AbSec, the state's peak Aboriginal corporation for the welfare of First Nations children, young people and families, hosts its next quarterly forum on Wiradjuri Country in Dubbo later this month.
The theme; 'Walking Together: Collaborative Pathways to Holistic Family Wellbeing', acknowledges community, service system and government collective work for strong to ensure Indigenous children who come into contract with the Child Protection and Out-of-Home Care systems are still able to grow into culturally-connected young people.
Around 170 people are expected to attend the sector's first major gathering of the year.
AbSec called the forum "a chance to connect, learn, and drive meaningful action alongside sector leaders, advocates, and community members".
"This gathering will reinforce the importance of having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices front and centre."
The forum will also see the launch of what AbSec is calling a "groundbreaking online resource to aid Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with insights for navigating the NSW child protection system".
"Built by and for Aboriginal families, the online resource will share the easy-to-use resources, as well as the practical guidance and lived-experience of families to equip other families interacting with the child protection and out-of-home care system with greater knowhow," the organsation said.
All stakeholders have been extended the invitation to discuss and share the dialogue regarding a range of important topics, from domestic and family violence to homelessness, disability, support systems in place for young people, culture and custodianship at the forum.
Government agencies will have personnel in the room alongside alongside community leaders and workers.
Youth voices are also welcome at the microphone.
Day two is exclusive to Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and community members.
"The AbSec Quarterly Sector Forums are critical opportunities for our sector to come together, creating a space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, leadership, and lived experience can shape the direction and intent of our work as the peak body in NSW for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and family services," AbSec chief executive John Leha told National Indigenous Times.
"These events unite key government agencies, community organisations, service providers, Aboriginal community leaders, carers and industry professionals to collaborate on creating meaningful change. Each forum focuses on a different theme and reinforces our commitment to a sector that is culturally grounded, accountable, and united in its purpose for thriving, connected and safe Aboriginal children, young people, and families across NSW."
The 2025 Family Matters report, released by national peak for Indigenous children SNAICC, found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 9.6 times more likely to be removed from their parents compared to non-Indigenous children.
First Nations children make up 45 per cent of all children in out-of-home care, nationally.
More than a third of all Indigenous children in the country live in NSW.
Across the state, these kids were over seven times as likely as compared to non-Indigenous children to receive child protection services in 2023-24, per the Family Matters report.
