1500 Indigenous leaders and advocates to gather for SNAICC '23 in Garamilla/Darwin

Giovanni Torre Published August 30, 2023 at 1.00pm (AWST)

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SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle. Image: NTCOSS.

One of the biggest conferences to be held in the Top End in recent years, SNAICC '23 will see more than 1,500 delegates in Garamilla/Darwin on September 5-7.

The conference will highlight the work SNAICC - National Voice for our Children and its members are leading to close the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

SNAICC '23 has attracted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, policy makers, researchers, government officials, non-government organisations and industry representatives who will share knowledge and experience about supporting children and families to thrive.

SNAICC Chair Muriel Bamblett AO said the biennial conference would highlight the importance of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions to issues.

"The evidence is clear that when we are partners in the decision-making, running the services and developing the policy, it works," she said.

"SNAICC'23 will platform more than 110 sessions that will demonstrate how the work that Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCO) are doing in early years services and care and child protection are delivering results.

"I'm excited at the opportunity to learn, listen and share with our members and sector face-to-face for the first time since 2019."

SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle said the conference will also showcase "the rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples", with a particular focus on the Northern Territory.

"We are very proud to hold SNAICC'23 on Larrakia lands and thank Larrakia Nation for their support to ensure our conference reflects and incorporates their heritage through ceremonies and artwork," she said.

"As well as the plenaries, keynotes, concurrent sessions and yarning circles, we have a strong cultural program including performances each day and a marketplace with more than 30 services and artists and makers exhibiting.

"More than 700 people will be attending the sold-out Gala Dinner, which will be a taste of Top End flavours and feature special performances. SNAICC '23 will also be an economic boost to the local economy, with our 1500 plus delegate staking advantage of local tours and attractions before and after the event."

Ms Liddle said SNAICC is very proud to bring the conference to Garamilla/Darwin.

SNAICC '23:

5 - 7 September, Darwin Convention Centre

110+conference sessions

100+organisations, associations and entities presenting

1600+delegates in attendance

400+organisations, associations and entities represented

50+organisations supporting through sponsorship, donation and services rendered

30+services and artists/makers exhibiting

Speakers include:

International keynote – Judge Frances Eivers, former Aotearoa New Zealand Children's Commissioner, now member of Board of Commissioners

Pat Turner AM, Lead Convenor Coalition of Peaks and CEO NACCHO