Allies for Children Launch in Victoria — Allies For Children Australia

9 November 2023 | South Melbourne, Victoria

Co-hosted by two of our founding organisations, OzChild and MacKillop Family Services, Allies for Children invited sector leadership in Victoria to an event on 9 November to listen, connect and explore how to improve outcomes for children and families across Australia.

Following the referendum, this event offered a unique opportunity to discuss key issues facing the Victorian sector, in particular, how First Nations and ally organisations can work together to reduce the over-representation of First Nations children in child protection. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Mr Simon Kuestenmacher
Co-founder and Director of Research
The Demographics Group

Mr Simon Kuestenmacher is one of Australia’s leading demographers and data scientists, and is among the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation.

Simon shared findings from preliminary analysis conducted by The Demographics Group into the changing demography and socio-economic variables in Victoria that are impacting foster care, and looked at likely impacts into the future.

The group’s analysis highlights that the shortage of foster carers is being driven by macro economic and demographic drivers - systemic changes are necessary.

PANEL DISCUSSION

YES to ending over-representation; taking action for First Nations children

Facilitated by Maree Walk, CEO, Association of Children's Welfare Agencies, a panel discussion featured distinguished sector leaders including Catherine Liddle, CEO, SNAICC; Karen Heap, Chairperson, Victorian Aboriginal Children & Young People’s Alliance; and Deb Tsorbaris, CEO, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.

Allies for Children are incredibly grateful to our panellists for participating in this important discussion that was powerful, honest and at times, deeply personal and raw, that explored how the sector can collaborate to improve outcomes for First Nations children.