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
 

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 acknowledgment to Country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.

​

Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of  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 9th Indigenous STOP Domestic And Family Violence National Conference will focus on issues such as psychological, physical, emotional and mental abuse inflicted on individuals and communities subjected to all forms of family and domestic violence. High quality information, research, community and government programs will be highlighted at the conference with the aim of providing positive outcomes in the drive to stop all forms of family and domestic violence in our communities. ​The conference primary aim and goal is to employ positive prevention strategies to stop all forms of  domestic violence across the general community. For years, domestic violence has been hidden in the back rooms and behind closed doors. The conference is only one tool in our arsenal to overcome the scourge of family and domestic violence through the speaking out, sharing of information, knowledge and utilising the best practices.

​

Abuse takes place in all areas of society from the rich to the poor, from Indigenous communities through to mainstream society. Gender equality and the rights of women and children who are victims play an important role in highlighting violence within the domestic lifestyle of society. Statistics throughout the world show that men are deemed to be the most prominent perpetrators; however the conference will focus on both men and women equally together with all other family members. The greater the spotlight on family and domestic violence as well as drawing attention to the identifying predators who inflict the violence, the greater the effectiveness of breaking the cycle of violence.

​

​Many communities have worked hard in addressing the incidences of domestic violence with both non-government and government agencies developing some great programs in addressing these problems. The Conference is devoted to highlighting many of these successful Domestic Violence programs implemented in our communities.  

​

​With the invention of the internet, the world is now at most peoples’ door step. As such, the sharing of information whether it be programs run by government or not-for-profit organisations has become more accessible in today’s society. In light of this, the conference endeavors to establish a network for the sharing of information on breaking the cycle of Domestic Violence.

a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

​

CONFERENCE AIM & OBJECTIVE

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.

• Reduce incidences of Domestic and Family Violence at all levels

• Provide an open and frank forum for discussion

• Lend support to individuals and families working in the field of Family and Domestic Violence

• Help establish and grow a worldwide network and resources through information sharing

• Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects

• To bring together men, women and organisations as a united voice against domestic and family violence

• Bring together researchers, service providers, government agencies, policy makers/developers & organisations

• Networking and lending support to individuals and groups working in the field of Domestic Violence

​​​

CONFERENCE  THEME

This conference is built based on the principles that Men, Women and Community must be united when it comes to Domestic Violence issues. One thing we are all aware of is that Men make up the largest percentage of perpetrators. As such, the conference theme is centred upon the principle that it is all our duty and responsibility to bring a halt to Domestic Violence.

 

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 

​The Indigenous STOP Domestic And Family Violence National Conference is held approximately every two years with the 2019 event being the 10th conference in the series. It is the largest gathering of workers in the field of Domestic Violence. Over time the conference has seen in excess of a thousand delegates. It is important to note that the conference is open to all people, not just Indigenous or First Nations’ People from Australia. This conference gives a voice to all sectors of the community from grass roots remote communities through to the politicians and bureaucrats.

​

​CONFERENCE  STATEMENT

Violence against any family member constitutes a violation of the rights and fundamental freedom of that individual and impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of those rights and freedoms. Recognising that violence against someone is an unequal power between the aggressor and victim. This leads to an uneven balance within the domestic environment which therefore causes further friction or disharmony with other household members, in particular the children.

​

Indigenous Conference Services’ vision is to break the barriers of silence and stand as a unified group to combat domestic violence and their aftermath by having an open and transparent conference. This in turn will emphasise the inequality that exists in society today.

 

​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 combating domestic violence are invited.

 

​WHO SHOULD ATTEND 

• Domestic violence workers

• Community groups

• Family relationship workers

• Community leaders

• Indigenous women’s and men’s groups

• Psychologists, Social Workers, NGOs

• Women groups, Human Rights Enthusiasts

• Nurses / Doctors/ Psychiatrists, Police Officers

• People who are interested in combating Domestic Violence

• Government Representatives, Community Leaders

• Consultants / Legal Professionals

• Domestic Violence Field Workers, Teachers

 

​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, 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 link to ICS’ Dropbox account with all papers & presentations presented at the conference.

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

​

When: OCTOBER 28-30, 2019

Where: Tangalooma Island Resort Brisbane, QLD

Time: 9.00am 

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 Indigenous business which specialises in events and conferences. Even though we are a self funded enterprise, we come from a grass roots 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 of Indigenous affairs.

 

The events that we design  seek not to have a political agenda however, to compliment 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 

​ICS 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 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 the state-controlled child safety and care.

​

UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION

UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women recognises the urgent need for universal application to women of the rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity of all human beings, affirming that violence against women constitutes a violation of the rights and fundamental freedoms of women and impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of those rights and freedoms, and concerned about the long-standing failure to protect and promote those rights and freedoms in the case of violence against women, recognising that violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women, and that violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men, concerned that some groups of women such as women belonging to minority groups, Indigenous women, refugee women, migrant women, women living in rural or remote communities, destitute women, women in institutions or in detention, female children, women with disabilities, elderly women and women in situations of armed conflict, are especially vulnerable to violence.

 

CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS 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 and how we address life’s challenges.

 

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:

1. Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees

2. An event such as this adds to the positive moral of staff

3. Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training

4. Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation knowledge base

5. Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally

6. May provide organisations with new ideas

7. Gives organisations a voice at a national/international level

8. Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs

9. Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time

​​

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 is now closed.

• 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

 

EMPOWERING DELEGATES​

The conference may or may not save you or your organisation, time, money and manpower. However one thing the event guarantees is the opportunity to enlarge your network and information base, thus empowering delegates to make greater informed decisions.

 

CONFERENCE AGENDA

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

Day 1                               

8:00am              Registration                 Registration of Delegates  Registration of Delegates      

8:30am              Combined Session       Master of Ceremony -  Welcome & Safety Announcement           

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

9:45am              Combined Session        Formal Opening of Conference   Senator Malandirri McCarthy

​

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

11:00am            Combined Session       Understanding Domestic and Family Violence in First Nations communities Dr Kyllie Cripps

11:45am            Combined Session       Policing & Crime Prevention in Indigenous Communities Bob Gee

​

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

1:30pm              Combined Session        Widjiwa: to return, to come home to one's self  Sheree Stewart & Natalie Walker

2:15pm              Combined Session       Patrick Rivers

​

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

3:30pm              Combined Session       1800RESPECT Vanessa Tierney

4:15pm              Combined Session       Koori Programs at Victorian Courts and Tribunals Melissa Harrison

​

5:00 PM             YARNING CIRCLE        Reflections of the Day

6.30pm              Networking Dinner      Networking Conference Dinner

​

DAY 2                             

8:30am              Registration                 Registration of Delegates          

9:00am              Combined Session       Managing Domestic Violence Disclosures in Schools Hayley Stevenson

9:45am              Combined Session        Secret Traumas, Secret Shame - Institutional child sexual abuse Experiences Dean Bel & Fiona Rigney

​

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

11:00am            Combined Session       eft2 - Tapping into Relationship (TM) A pragmatic experiential protocol which gently and effectively tends                                                                                                   to the trauma of relationship Tess Reilly-Browne 

11:45am            Combined Session       From a Survivor's Point of View Manuela Whitford

​

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

1:30pm              Combined Session       Stepping Stones to Resilience: How Domestic and Family Violence Affects Children Christine Creswell

2:15pm              Combined Session       Support the Family - Improve the Outcome Chrissie Kelly

​

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

3:30pm              Combined Session       Hope Centred Justice and the Importance of Healing Rebecca Cort

​

4:15pm              YARNING CIRCLE         All Delegates, Speakers & The Minister)     

                                                                                                                                                                                                              

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 A - MANAGING INTER-GENERATIONAL TRAUMA & BECOME AN INTERVENTIONIST TO SUICIDE 

​

Worrying about how your team, family and community effectively assist and manage clients experiencing inter-generational trauma? Indigenous peoples around the world endured several generations of trauma and other neurological effects and compromised behavioural immunity which leads to behavioural indicators such as substance-abuse and suicide.  Our current generation is impacted by structural violence, poverty, racism, governmental neglect and ongoing hostilities, and unfortunately our mob have learned our lessons in traumatisation as well where in many situations, we have internalised the trauma imposed on ourselves and turned onto our own families, communities, and selves.   

​

This workshop will teach you:

• The strong benefits of recapturing and revitalising 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.

​

THE PRESENTERS:

Dr. Joseph B. Stone, PhD, Is an Amskapi-pikuni ceremonialist and traditionalist and member of the OKKAN (Sundance), the Last Star Thunder Medicine Pipe and Beaver Lodge.  He is a clinical psychologist and with his partner, Amber Logan, owner of Indigenous Development Specialists of Havelock North, New Zealand.  Dr. Stone works at the Napier Family Centre in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.  He has clinical experience with adult prisoners and corrections and juvenile justice in both New Zealand and USA.  He is affiliated with the National Centre on Trauma and Project Making Medicine – Indian Health Service Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse at Oklahoma State University. He has presented to and served as consultant to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs of Native Youth Suicide.  Joseph's publications include articles on trauma, suicide, and other cultural / behavioural issues. 

​

Dr. Amber R. Logan is a traditional Kahungunu Māori wahine, a New Zealand Health Psychologist and a Doctoral Fellow in Public Health at Otago University.  She teaches health psychology course work at the University of Auckland and Otago University and is well-known in New Zealand for her work in Methamphetamine education and community activism.  Amber is a consummate grant writer, health services evaluator and health services program designer.  She has presented extensively in Australia, Canada, and the USA at Harvard University, the University of Washington, and to the US Federal Government under the Obama administration.               

​

​

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

Call or email us to register for this workshop or CLICK TO BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE.

​

POST-CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS B

MANAGING INTER-GENERATIONAL TRAUMA & BECOME 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

 

SPEAKERS PROFILE 

​

OUR SPONSOR

1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It is available 24/7 to provide information, referrals and counselling for:

• People experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or family violence

• Their friends and family

• Workers and professionals supporting someone experiencing, or at risk of experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence

  For more information go to https://www.1800respect.org.au/ 

​

​

​

CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

As they say, all work and no play makes for a dull conference. To overcome this, the conference secretary has organised a conference dinner to be held on the second night of the event. This dinner with give delegates the opportunity to further network whilst letting your hair down in an informal setting.

 

The conference dinner will be at a cost of $150 per person for a three course meal. The conference dinner is additional to the conference fees and bookings must be made prior to the event. For those who wish to see more of the area the conference secretary has also negotiated a special rate for those delegates who may be interested. Delegates can avail themselves of these offers.

​​

CARING AND SHARING

Furthermore, it has been proven time and time again that events such as this empower and reinvigorate 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 professional 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 opportunities 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  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.​​

​​

MONEY SAVING IDEAS

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

1. We have negotiated a special room rate for delegates with the hotel to access this price you must contact the hotel directly and quote the event code

2. As for travel we have engaged Hello World (formerly Harvey World Travel) Hervey Bay to negotiate with all the relevant airlines for special rates

3. A special rate for university students is being offered

4. For community-controlled organisations if you pay for 4 delegates, the 5th delegate will be given a complimentary entry

5. Registrations have been broken down to a monthly basis, this presents the opportunity of saving money when registering early

 

​

​

​

​