of Melbourne VIC

                                                           

2:15pm            Keynote                      Genuine partnerships in delivering the NDIS to SEQ - Tarsha Jones, Identified Senior Practitioner and Sarah DeLemos

                        (Break-out Room A)    Access Coordinator - The Benevolent Society & Institute for Urban Indigenous Health QLD

                                                           

3:00pm            Afternoon Tea             Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

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3:30pm            Combined Session     Culture, Family, Mind, Play : Culturally Responsive Approaches to Child and Adult Wellbeing - Yaleela Torrens, Social Worker 

                        (Grand Ballroom)        and Nigel Daisy Family Wellbeing Coordinator,  Gladstone Region Aboriginal and Islander Community

                                                           Controlled Health Service(GRAICCHS) QLD

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4:15pm            Combined Session     Healing environments: Housing, community design and Indigenous wellness 

                        (Grand Ballroom)       Dr. Amber Logan & Dr Joe Stone, Clinical Psychologists Indigenous Development Specialists  NZ/USA 

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6.00pm            Conference Networking Dinner Cruise  

 

day 2 august 16, 2022 

 

8:30am            Registration                Registration of Delegates         

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9:00am            Combined Session     Exploring Best Practices For Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention 

                        (Grand Ballroom)        Dr. Amber Logan & Dr Joe Stone, Clinical Psychologists Indigenous Development Specialists  NZ/USA 

                               

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9:45am            Combined Session     Murri Court Project - Jenny Frowd, Manager, Capacity Building & Engagement - Carers Queensland

                        (Grand Ballroom)

   

10:30am          Morning Tea               Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

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11:00am          Keynote                      NDIS Audit - Fiona Smith, Senior Lead Auditor, Client Manager & NDIS Consultant - Global Mark QLD

                        (Break-out Room A)

                                                           

11:45am          Keynote                      The Self in Me Project - Gretchen Pedral, Psychosocial Recovery Coach, COS & Counsellor - The Self in Me Project

                        (Break-out Room A)

                                                               

12:30pm          Lunch Break               Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

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1:30pm            Keynote                     Disability 3 ways: The system is disabling - Dr. Samantha Cooms, Quandamooka Woman 

                        (Break-out Room A)   Carer and Mother of 3, University of Queensland 

                                                           

2:15pm            Keynote                      Lived Experience Matters: Creative Consulting - an Indigenous NDIS service provider,  Joanne Houghton, Managing Director

                        (Break-out Room A)   Creative Consulting QLD

                                                           

 

3:00pm            Afternoon Tea             Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

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3:30pm            Combined Session    Parent’s Perspective - How to ensure respect for culture is maintained when working

                        (Grand Ballroom)       with families and children - Stirling Eggmolesse, Cultural Advisor, Indigenous Wellbeing Centre - (IWC Ltd Bundaberg) QLD

                                                                              

4:15pm            Combined Session    Housing experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with a disability

                        (Grand Ballroom)       Kathryn Martin, Associate Lecturer, The University of Queensland Board Director, Occupational Therapy Council of Australia

                                                           Co-Chair, National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Occupational Therapy Network (NATSIOTN)  

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5:00pm            DELEGATES WHO ATTEND 85% OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE ENTITLED TO A CERTIFICATE OF  PARTICIPATION 

 

 

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day 3 august 17, 2022 (post-cONFERENCE MASTERCLASS)

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For 2022, we offer new and exciting innovation for our conferences. Day 3 is devoted to a 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.

 

OPTION 1  - CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS - HEALING CIRCLE WORK

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The Healing Circle Work masterclass addresses emotional challenges and barriers faced by people who have had traumatic experiences. Healing Circle Work is not a therapeutic program, but therapeutic outcomes are experienced. As participants, you will learn to live life in the moment recognising and understanding your own spirituality, and gaining the ability to enter the moment to reaffirm yourselves. 

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This workshop will teach you to learn to appreciate and be accountable for your highest good, and the highest good of others around you.  Healing Circle Work is provided in group sessions, and is suitable for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants over 18 years of age. Reserve your place now and

let us unlock this ancient Aboriginal wisdom and knowledge shared with all peoples.

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                                                          Healing Circle Works is strictly limited to 10-12 people only. Cost is $350 per person.

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OPTION 2 - CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS - The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - 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 wherein 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 intergenerational trauma and break the cycle of suicide in our communities.

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• In Just One Day You Can Learn Strategies for how to become an interventionist to suicide and work effectively with your clients who are experiencing intergenerational trauma and their families.​ ​ 

 

                  The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide  is strictly limited to 30 people only. Cost is $350 per person.

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GUEST Speakers 

The 3rd National Indigenous NDIS & Allied Health 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 long after the conference is over.

 

To view each speaker’s profile, please Click Here

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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 being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered.  To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form or you can also request a conference brochure and the registration form to be sent to you by email at adminics@iinet.net.au  

 

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 copy of all papers & presentations presented at the conference.

 

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

When:   August 15-17, 2022

Where: Hilton Hotel Cairns, Queensland

Time:     9.00am – 5.00pm

 

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

 

CONFERENCE HOST CITY & VENUE 

Cairns is truly a destination to impress everyone. From the moment you fly in over lush tropical green rainforest and aqua blue reefs of the great, you know you are truly in a special part of the world. Experience the warmth of our genuine Australian hospitality at the Hilton Hotel Cairns. Prominently situated on the marina, providing guests with both a direct gateway to the reef, tours and attractions and the perfect Cairns getaway. The Hilton Cairns is deemed as the waterfront retreat near the Great Barrier Reef. Set amid tropical greenery on Cairns’ waterfront, the hotel is a gateway to  the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef Terminal, where the majority of trips depart, is just 400 meters from the hotel. It is also within 22 kilometers to reach the Crystal Cascades and Cairns Botanic Gardens. The hotel has a lagoon-style outdoor pool and treatments spa. The Hilton Hotel and Cairns is on the lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinji peoples who are the Traditional Owners of both land and sea Country and have been living on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef amongst the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest for thousands of years. 

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CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER CRUISE

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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 charter dinner cruise with the Spirit of Cairns at 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. 

 

A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way, to end a perfect day in paradise. Boarding our sailing catamaran at the Marlin Marina, you’ll enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounding mangroves, as they transition from day to night. Every journey begins with bubbles, as all good dinner cruises should. With your glasses charged, stroll the interior or exterior decks and admire the view as the sky transforms from blue to red to orange and finally a silky black, filled with thousands of sparkling stars. Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Trinity Inlet and across the waterfront precinct of Cairns, from the Cruise Liner Terminal to the Esplanade. The water is calm, the weather mild and the night is yours to enjoy, with entertainment and a delicious  3 Course Buffet Dinner  featuring some of the region’s best produce, including seafood. The luxurious Spirit of Cairns sailing catamaran is fully licensed, selling a range of beverages, including tropical cocktails. This is the ultimate in waterside dining.

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When Do We Go

The Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise departs Marlin Marina at 6.30pm and returns at 9pm. Check-in and boarding is at the boat, moored at Marlin Marina, between 6 pm. A complimentary drink is served on arrival and the bar is open for you to relax on board prior to departure. The conference dinner cruise is scheduled for the evening of Day 1.

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What Will You See / Do

Enjoy a fantastic evening of calm water cruising with entertainment, delicious 3 course buffet meal and fabulous views, including sunset over the rainforest-clad mountains (depending on the time of year). Starting at Marlin Marina, Spirit of Cairns takes you on a journey deep into the interior of Trinity Inlet and its winding tributaries. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even see a crocodile. The cruise passes along Cairns’ waterfront and Esplanade precinct, delivering panoramic views of the twinkling night lights of this port city.

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What Do You Need To Bring / Wear

​Yourself and your smile, for a great evening ahead. Tropical cocktail attire is suggested, with a light jacket for the winter months. Footwear is mandatory, with suitable shoes for boating recommended. Although it’s a calm water cruise, you will find it more comfortable moving around the boat in flat rubber soled shoes. Don’t forget to bring a little cash, EFTPOS or credit card for your bar purchases.

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Highlights & Inclusions

• A 2.5 hour calm water sunset / evening cruise

• Luxurious air-conditioned vessel

• Large outdoor decks

• Complimentary glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink on arrival

• Delicious hot and cold 3 course buffet, featuring fresh seafood and local produce

• Live Music by some of Cairns’ best musicians

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TRAVEL due to covid-19, please follow the advisory from your state public health directive.

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 consider the time that is required to obtain funding. For the best possible airfares and seat availability, please confirm your attendance ASAP. All of our bookings is made through First Nations Travel, a new 100% indigenous owned travel agency here to make booking your flights stress-free and relaxing for an enquiry please phone us on +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest by email:  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.

 

​ACCOMMODATION: We have negotiated a special room rate for delegates at the venue. To avail for this special discounted rate, contact us and advise your arrival or check-in date and departure date accordingly.

 

TRAVEL: We have engaged First Nations Travel Agency to negotiate with all the relevant airlines for discounted airfare & hotel rates.

 

CONCESSION: A special registration rate for university students is being offered for a flat rate of $750

 

FIRST NATIONS TRAVEL AGENCY

Contact:  Phone 07 40009111

 Email.     adminics@iinet.net.au to request a quote. 

 

A 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.

 

Indigenous Conference Services has negotiated special rates for delegates and speakers when opting to stay in-house at the Hilton Hotel Cairns. To book your accommodation and avail yourself of the special delegate discount rates, please advise your arrival or check-in date and departure datesand send us an email to adminics@iinet.net.au. It is possible to stay outside the venue however this may lead to a higher cost to your organisation. Please note that when registering you have 7 days from the issue of the conference secretariat to make a payment this is so your accommodation is locked in.

 

VISA TO AUSTRALIA - due to covid-19 please follow travel advisory from Australian embassy near you.

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 invitation 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 approved, 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#

 

SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE

ICS Conferences 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 +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest by email:  adminics@iinet.net.au

 

contact us

ICS-MEES Pty Ltd

Indigenous Conference Services (Australia)

Postal Address: P.O. Box 702 Edmonton LPO Edmonton QLD 4869

Web: www.icsconferences.org 

Email:  adminics@iinet.net.au

Phone: 07 4000 9111, +61 4557 76 668

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Please note this website is continually being updated.

Having issues finding what you are looking for, email adminics@iinet.net.au.