SNAICC Newsletter - December 2024
SNAICC - National Voice for our Children
non-government peak body working for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Werte!?
Welcome to the final edition of the 2024 SNAICC newsletter!?
As I come to you with the final update about SNAICCs deadly work for 2024, I can’t help but reflect and feel so proud of the team and all that SNAICC has achieved in the last year. The team were (and continue to be) determined in sharing stories and creating conversations which work towards a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families are set to thrive, and I think they’ve done so with equal amounts of courage and drive this year.??
This week we unveil our new?2025-28 Strategic Plan. Complete with its own animation, it outlines our strategic priorities:?
We will deepen our engagement with communities, build meaningful partnerships with decision makers, and advocate fiercely for the rights of our children. By sharing insights, stories and evidence of what works, we will drive meaningful change in policy and practice, ensuring that the voices of those we serve are heard and respected.?
In November, we launched the 2024 Family Matters Report on Gadigal Country. This year's launch gave speakers an opportunity to talk about the strengths that lie within the ACCO sector in delivering out-of-home care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Although the statistics coming out of this year's Family Matters Report are confronting, it’ll be ACCOs who are the ones to turn the tide of the over-representation of our children in child protection systems, they just need more investment from governments to do it.
November also saw two separate gatherings of many deadly ACCOs from across the country, with the Early Years Support National Gathering and Connected Beginnings National Gathering both being held on Kaurna Country. These gatherings offered an opportunity for ACCOs to come together to talk about their experiences working in the ACCO early childhood sector and how they work within their communities to deliver supports to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.?
Our Community Partners team have been very busy on the ground in the last couple of months talking and supporting communities with all things First Nations Playgroups, Connected Beginnings, IMR and CCCFR (we also have an exciting story to share about Connected Beginnings going international!). While our Strategic Engagement and Communications team have been working behind the scenes to get everything in place for the 11th National SNAICC Conference that’ll be held in Meanjin/Brisbane in 2025. This is absolutely shaping up to be one that you won’t want to miss.?
That’s all from me. I hope that you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year you mob.?
Kele,?
Catherine?
Scrapping Activity Test will be a gamechanger for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
The Albanese Government has announced an election commitment to effectively remove the Activity Test for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This will have the potential to significantly close the gap in life outcomes.
The commitment will see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children being able to access 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, effectively removing the Activity Test.
“This can be a game-changer for our babies. It will mean more children are developmentally ready for school, setting them up for a thriving future.
“SNAICC has strongly advocated for the removal of the Activity Test for many years. I am very pleased the evidence and strong voices of our sector are being heard.
“Ultimately, we should be aiming for bi-partisan support for this commitment and for a free universal early childhood education and care system that will build a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for all Australian children.”
SNAICC CEO, Catherine Liddle said.
Family Matters Report Launch
In November, the official launch of the 2024 Family Matters Report was held on Gadigal Country. The event was highly successful as it brought to the forefront just how important it is for ACCOs to be leading in the space of delivering out-of-home care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. If there’s going to be a change in the trend of the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care, it’ll be ACCOs that’ll do it.???
Speeches were made from Family Matters Co-Chair and SNAICC CEO, Catherine Liddle, Family Matters Leadership Group Member and Ab-Sec CEO, John Leha as well as CEO of Life Without Barriers and member of Allies for Children, Claire Robbs. There were also video case studies of ‘what works’ in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander out-of-home care space coming from KWY Aboriginal Corporation and Mokai Rosie Bi-Byan.?
EYS National Gathering
The inaugural SNAICC Early Years Support National Gathering was held in Adelaide this November. It brought together over 110 passionate delegates for two days of learning, sharing, and connecting. The event was a resounding success, creating an invaluable opportunity for early childhood services to engage face-to-face, strengthening the bond shared by services across the country.?
The program featured thought-provoking keynote addresses, including a welcome and overview by SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle, and dynamic breakout sessions on day two. Topics ranged from cultural safety and early years policy to innovative practices in early childhood education. Evaluations from attendees highlighted the depth of discussions and the practical insights they gained—tools they are eager to apply within their services.?
One of the most memorable moments came when Rachel, a talented weaver from Birralee MACs in Tamworth, led attendees in a heartfelt gesture of unity. She created a stunning seven-point star with three woven attachments contributed by representatives from New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. The star symbolises the collaboration and cultural richness of the EYS network. With the hopeful expansion of the program, additional states will bring their own unique weaving patterns to this evolving artwork, which will one day take pride of place on the SNAICC office wall.?
As SNAICC continues to advance culturally safe early years support across Australia, the success of this gathering reaffirms the importance of bringing our community together. We look forward to seeing how the connections forged here inspire growth and innovation in the years ahead.?
Connected Beginnings National Gathering
The 2024 Connected Beginnings National Gathering was a resounding success, marked by several positive highlights. The event, held in Tartanya/Adelaide on Kaurna Country, brought together over 250 registered delegates from both Education and Health Connected Beginnings sites.? With the amazing Elaine Crombie as MC, the event was opened with a Welcome to Country by Jack Buckskin. The voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people were showcased through?phenomenal presentations from two of the winners of OUR SAAY – 2024 South Australian Aboriginal Youth Public Speaking Competition, Kaiya Muir and William Wasiu, and performances in language from Children’s Centre choir. The Networking Dinner was another highlight, featuring a band and providing a relaxed environment for delegates to connect and share experiences.?
The event was well-received and featured a diverse program of keynotes, presentations, and Yarning Circles, allowing for networking, collaborations and knowledge sharing. We also captured some excellent footage and insights from attendees ensuring that the insights and learnings from the gathering were captured for future reference.? We look forward to sharing these with you soon!?
Sprinterfest, films and engagements with TAC??
The SNAICC Community Partner team recently visited Lutruwita/Tasmania to attend Sprinterfest 2024. This was a significant local event that showcased Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre’s commitment to supporting and creating spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to celebrate good food (the mutton bird was a hit!), music, art and culture.??
We were also very privileged to be hosted by TAC and taken to several communities to hear the stories of the impact of Connected Beginnings and the links this provides for improved outcomes for children and families. SNAICC collaborated with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre to develop several video resources that highlighted the importance of cultural connections, authentic community engagement, and the strengths of the Connected Beginnings program.??
During our visit, we learned about the incredible work being undertaken by Connected Beginnings in Lutruwita and how it contributes to improved developmental outcomes and the growth of the local workforce. For instance, one family shared how having access to support with understanding the ASQ Trak developmental screening has helped them become more informed and engaged in their child's development. Other stories highlighted how the Connected Beginnings program has led to increased attendance and engagement in mainstream education services.?
This trip allowed SNAICC to build stronger relationships with community members and stakeholders. It also provided an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the significant work of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in promoting cultural connections and authentic community engagement. We were deeply moved by the generosity of staff and families who shared their stories with us, showcasing exemplar practices and innovative models. The visit was a valuable opportunity for SNAICC to witness firsthand the transformative work being done and to celebrate the dedication and achievements of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.?
First Nations Playgroup
The First Nations Playgroup Pilot Program (FNPGPP) is an Australian Government initiative aimed at supporting Aboriginal community-controlled organizations (ACCOs) in delivering new, culturally informed, and community-led playgroups. SNAICC is partnering with the Department of Social Services (DSS) to bring this initiative to life. The playgroups and toy libraries will be designed by the community, for the community.??
Currently, there are 13 ACCOs across Australia participating in this program.??
Recently, the Minderoo Foundation funded representatives to attend the Playgroup Victoria Conference 2024. This event provided an opportunity for 10 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to come together, reflect on the benefits of playgroups, and discuss the mounting evidence and research showing the positive outcomes of playgroup participation.
Additionally, participants engaged in PEEP Training, which focused on exploring the essential elements of the Peep Learning Together program. This training supported understanding of how to use the program flexibly in both universal and targeted delivery and explored strategies to engage and support families with their children’s learning.
An in-person Community of Practice was also held in Melbourne, where participants engaged in thought-provoking conversations and learned about the amazing work each ACCO is doing in their communities. The Community Partner team highly values the strength and advocacy that the sites consistently demonstrate for their communities. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the sites for allowing us to observe and participate in their FNPG journey..
Improving Multidisciplinary Responses (IMR)??
The Improving Multidisciplinary Responses (IMR) Program integrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge into the design and delivery of child and family services. This approach enhances and improves holistic responses to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with multiple and complex concerns. SNAICC supports IMR by assisting grantees in building capacity and designing a service delivery model aimed at improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
In collaboration with Arney Chong Consultancy and the Department of Social Services, SNAICC works diligently to help sites achieve their key deliverables.
Currently, there are 15 IMR grantees across Australia, as illustrated below.?
CCCFR Expansion Program?
The Community Child Care Fund Restricted (CCCFR) Expansion Program aims to establish new early childhood education and care services in mainly remote and very remote areas to increase participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in culturally appropriate early childhood education and care. SNAICC became the Department of Education’s Community Partner in 2022.?
There are currently eight funded CCCFR Expansion sites across Australia, with a new site coming into contract in recent months. Each site is at different stages throughout their CCCFR Expansion journey, with newly established early childhood education centres expected to open throughout the next year. Additionally, the Community Partner team plans to undergo Site Scoping for four new sites across Australia and intends to visit and learn from communities across the country. The Community Partner team acknowledges all sites, key stakeholders, and the Department of Education. It has been a year marked by both challenges and progress, and SNAICC looks forward to continuing its work with communities in the upcoming year.?
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Connected Beginnings Case Study – CAAC?
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress provide comprehensive, holistic and culturally safe services and supports to Aboriginal people living in and around Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
The aim of the Connected Beginnings program is to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s and families’ engagement with health and early childhood education and care.?
Watch to find out what Connected Beginnings means for community in Mparntwe below.?
ACCO Leadership Transition Framework update??
The?ACCO Leadership Transition Framework (ALTF)?is a resource developed by SNAICC in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Education. It aims to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in Connected Beginnings communities by guiding the transition of the Connected Beginnings backbone role from non-Indigenous organisations to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) where there is agreement and support from the community.?
SNAICC has continued to work collaboratively with the communities of Mildura, Taree and Angurugu to apply the ALTF in a culturally safe manner.?By applying the ALTF in communities, strong relationships have been built, community voices have been privileged, and valuable lessons have been learned. These insights drive continuous improvement within the Connected Beginnings program, guiding how SNAICC and the Commonwealth can continue to strengthen the program.??
You can learn more about how the ALTF works for communities in the video below.
SNAICC’25 Call for Abstracts?
SNAICC is excited to announce a call out for abstract submissions for the 11th SNAICC National Conference in Meanjin/Brisbane in 2025.?
We are inviting communities, organisations and individuals to submit abstract proposals with the view of presenting these ideas at SNAICC’25. Presentations must celebrate culture, and fit one of the three conference streams:?
The abstracts will be used to form the final three-day program and will work as an opportunity to learn, share and network with delegates.??
Abstract submissions will be closing on Friday 7 February 2025.?
We are also releasing the SNAICC’25 sponsorship and exhibitor prospectus in the coming weeks, keep an eye out on SNAICC’s social media for the announcement.??
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Support – Design Report?
In 2023, SNAICC was engaged by the Australian Department of Social Services to scope and design potential models for a Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Support. The Centre will be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led body to support evidence-based and outcomes-focused approaches to delivering support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.?
Guided by leading academics and ACCO sector representatives, SNAICC has developed a design report outlining the Centre’s purpose and functions, alongside the structural and operational elements required to ensure that community voice and self-determination are at its heart. We are pleased to announce that this report has been accepted by DSS in full and was published in early November 2024. It will now inform DSS’s next steps for establishing the Centre in 2024-25, including the selection of a suitable organisation to lead the establishment process.?
The Centre will play a pivotal role in shaping a national research agenda that is grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, as well as producing and commissioning innovative Indigenous-led research. This will drive transformation of the research landscape, which at present often fails to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on child and family wellbeing at the heart of research.?
Through evidence-informed advocacy, showcasing best practice and developing practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners, the Centre will help to ensure policies and programs are genuinely responsive to the priorities of our communities. The Centre will also help to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research workforce by offering support, training and development opportunities to emerging researchers.?
Connected Beginnings goes international!
The Connected Beginnings program was presented at the G20 Summit meeting in Brazil. This prestigious international forum, which includes 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union, provided an excellent platform to highlight the impactful work being done through the Connected Beginnings program.?
Jess Davis, the National Director of the Community Partner team at SNAICC, presented on the importance of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations knowing what is best for their children and families, and showcased the cultural knowledge and expertise of Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing.????
Out of 49 videos submitted from 19 countries, the video featuring Connected Beginnings was one of the five selected. This selection really highlights the program's strength and significance, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the communities involved. It was a remarkable opportunity to have this work recognised on the global stage.?
AIHW Report
In October, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released the ‘Young people under youth justice supervision and their interaction with the child protection system’ report which revealed that almost two-thirds of young people who had been in youth justice system during 2022-23 had also had an interaction with the child protection system.?
The report highlighted the link between children who come into contact with the child protection system and the high likelihood that they’ll come into contact with the youth justice system, labelling them as ‘crossover kids’.??
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC said the from the latest AIHW report shows the system is failing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.?
“The interconnectedness of the youth justice and child protection systems highlights a systemic failure and the strong need for culturally appropriate supports to divert at-risk children from further involvement with child protection and the justice system.” Ms. Liddle said.
Worker Retention Payment
SNAICC continues to work closely with the Department of Education to advocate for the needs of ACCOs in the Worker Retention Payment space.?This advocacy has resulted in improvements to the grant, including the introduction of an application process for requesting exemptions to the fee increase cap.?
We are now working with the Department to streamline application and funding calculation processes for ACCOs. We encourage ACCOs that have not yet submitted their applications to wait for further guidance from SNAICC before applying. In the meantime, please continue to prioritise meeting the eligibility criteria and payment condition requirements (eg, implementing a workplace instrument) to ensure you can demonstrate eligibility for the payment as early as possible.??
Stay tuned for further updates from SNAICC – including a fact sheet on the workplace agreement options, and an upcoming webinar designed to help you understand the grant requirements.??
We recognise that some services may need additional support from SNAICC to meet eligibility criteria, payment conditions or complete the application process. If your service requires assistance, please contact SNAICC as soon as possible:??
SNAICC AGM
It was a busy week in Lutruwita at the end of November with the last Board and Council meetings for 2024, as well as the SNAICC AGM.??Our?2023-24 Annual Report?was presented and looks amazing!?
The SNAICC Board and Council provide guidance and direction for our work, ensuring we are reflecting the priorities of communities across the country.?
Our SNAICC Council members include:?
Our SNAICC Board is:?
SNAICC also undertook a governance review over 2024 which resulted in SNAICC transferring its registration from ORIC to ASIC. ?
If you are a Full Member of SNAICC’s, please ensure you have completed the SNAICC Member Consent form so we can transfer your SNAICC membership to our ASIC registration.
SNAICC in the News
SNAICC in the News showcases prominent media coverage and news stories related to SNAICC and our engagements in the media.
Here you can stay informed about critical issues and challenges through insightful articles, interviews and reports that highlight the ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and community.