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 cultures.
THE CONFERENCE
The 2024 National First Nations Elders Wellbeing Conference: Greater Choices for Aged Care is designed to provide organisations, service managers and front line workers in the aged care sector the opportunity to network, discuss and share information in regards to the successes and challenges they have experienced in the roll out and the implementation of the My Aged Care's consumer-directed care which aimed to provide frail older persons living in the community better choice and control over their care, independence at home and decision-making to address their needs to stay at home safely.
This conference aims to highlight the eight priority areas which My Aged Care clients identified as important to them, based on the survey results outlined in the Consumer Experience Report (CER) for home-based and community-based aged care services. These priority areas include but are not limited to: control, Interpersonal interaction, Flexibility, Local residence in Country, Affordability, Administrative and financial literacy, Safety and Timeliness of service provision. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Elders and their families would more likely access aged care services when it allows them to stay on Country, being cared for by their own mob and the ability to maintain their connection to country, culture and community.
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 who are frail aged 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 in community services, disability and aged care sectors, that is our Elders 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 frail aged, over 50 years old Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Elders and their family carers to share their needs, their concerns and share their story and experiences. Similarly, this conference presents a chance for Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander frontline aged care support workers, mainstream community and allied health workers serving First Nations Peoples who are frail aged, 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 Community Elders . The conference will also examine innovative ways to activate and engage family carers 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 our Elders. 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 of keeping their independence and stay at home for as long as they can, stay on Country as safe as they can.
THE CONFERENCE PHILOSOPHY & BELIEFS
The conference philosophy is based upon the holistic model approach with emphasis on consumer directed care, which requires collaborative partnership between the client, their family, carers and all service providers, working together to support First Nations communities in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander frail aged peoples. 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 aged care and home and community programs that are culturally appropriate, and therefore more likely to succeed. This conference is devoted to showing the positives in addressing My Aged Care successes and challenges in our communities today. Hence, the event has been developed with the belief that it is time to promote the positives and successes of the My Aged Care platform, whilst also recognising that we still have a long way to go to closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage.
THE 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. The conference believes that the participation of First Peoples in the consultation, planning, formulation of policies and programs for Closing the Gap in Indigenous disadvantage to include the implementation of the My Aged Care's consumer-directed care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and other aspects of the My Aged Care Strategy is fundamentally important to achieve 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 aged care sector
Help establish and grow a national network and resources through information sharing
Show that there are great efforts being made to make change for our Elders
Exchange information regarding the successes and challenges in the roll-out and My Aged Care implementation
To bring together all sectors of the community as a united voice
Bring together researchers, service providers, government agencies, policy makers & organisations
Foster partnerships between government, NGOs, community groups and Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples living with at home in advanced years and their families
THE CONFERENCE THEME
2024 National First Nations Elder's Wellbeing: Greater Choices For Aged Care Conference focuses on how service providers are finding ways to deliver high quality support to First Nations peoples who are frail aged in the My Aged Care context to tackle some of the difficult issues that have threatened to derail the delivery of My Aged Care in our communities. The conference themes include:
Control Over Health & Wellbeing
Community Living – housing and supported living accommodation
Residential and Centre-based Day Respite Services
Mobility & Transport
Life skills, education and employment
Aged Care Workforce Sector Development
Geriatric Nurse Patient Ratio in Residential Facilities
Technology & Innovations
Reablement
The conference will highlight how service providers are working together, with government and with Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples 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 whose living with a disability.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Community Support Workers and Aged Care Workers
Indigenous Community Workers
Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Elders
Nurses, Doctors, Psychiatrists, Social Workers and Allied Health Workers
Community groups and Human Rights Enthusiasts
Family relationship workers
Elders and Community leaders
Indigenous women's and men’s groups
CEOs, Executive Management, Program Managers
First Nations groups, Human Rights Enthusiasts
Government and Non-Government Organisation Representatives
Field, Remote & Rural Health Workers
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.
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 juvenile justice are invited.
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: Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees. An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
- 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's knowledge base.
- The opportunity for saving organisations money because of the short duration 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 PAPER
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.
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 finished format not less than 60 days prior to the event.
- Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted in the second round.
- Papers MUST be submitted in Microsoft Word format. Papers in other formats will NOT be considered.
- Authors of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of their acceptance in writing.
- A registration fee of $750 will apply to all persons submitting papers, payable within 7 days upon notification of acceptance.
- 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.
- To submit a paper, please complete the online form at this link: SUBMIT A PAPER HERE.
- Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provide the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
- Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
- May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/international level.
- Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
- Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.
GUEST SPEAKERS
The event is blessed with a kaleidoscope of 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 grassroots 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.
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 from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice.
SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE
Flexible sponsorship packages are available. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprises, not individuals. To showcase your organisation to all conference delegates, ICS has developed hassle-free promotional opportunities and sponsorship packages according to your budget and tailored to your organisation’s needs.
- Gold Sponsorship ($10,000) includes: Keynote session or Break-out sessions, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
- Silver Sponsorship ($7,000) includes: Keynote session, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
- Bronze Sponsorship ($5,000) includes: Break-out Session, Waived registration fee for your selected staff, Complimentary Display Table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
To sponsor the conference, please contact us. 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 to admin@icsconferences.org.
CONTACT US
For more information or inquiries, please reach out to us at the following contact details:
- ICS-MEES Pty Ltd
- Indigenous Conference Services (Australia)
- Postal Address: P.O. BOX 702 EDMONTON LPO QLD 4869
- Web: www.icsconferences.org
- Email: admin@icsconferences.org
- Phone: 07 40009111, +61 4557 76 668
