6. CONFERENCE DINNER
At the end of the second day, over 400 participants enjoyed an opportunity to get to know each other better at the conference dinner.
Ms Glenys Beauchamp, Deputy Secretary, FaHCSIA, welcomed delegates to the dinner. She discussed the broader role of FRSP within FaHCSIA’s program and the opportunities open to the FRSP non-government providers to build on what will be a national service delivery framework by the end of June 2008.
On behalf of the then Ministers, Glenys announced the recently extended new funding arrangements available for three-year terms to all FRSP service providers. This announcement was warmly received.
Another milestone in innovation and integration is the new industry representative body, Family Relationship Services Australia. Glenys announced the new FRSA Board of Directors:
- Dr Luke Rumbold, CEO, Upper Murray Family Care
- Tony O’Hare, Managing Director, Community Services Australia
- Tony Pietropiccolo, Director, Centrecare Inc
- Jennie Hannan, Executive General Manager Services, Anglicare Western Australia
- Jo Cavanagh, CEO, Family Life
- Mary Mertin-Ryan, National Director, Relationships Australia
- Susan Holmes, CEO, Relationships Australia Tasmania.
7. WORKSHOPS
Eighteen workshops were held during afternoons of the two day conference. They enabled the FRSP non-government providers and government stakeholders to come together to discuss a variety of high priority topic areas and address conference themes.
These facilitated workshops included presentations from highly experienced service providers sharing their knowledge and highlighting innovative practice for consideration and discussion.
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Conference Workshops
1. Keeping Children in Focus
2. Violence
3. Family Relationship Services in the Community
4. Working with Complex Families
5. Rural Service Provision
6. Intake, Screening Assessment and Referral
7. Counselling
8. Education and Skills Training
9. Working with Involuntary Clients
10. Working with Men
11. Working with Young People
12. Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
13. Responsive and Accessible Services
14. Recruitment, Retention and Remuneration
15. Good Service
16. Research – Informing and Forming Practice
17. Data and Reporting
18. Culturally Appropriate Service Delivery
For more comprehensive information on each workshop, including facilitators, panel members, topics discussed, objectives and action items, refer to
Attachment B.
The workshop notes at
Attachment B of the Report are based on minutes taken at the Second Biennial FRSP Conference and not on transcripts of presentations or discussions and may reflect the interpretation of the minute takers. FaHCSIA or any person involved in the preparation of this material as part of the Family Relationship Services Program (FRSP) accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of this material or the opinions, advice or information contained in this material, or any consequences flowing from its use. This material provides general information only.
Information contained in this material are Copyright © 2007 and are reserved apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968. Requests and inquires concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney General’s Department, Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 or ANZ Community Relations, 22/100 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000’.
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8. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the conference retained a clear focus on the key themes of celebration, integration, innovation and information sharing.
It provided ample opportunity for FRSP government and non-government stakeholders to come together to celebrate program achievements, inform FRSP progress, show appreciation for sector input, showcase innovation and integrated practices, and to network with other industry stakeholders.
Celebrate achievements
Conference participants celebrated FRSP achievements since July 2005 and acknowledged service provider achievements in managing the expansion of the FRSP while maintaining service standards and good practice.
Inform FRSP progress
Key government departments provided FRSP service providers with an update on the progress of the FRSP 2005-08 Strategic Plan and informed them of emerging directions and new initiatives within the FRSP. The conference provided FRSP service providers with an opportunity to identify and discuss challenges in meeting program expectations.
Show appreciation for sector input
The departments appreciated the opportunity to hear FRSP service providers’ views on FRSP policy and program directions, including the challenges that service providers face in carrying out their role.
The FRSP services sector was generous in its feedback about what worked, as well as lessons learnt.
Showcase innovative practices
The conference enabled the departments and FRSP service providers to showcase their efforts in continuous improvement, including service innovation. The merits of adopting newly developed approaches to service delivery and practice were also discussed.
Network with other FRSP
The conference allowed both FRSP service providers and stakeholders to reflect on integrated practice. Participants networked, shared ideas and explored ways to work together to achieve positive outcomes for target client groups.