2020 INTERNATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION CONFERENCE
Mercure BRISBANE qld
October 21-23, 2020
now calling for papers
Please note this website is continually being updated.
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 2020 International Indigenous Suicide Prevention: No Sundown Conference will be held on the 21st - 23rd of October 2020. It is envisage to be the largest gathering of delegates from all sectors outside of Indigenous national associations. This year's conference will run alongside the International Indigenous Mental Health Conference which together aims to bring mental health workers and Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander emotional and social wellbeing workers from Indigenous and Non-Indigenous organisations throughout Australia, New Zealand, America and Canada and present unique opportunities for Mental Health workers to meet and discuss issues specifically centred on First Nations peoples' mental health and wellbeing. The increasing frequency and severity of mental health and wellbeing 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 Government, Non-Government, Health and Community-controlled organisations to refocus on their duty of care to First Nations peoples.
The event is based upon the principal belief that Indigenous health must be approached from a holistic view, which encompasses body, mind and spirit; thus, leading to the fundamental rights of self-determination. The conference recognises that treating our health must be done by treating the whole person, through mind, body, soul and culture. No matter what your culture is. If you are a First Nations person, statistics show that health, education and the justice system is monstrously weighted against First Nations People. In today’s society Indigenous people have a varied lifestyle, ranging from inner-city living to isolated communities. Therefore, there is no set approach to dealing with health issues, as you have to look at the environment that you live in and, more importantly, the agencies that are available to assist. The conference is designed to bring together both government and non-government agencies who are working in the Indigenous health sector, therefore focusing on Suicide Prevention and strengthening the life expectancy of First Nations people to equal that of non-Indigenous people. In Australia, the most successful initiatives in First Nations Health are the Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and now the partnerships between government and communities. The first Aboriginal community-controlled health service was established in New South Wales and has been operational for the past forty (40) years. Today, there are over 120 AMS and countless numbers of Primary Health Care Posts in First Nations communities in Australia.
THE VISION
The conference is not politically based. 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, there’s been mixed results
We still have an Indigenous life expectancy around 10 years less than mainstream Australians
The past decade has seen a 70 percent increase in Indigenous students undertaking Higher Education
Employment targets not met
Many Indigenous Health Targets were falling short off the mark
The Federal Government has made a commitment to create 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 nurtures optimism rather than entrench despair
Do things WITH Indigenous people, not TO Indigenous People
Even though Indigenous Australians only make up 3 percent of the population, First Nations People still make up over 20 percent of the prison population and that number is still increasing
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 2020 International Indigenous Suicide Prevention 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 & well-being
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Help grow a global 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 and prevent incidence of suicide 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
2020 CONFERENCE AGENDA DRAFT
(This draft agenda may change without prior notice and published only to guide those submitting papers. Final agenda will be published closer to date.)
DAY 1 - 21st October 2020
PRE-CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS (The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide)
For 2020, we offer a new and exciting innovation to our conferences. A pre-conference masterclass entitled The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide to be facilitated by world renown First Nations clinical psychologist, Dr. Joseph Stone from Blackfeet Nation USA will be offered to conference delegations on the 21st of October 2019. This pre-conference masterclass is optional so please make sure you complete your registration form with the masterclass included if you intend to attend. To learn more about the pre-conference masterclass, Click here to read more
DAY 2 - 22nd October 2020
8:30am Registration Registration of Delegates
8:45am Combined Session Master of Ceremony - Welcome & Safety Announcement
9:00am Welcome Address Welcome to Country & Traditional Performance
9:45am Opening Keynote Introduction to Colonisation and Historical Trauma to First Nations Peoples
10:30am Morning Tea Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
11:00am Concurrent Sessions ~ Inter-generational Effects of Stolen Generation
Room A: Educating the wider public about issues affecting Stolen Generations families (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room B: Highlighting community-based programs assisting members of Stolen Generations (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room C: Sharing of stories from members of stolen generations across the nation (Calling for Papers from Community)
11:45am Concurrent Sessions ~ Testimonials and personal journeys of healing (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room A: Successful family and community re-integration strategies (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room B: Showcasing positive outcomes for members and families of Stolen Generations (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room C: Empowering Self, Empowering Mob: The Pathway to Self Determination (Calling for Papers from Community)
12:30pm Lunch Break Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
1:30pm Keynote Session Challenges in dealing with separation, grief & loss
2:15pm Keynote Session Unlocking Inter-generational Trauma: A Barrier in Service Delivery
3:00pm Afternoon Tea Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
3:30pm Keynote Session Strong Mob, Strong Future: First Nations Trauma Focused Care
4:15pm Keynote Session Indigenous Community Revitalisation and Strengths
6.30pm Conference Networking Dinner
23rd October 2020
8:30am Registration Registration of Delegates
9:00am Keynote (International) Exploring Best Practices For Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention
9:45am Keynote (International) New approach in New Zealand towards Methamphetamine Use and Depression
10:30am Morning Tea Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
11:00am Concurrent Sessions ~ Working within Indigenous Communities
Room A: Using Technology to Improve Mental Health Outcomes (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room B: Indigenous Mental Health Community Programs (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room C: Healing Power of Culture: Culturally Responsive Programs (Calling for Papers from Community)
11:45am Concurrent Sessions ~ Indigenous Health Research (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room A: Supporting Diverse Indigenous Health Workforce (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room B: Community‐driven Research Program in Mental Health (Calling for Papers from Community)
Room C: Community-led Solutions in AOD Programs (Calling for Papers from Community)
12:30pm Lunch Break Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
1:30pm Keynote Session E-mental health resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
2:15pm Keynote Session Interventions for Caregivers of Methamphetamine Effected Children
3:00pm Afternoon Tea Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors
3:30pm Combined Session Suicide Prevention is Everyone's Business -Become An Interventionist in your communities
4:15pm Interactive Panel Yarning Circle with Elders, Guest Speakers & All Delegates
5:00pm END OF CONFERENCE: DELEGATES WHO ATTEND 85% OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE ENTITLED TO A CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION
REGISTRATION
Register early to get a discount! Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS of from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form or you can also request a conference brochure and the registration form to be sent to you by email at adminics@iinet.net.au
who should attenD
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First Nations Mental Health Workers
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Aboriginal and Torres Stairs Islander Healing Foundation members
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Department of Aboriginal Affairs
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Social Workers/ Youth Justice Workers
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Senior Project Offices
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Indigenous remote Communities
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Child Safety worker
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Police Officers
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Counsellors, Psychologists & Psychiatrists
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Migrant Settlement Program Officers
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Aged Care & Disability Care Workers
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Community Services Workers
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CEO, Senior Executives and Practice Managers
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Diversity and Inclusion and HR professionals
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Government and Local Council delegates
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Educational Institutions
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Family Support workers
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Community organizations or groups
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Neighbourhood Centre Managers
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Cultural Organizations and Clubs
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Counselling service providers
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Interested Individual
CONFERENCE VENUE and accommodation
This conference will be held at The Mercure Hotel Brisbane North Quay. ICS teams up with First Nations Travel Agency to offer you a conference package to include your conference registration, conference networking dinner, masterclass and 3 nights accommodation at the venue, Mercure Brisbane North Quay.
For More Information Click Here
TRAVEL
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 booking 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:
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
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
FIRST NATIONS TRAVEL AGENCY
Contact: Phone 07 41945168
Email.
To request a 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 note that included in your registration is 3 nights twin or double room. Indigenous Conference Services has negotiated special rates for delegates and speakers attending the conference, when you complete your registration form you will see a sector highlighted accommodation need. 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 payment this is, so your accommodation is locked in.
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 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:
contact us
ICS-MEES Pty Lt
Indigenous Conference Services (Australia)
Postal Address: 8 Kiwi Court, Pt Vernon QLD 4655 Australia
Web:
Email:
Phone: 07 4194 2803, +61 4557 76 668
Please note this website is continually being updated.