Allambi Care was proud to be part of this year’s AbSec NSW Conference in Port Macquarie, joining more than 400 attendees, 70 speakers and 40 sessions across three days of connection, learning and conversation.
With the theme ‘Stronger Together’, the conference was a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and explore how we can continue to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.
A highlight for Allambi Care was co-presenting with Wandiyali, a Newcastle-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and community service organisation.
Our relationship with Wandiyali has grown from a shared commitment to family-led and community-driven decision-making. At the conference, Barry McGrady, Deb Swan and Tahlee Gallagher joined Wandiyali’s Kylie Mason and Sarah Rubie to share insights into the importance of building strong relationships between NGOs and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
The presentation explored how trust, respect, listening and patience can create the foundations for meaningful collaboration and positive change.
It also highlighted the importance of family- and community-centred practice, cultural learning and storytelling, as well as understanding how to respectfully navigate different organisational and cultural systems.
Barry and Deb also took to the main stage to present on fish traps, using them as a powerful metaphor for a net that catches knowledge, a shared gathering place for community, and a symbol of collective human cooperation.
The metaphor captured the spirit of the conference beautifully: when we bring together our knowledge, relationships and strengths, we can achieve more than we can alone.
We are incredibly proud of our staff and our partnership with Wandiyali, and grateful for the opportunity to share, listen and learn alongside so many passionate people from across the sector.
