Frontline workers who devote their time to uplifting First Nations children and families will come together again in 2026 to share their experiences, insights and ideas.

NSW sector peak AbSec will host the bi-annual state Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child and Family Conference on Birpai (Biripi, Birrbay) Country in August.

Expressions of Interest to speak are open for those across the sector, with AbSec welcoming contributions to shape the work going ahead.

Australia's inaugural permanent National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Sue-Anne Hunter is among the list of already confirmed speakers.

Commissioner Hunter has previously participated in the conference.

She joins Queensland sector peak QATSICPP chief executive Phillip Brooks, Michael Roach, Miimi Morris, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT's Kristy Tansey and Associate Professor BJ Newton as keynote presenters.

Associate Professor Newton has led the Aboriginal-led Bring Them Home, Keep Them Home research project, out of UNSW.

Aboriginal children are significantly overrepresented in the out-of-home care system in NSW.

As of June 2025, 45.1 per 1000 Aboriginal children in the state were in OOHC. This number is more than 10 times the rate of non-Indigenous kids.

"The 2026 AbSec conference creates a space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, communities, Elders and sector practitioners to unite and focus on what the evidence and our communities have long told us — that keeping children safely connected to family, culture and community must always be the priority," AbSec chief executive John Leha said.

"The systems that shape the lives of our children are changing rapidly. What our conference provides is something no government policy can replicate — the collective wisdom, lived knowledge, and deep cultural strength of our communities coming together to shape what comes next."

Stronger Together: Uniting Voices, Empowering Futures is the 2026 conference theme.

More than 300 people are expected to attend, from sector leaders and workers to community members.

"The keynote speakers reflect the depth of leadership across the Aboriginal child and family sector," Mr Leha said.

"Sue-Anne Hunter's leadership as National Commissioner for example, ensures the voices of Aboriginal children and young people are heard at the highest levels. Having that perspective at the conference will strengthen the conversations we must have as a sector."

The previous AbSec conference was held in Penrith on Dharug Country in 2024.