Supporting the growth of the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) Sector

8 May 2023 | 13:30 – 15:00 (AEST)

Please register for the forum here

Significant growth of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) sector is envisaged over the next 5 to 10 years. This policy forum discusses the importance of the growth of the ACCO sector and how non-Indigenous controlled organisations can collaboratively support the development of the ACCO sector.

Keynote speaker: Catherine Liddle, CEO, SNAICC- National Voice for our Children

An Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia, Catherine comes to SNAICC with a strong background in senior management positions with First Nations organisations. She was most recently CEO of First Nations Media Australia and previously Regional Director of Jawun Indigenous Corporate Partnerships, Central Australia Regions. Catherine has also held senior roles within the Northern Territory Education Department, the ABC, and NITV/SBS.

We will then explore case studies from:

• The Benevolent Society

Presented by Michael Currie, Principal Advisor of Indigenous Development at The Benevolent Society. Michael is a Munujahli Yugambeh man who advocates for more services which empower and assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

• Life Without Barriers

Presented by Rob Ryan, National Executive Lead for Strategy and Partnerships, Child, Youth and Family, Life Without Barriers. Rob has been a leader in the community services and charity sector for almost 30 years. Rob was the former Chief Executive Officer of Key Assets with responsibilities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific Region. Prior to this, Rob had senior roles with the Department of Child Safety in the Queensland State Government for a period of nineteen years.

The policy forum will conclude with a panel discussion.

The panel discussion will be facilitated by Families Australia CEO, Jamie Crosby. Jamie brings an extensive network of community sector, government and business relationships and community advocacy experience to his role as CEO Families Australia. Jamie has worked in youth and family accommodation services, juvenile justice, housing and homelessness support programs, and organizations delivering community services management and member-based advocacy. He also has deep experience in the Federal public service. He also convenes the National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing.