ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY

In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which we are gathering. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgement to country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.

Integrated Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

THIS CONFERENCE IS RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE

THE CONFERENCE

The 2025 Global Child Protection Conference: Empowering Futures, United for Every Child's Safety is scheduled to be held on the Gold Coast Queensland Australia on September 17 - 19, 2025. This conference is a vital platform for addressing the critical issues facing children worldwide, from safeguarding their rights to ensuring their safety and well-being in an increasingly complex environment. As challenges such as technology addiction, violence, exploitation, and mental health concerns continue to escalate, it is essential for stakeholders to come together to share knowledge, strategies, and solutions. This conference will gather child protection professionals, social workers, case managers, child safety and child protection officers, support coordinators, teachers, school administrators, school counselors, headmasters, principals, mental health professionals, child psychologists, therapists, policy makers, police officers, lawyers, public trustees, public guardians, researchers, health providers, pediatricians, nurses, NGOS, government representatives from local, national, and international governments focused on child welfare, human rights, and legislative advocacy and community leaders, activists, parents, caregivers/foster parents and individuals committed to raising awareness and advocating for children's rights at the grassroots, state, national and global levels. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders through keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and panel discussions on child rights advocacy, trauma-informed care, and innovative prevention strategies. Attendees will learn about the latest research and best practices in child protection, equipping them with practical tools to implement in their own organizations and communities. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, this conference aims to empower attendees to make a meaningful impact in their efforts to protect vulnerable children and to build a global network dedicated to ensuring that every child can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

CONFERENCE THEMES

The 2025 Global Child Protection Conference themes focus on fostering a comprehensive approach to child safety and protection on a global scale.

1. Safeguarding Childhood: Innovations in Child Safety & Protecting Children from Technology Addiction - Exploring cutting-edge strategies and technologies to safeguard the safety and well-being of children.

2. Child Rights in a Changing World - Examining the evolving landscape of child rights and how global movements can strengthen protections for children.

3. Resilience and Recovery: Supporting Trauma-Affected Children - Focusing on trauma-informed care practices and support systems for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

4. The Role of Community in Child Protection - Highlighting community-based approaches to safeguarding children, emphasizing collaboration among families, schools, and organizations.

5. Addressing Mental Health in Child Protection - Understanding the intersection of mental health and child protection, and promoting holistic approaches to support children's emotional well-being.

6. Preventing Violence Against Children: Strategies for Action - Sharing effective prevention programs and initiatives aimed at reducing violence and exploitation of children.

7. Digital Safety: Protecting Children in the Online World -Discussing the challenges of online safety and strategies for protecting children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and harmful content.

8. Inclusive Child Protection: Supporting Vulnerable Populations - Addressing the unique needs of marginalized children, including those with disabilities, refugees, and those from minority backgrounds.

9. Advocacy and Policy: Shaping a Safer Future for Children - Empowering delegates to influence policy change and advocate for stronger child protection laws at local, national, and global levels.

10. Building Stronger Networks: Collaboration for Child Safety - Encouraging partnerships among NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations to create a unified approach to child protection.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The conference aims to unite diverse stakeholders in a collaborative effort to enhance the safety and well-being of children worldwide. These includes:

• Provide an open and frank forum in addressing digital safety and child trafficking

• Sharing best practices and innovative strategies for child protection

• Fostering cross-sector partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, educators, and community leaders.

• Develop practical strategies for effective child protection on a global scale 

• Bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to drive collective action toward creating safer environments for all children.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The conference is designed for a diverse range of delegates committed to the safety and well-being of children such as:

• Child protection professionals

• Social workers and Child Care Workers

• Child Safety Case Managers

• Child protection officers

• Support coordinators

• Teachers, school administrators, school counselors, headmasters, principals 

• Mental health professionals

• Child psychologists & therapists

• Policy makers & police officers

• Lawyers, public trustees & public guardians,

• Researchers and academics

• Health providers, pediatricians, nurses & midwives

• NGOS & Non profit organisations

• Government representatives from local, national, and international governments 

• Community leaders, advocates & activists

• Parents, caregivers & foster parents

CONFERENCE AGENDA

Disclaimer: This conference agenda is subject to change without prior notice to ensure a smooth flow of conference proceedings.

🖤💛❤️ DAY 1 – Wednesday, 17 September 2025🖤💛❤️

8:00 AM – Registration Arrival, registration, and meet & greet

8:30 - 12:30 PM - Pre-Conference Masterclass: Indigenous-led trauma informed care and suicide prevention (Optional) Dr. Amber Logan & Dr Joe Stone Health Psychologist & Clinical Psychologist "Indigenous Development Specialists/ Cultural Wise NZ/USA

1:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Pre-Conference Workshop Compassionate Community-Led Program: A human-centric codesign workshop in responding to crisis Maria Callaghan Chairperson Compassionate Communities Health Connectors Network in Queensland QLD

🖤💛❤️ DAY 2 – Thursday, 18 September 2025🖤💛❤️

8:30 AM – Registration Arrival, registration, and meet & greet

9:00 AM – Keynote Session Master of Ceremony: Welcome & Safety Announcement Joedie Saunders Artist, Advocate, Proud Biripi Woman Jodie Lawler Collection NSW

9:15 AM - Keynote Session: Welcome to Country & Traditional Performances Sofia & Aunty Erica Eurell Tradition Custodian Dreamtime Artistry Gold Coast QLD

9:30 AM - Keynote Session: Formal Opening Address Uncle Thomas Callaghan, CEO Indigenous Conference Services QLD

9:45 AM - Keynote Session: Decolonizing Justice: Transforming Legal Responses to Domestic Violence in Indigenous Communities Dr Amber R. Logan & Dr Joseph Stone Health Psychologist & Clinical Psychologist "Indigenous Development Specialists/ Cultural Wise NZ/USA

10:30 AM – Morning Tea & Networking

11:00 AM -Keynote Session: The Love Bites Program: Young people are the key to sustained cultural change to prevent violence. Sarnia Ralston Project Manager National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect (NAPCAN) QLD

11:45 AM -Keynote Session: Building Resilient Communities: Strategies for empowering communities to protect children and support families Thomas Allsop Chief Executive Officer PeakCare Queensland QLD

12:30 PM– LUNCH BREAK - Elders & Youth Sharing Tables

1:30 PM – Keynote Session: Creating a safe space for survivors to reconnect and support their recovery Rebecca Masterton & Dr. Gina Masterton Master of Professional Psychology | Behaviour Support Practitioner Southern Cross University QLD

2:15 PM - Keynote Session: Building Effective Partnerships Between Survivors and Advocates Felitciana Zsha' Mirzze ,Contributing Writer /Founder/CEO and Founder ,About Time Media /Trauma Recovery Network / Neuro Vitality Pty Ltd VIC

3:00 PM – Afternoon Tea and Networking

3:30 PM - Keynote Session: Engaging Children in Alternative Activities Deanne Carson, Founder & CEO, Body Safety Australia VIC

4:15 PM - Keynote Session Empowering Indigenous Youth Mark Roberston Founding Director , MPOWER & One Vision Productions NSW

6:30 PM - Conference Networking Dinner: Conference Dinner Cruise Aboard Spirit of Elston (Seaworld Cruises)

🖤💛❤️ DAY 3 – Friday, 19 September 2025🖤💛❤️

9:00 AM – Keynote Session: Strategies and Solutions for Effective Child Protection Sarnia Ralston & Joshua Morris, Queensland Manager & Youth Speak Out Co Chair NAPCAN QLD

9:45 AM - Keynote Session: Survivors at the Center: Amplifying Voices, Shaping Solutions Simone O'Brien Motivational Speaker/Director/Ambassador/Patron Grampians Community Health, Australia SAY NO MORE, RiseUP VIC

10:30 AM – Morning Tea & Networking

11:00 AM -Keynote Session: Building Community-Led Solutions to Domestic Violence Christine Robinson, Chief Executive Office "Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre NSW

11:45 AM -Keynote Session Designing the Future – Healing Systems & Empowered Communities Lucas Williams, CEO & Founder - Gan'na Healings Programs NSW

12:30 PM– Lunch Break & Networking

1:30 PM – Keynote Session: Supporting Infant and Child Mental Health in Early Learning: Trauma-Informed Inclusion Strategies Alma-Jane O’Donnell National Manager of Child and Family Services Goodstart Early Learning SA

2:15 PM - Keynote Session: Gender Equality – Fostering resilience and gender empowerment Dr Shweta Goyal Educator, Author, Researcher, and Motivational Speaker Far North Queensland Diverse Communities Council, Inc. QLD

3:00 PM – Afternoon Tea and Networking

3:30 PM - Keynote Session: Global Success Stories in Child Protection and the lessons learned Phil Doorgachurn General Manager of Strategic Child Safeguarding Initiatives Australian Childhood Foundation NSW

4:15 PM - Keynote Session Early Childhood, Youth Wellbeing and Reducing Out-Of-Home Care Joanne Roff Executive Manager Service Delivery ,IFYS QLD

5:00 PM - Interactive Group Session:Reflections & Group Discussion on Key Takeaways Maria Callaghan Managing Director ICS Australia QLD

END OF THE CONFERENCE

CALL FOR PAPERS

To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent of the conference proceedings is devoted to community-controlled organisations/groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations. To submit your paper, please complete the online form.

Guidelines in Submitting Paper:

• Papers should not contain offensive language and take into account cultural sensitivities of Australians as host country.

• Papers must treat the themes in a manner that contributes to further discussion of conference aims.

• Conference papers must be presented in the finished format not less than 60 days prior to the event.

• Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted in the second round.

• Authors of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of their acceptance in writing.

• A call for papers fee of $850 will apply to all persons submitting papers, payable within 7 days upon notification of acceptance.

• Papers should explore ways in which the themes show up in the philosophy of the conference.

• All papers must be presented in a positive and informative light.

• To submit a paper, please complete the online form at this link: SUBMIT A PAPER HERE.

BECOME A SPONSOR 

All conference sponsors and supporting organizations will be promoted via a range of initiatives reflecting your support for our impactful conferences. Sponsorship Packages are the following:

• Gold sponsorship $10,000 

  • What's in it for your organization? 

    • Exposure prior and during the conference

    • Organization logo on all conference materials and dedicated webpage on conference website

    • Verbal acknowledgment at all plenary sessions 

    • (1) Reserved spot for keynote session/presentation

    • (3) Complimentary conference registrations for staff which include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

    • (3) Complimentary tickets to conference networking dinner

    • (2) Trade stall/exhibitor table at conference foyer

    • (1) Dedicated newsletter highlight distributed to more than 250,000 email mailing lists

    • Achievement of your organization's RAP deliverables and commitment to reconciliation and fostering corporate social responsibility

• Silver sponsorship $7,000

  • What's in it for your organization? 

    • Exposure prior and during the conference

    • Organization logo on all conference materials and dedicated webpage on conference website

    • Verbal acknowledgment at all plenary sessions 

    • (1) Reserved spot for keynote session/presentation

    • (2) Complimentary conference registration for staff which include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

    • (2) Complimentary tickets to conference networking dinner

    • (1) Trade stall at conference foyer

    • (1) Dedicated newsletter highlight distributed to more than 250,000 email mailing lists

    • Achievement of your organization's RAP deliverables and commitment to reconciliation and fostering corporate social responsibility

• Bronze sponsor $5,000 

  • What's in it for your organization? 

    • Exposure prior and during the conference

    • Organization logo on all conference materials and on conference website

    • Verbal acknowledgment at all plenary sessions 

    • (1) Reserved spot for concurrent session/presentation

    • (1) Complimentary conference registration for staff which include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

    • (1) Complimentary ticket to conference networking dinner

    • (1) Trade stall at conference foyer

    • (1) Dedicated newsletter highlight distributed to more than 250,000 email mailing lists

    • Achievement of your organization's RAP deliverables and commitment to reconciliation and fostering corporate social responsibility

BECOME AN EXHIBITOR

Showcase your organisation's commitment to mental health and connect with key stakeholders dedicated to making a difference. This is a prime opportunity to present your innovative solutions, engage directly with professionals and advocates, and expand your network within a passionate community focused on saving lives. By participating, you'll position your organization as a leader in the crucial conversation on suicide prevention, amplifying your impact and fostering collaboration for a healthier future. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vital movement! ICS offers a discounted rate of $850 for exhibitors. To register, please click EXHIBITOR FORM and complete online. A tax invoice will be generated and emailed to your nominated email address.

Why Attend

This conference presents a unique opportunity for delegates to participate in a positive environment that is dedicated to the sharing of information and the empowering of all who attend. In our everyday working environment the day to day stresses of our positions tends to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking. Whether you work at a community level or at governmental level, the opportunity to network and gain contacts outside of your local region tend to be limited, this is why this conference will be so valuable to participants. Hence, we invite you to attend and register now!

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER

As an employee, we are asked to present valid reasons why we should attend. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance: Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees. An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.

• Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long-term employees.
• An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
• Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training.
• Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
• The opportunity for saving organisations money because of the short duration of the event.
• Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and Integratedly.
• May provide organisations with new ideas.
• Gives organisations a showcase and voice at a national level.
• Provide an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
• Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal number of days.

CALLING FOR PAPER

To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent of the conference proceedings are and is devoted to community groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations.

Guidelines in Submitting Paper:

• Papers should not contain offensive language and take into account cultural sensitivities of Australian first nation people.
• Papers must treat the themes in a manner that contributes to further discussion of conference aims.
• Conference papers must be presented in the finished format not less than 60 days prior to the event.
• Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted in the second round.
• Papers MUST be submitted in Microsoft Word format. Papers in other formats will NOT be considered.
• Authors of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of their acceptance in writing.
• A registration fee of $850 will apply to all persons submitting papers, payable within 7 days upon notification of acceptance.
• Papers should explore ways in which the themes show up in the philosophy of the conference.
• All papers must be presented in a positive and informative light.
• To submit a paper, please complete the online form at this link: SUBMIT A PAPER HERE.
• Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provide the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
• Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and Integratedly.
• May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/Integrated level.
• Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
• Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The event is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over.

REGISTRATION

Register early to get a discount! Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all-day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch, and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice.

SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE

Flexible sponsorship packages are available. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprises, not individuals. To showcase your organisation to all conference delegates, ICS has developed hassle-free promotional opportunities and sponsorship packages according to your budget and tailored to your organisation’s needs.

• Gold Sponsorship ($10,000) includes: Keynote session or Break-out sessions, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
• Silver Sponsorship ($7,000) includes: Keynote session, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
• Bronze Sponsorship ($5,000) includes: Break-out Session, Waived registration fee for your selected staff, Complimentary Display Table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.

To sponsor the conference, please contact us. Integrated Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest to admin@icsconferences.org.

CONTACT US

For more information or inquiries, please reach out to us at the following contact details:

• ICS-MEES Pty Ltd
• Integrated Conference Services (Australia)
• Postal Address: P.O. BOX 702 EDMONTON LPO QLD 4869
• Web: www.icsconferences.org
• Email: admin@icsconferences.org
• Phone: 07 40009111, +61 4557 76 668