THE CONFERENCE
The 2025 Asia Pacific New Directions in Juvenile Justice Conference is scheduled to be held on May 21 - 23, 2025 at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Fiji, South Pacific. The conference aims to bring together experts, stakeholders, and community members to discuss and develop strategies to prevent young people from entering the justice system, support those who are already involved, and promote reconciliation and healing. The conference is a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, and it provides an opportunity to collaborate and build partnerships to improve the lives of Indigenous youth and their communities.
The conference is also a forum for celebrating youth resilience, strength as well as showcase innovative and inspiring programs that support Indigenous youth to thrive and achieve their potential, such as mentoring, education, art, and sport programs. By highlighting these positive initiatives, the conference will challenge the negative stereotypes and stigmatization of Indigenous youth and promotes a more nuanced and respectful understanding of their experiences and aspirations.
With the invention of the internet, the world is now at most peoples’ door step as such the sharing of information whether it be programs run by government or not-for-profit organisations has become more accessible in today’s society. As such, the conference endeavours to establish a network for the sharing of information on preventive Juvenile Justice programs.
The media today sensationalises Juvenile Justice in a negative light to the point we have seen individuals threatening vigilante actions and no viable positive suggestions on how to prevent further escalation. We must always remember that monuments are only erected to the positive and not the negative incidents in our society.
CONFERENCE PHILOSPHY & BELIEFS
The philosophy of the 2025 Asia Pacific New Directions in Juvenile Justice Conference centers around the belief that justice systems must be rooted in the principles of Indigenous cultures and communities. Furthermore, the conference emphasizes the importance of involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the decision-making process, particularly in cases involving Indigenous youth. This includes recognizing and respecting the role of Elders, community leaders, and cultural experts in the justice system. Overall, the philosophy of the 2025 Asia Pacific New Directions in Juvenile Justice Conference seeks to promote a justice system that is fair, just, and culturally appropriate. It recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives of Indigenous communities and seeks to address the underlying issues that contribute to youth offending through a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach.
In today’s hectic lifestyle we have almost instant news coverage on top of social media platforms 24/7, internet, jet travel and many other modern day technologies that can impact our lives instantly. The foundation of the conference is to share and discuss positive models that we may not be aware of, either in a different town, state or even country. As in most cases our work tends to be focused on the most prevalent issue. Thus preventing and blocking a chance to evaluate the bigger picture of what is taking place in other locations.
It is the conference belief that the wheel does not necessarily need to be reinvented, as such the sharing of ideas and networking is our most influential weapon in moving forward with sustainable changes. The event is structured in such a way as to develop a wider methodology towards preventative programs that are not just culturally appropriate but community-based initiatives. This conference is devoted to showing the positives in addressing Juvenile Justice issues. Hence, the event has been developed with the belief that it is time to promote the positives and successes in Juvenile Justice programs, whilst still recognising that we still have a long way to go.
CONFERENCE AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The conference objectives are designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner that can and may be used back in our work environment to further develop effective community justice programs. Moreover one of the most powerful objectives that Indigenous people have is the strength to overcome adversity through the power of sharing knowledge, and therefore the conference will attempt to foster all of the issues set out in this conference to
Reduce incidence of Juvenile Justice at all levels.
Provide an open and frank forum for discussion.
Lend support to individuals and families working in the field of Family and Juvenile Justice.
Help establish and grow a worldwide network and resources through information sharing.
Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects.
To bring together men, women and organizations as a united voice against Juvenile Justice
Bring together, researcher, service providers, government agencies, policy makers/developers & organisations.
Networking and lend support to individuals and groups working in the field of Juvenile Justice.
CONFERENCE THEME
The key themes of the 2025 Asia Pacific New Directions in Juvenile Justice Conference is the need for a holistic approach to youth justice that acknowledges and addresses the underlying causes of offending, such as intergenerational trauma, poverty, and discrimination. The conference highlights the importance of involving Indigenous communities and Elders in the justice process, as they have a deep understanding of the cultural and social factors that contribute to youth offending. By engaging with Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, the conference aims to promote culturally appropriate and effective responses to youth offending that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation over punishment.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Juvenile Justice workers
Community groups
Family relationship workers
Community leaders
Indigenous women and men’s groups
Psychologists, Social Workers, NGOs
Women groups, Human Rights Enthusiasts
Nurses / Doctors/ Psychiatrists, Police Officers
People who are interested in combating Juvenile Justice
Government Representatives, Community Leaders
Consultants / Legal Professionals
Juvenile Justice Field Workers, Teachers
YOUR INVITATION
We wish to invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from Australia and throughout to attend the conference to share and gather information. We also extend an invitation to participants to join us at the conference dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.
To ensure that delegates attend and participate, it is important to note that to show accountability of delegates in meeting their obligation; each delegate will receive a Certificate of Attendance only when they attend 85% of all the conference sessions. In addition, delegates will receive an electronic copy of all papers & presentations presented at the conference.
Who: Individuals, Groups, NGO’s, Government Agencies & Others
When: 21st to 23rd May 2025
Where: Sheraton Fiji Resort
Time: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Conference Networking Dinner: Sail Restaurant Fiji
WARNING: Limited availability. Please register online or contact us via email, should you have any further queries.
CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER
As they say, all work and no play, makes for a dull conference. So to overcome this, the conference secretary has organized a conference dinner to be held on the second night of the event. This dinner with give delegates the opportunity to further network whilst letting your hair down in an informal setting. The conference dinner will be at a cost of $200 per person for a three course meal. The conference dinner is additional to the conference fees and bookings must be made prior to the event.
TRAVEL
One of the prohibitive factors in attending a conference is the airfare component. Our company strives in making our event a lesser burden on the individual or organisation by negotiating competitive and affordable travel packages. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) also recognises that some NGO’s or other agencies will need to seek additional funding to attend, therefore First Nations Travel Agency quotation can be made out to either pay ASAP or to consider the time that is required to obtain funding. For the best possible airfares and seat availability, please confirm your attendance ASAP. All of our booking is made through First Nations Travel, a new 100% indigenous owned travel agency here to make booking your flights stress free and relaxing for an enquiry please phone us on +61740009111 or send us your expression of interest by email through our Contact Page.
VENUE & ACCOMMODATION
Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. It's famed for rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons. In 2025, the beating heart of Fiji awaits you on Denarau Island into our conference venue, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, a multi-award-winning Fijian-owned resort. Renowned for its infamous ‘Cola Vina’ (Welcome) echoing far and wide across the resort, welcoming guests to the rhythmic beats of the “Lali” (Fijian drum) and a big BULA from friendly local hosts. Immerse into a symphony of unforgettable experiences whether lounging on beaches, teeing off at the 18-hole Championship Golf Course, playing a hand of tennis, savouring delicious cuisines and local sustainable dining options, swimming in lagoon-style pools, rejuvenate at its sister-spa, explore Fiji’s culture, or edu-taining kids club where every moment resonates with island vibrancy.