1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the Second Biennial Family Relationship Services Program Conference (2007) held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on 1-2 August 2007, together with a summary of outcomes.
1.2 Background
In July 2005, the FRSP Challenges and Change Forum was held in Melbourne. Over 200 industry stakeholders attended the forum, representing a range of FRSP stakeholders including government departments, non-government service providers and industry representatives.
The forum provided a platform for FaHCSIA and AGD to consult with FRSP stakeholders, which informed Program priorities and outcomes represented in the FRSP Strategic Plan 2005-2008.
The FRSP Strategic Plan 2005-2008 aimed to set a clear agenda and support the achievement of the strategic themes for service delivery:
- Accessible and responsive
- High quality
- Integrated services.
2. CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
2.1 Aim
The conference aimed to bring together the expanded service provider network across all service types (Early Intervention Services, Family Relationship Centres, Post Separation Services and the Family Relationship Advice Line) in a positive environment to reflect on the conference themes of celebration, integration, innovation and sharing of information.
2.2 Participants
Over 500 staff from FRSP funded service providers, industry representatives, other relevant service providers such as legal aid and staff from the then FaCSIA, AGD and other related departments, including the Child Support Agency (CSA), Centrelink, Department of Health and Ageing and the Department of Human Services (Victoria), attended the conference.
2.3 Conference Facilitation
Conference facilitator, Julie McCrossin, energised participants through her Your Stories segments throughout the two days. Your Stories allowed participants to share the passion they bring to their work with other industry stakeholders, highlight practical examples of integration and innovative practice in local areas and set the scene for an interactive approach throughout the conference.
2.4 Participant Feedback
To stimulate conference discussions that would inform the future direction of the FRSP, participants were invited to provide feedback via a suggestion box. The feedback was read out and addressed during the plenary sessions.
Participants were also asked to complete a survey to measure the conference’s success and assist in the preparation of future FRSP conferences. (164 questionnaires were returned).
Overall, feedback was consistent and positive. Issues raised included participants preferring longer workshops to discuss solutions as opposed to lecture-style seminars, more opportunities to network, specialised training sessions and more information prior to the conference.
The survey found the conference achieved its objectives to:
- celebrate the sector’s achievements
- address challenges that lie ahead for service provision
- provide the sector with an opportunity to give and receive feedback
- promote networking among stakeholders across Australia.
The survey also found:
- 84 per cent of participants agreed the content of the workshops was relevant, however, some felt the workshops could have been longer for more in-depth discussions
- 79 per cent rated the exhibition as good to excellent
- 86 per cent preferred electronic communication between key departments and the sector.
Overall, the conference was rated by the participants as good to excellent.
3. PRE-CONFERENCE NETWORK MEETINGS
Prior to the conference, 12 network meetings were convened at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre at the request of the FRSP non-government services sector. Topic areas discussed at the meetings is set out below.
- Family Relationship Centres Chief Executive Officers’ (CEO’s) Performance Measurement Meeting
- FRSP CEO’s Strategic Conversation
- Specialised Family Violence Network Meeting
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network Meeting
- Adolescent Medication and Family Therapy Network Meeting
- Men and Family Relationships Network Meeting
- Family Relationship Education and Skills Training Network Meeting
- Combined Parenting Orders Program and Children’s Contact Services Network Meeting
- Compulsory Family Dispute Resolution Workshop
- Family Counselling Network Meeting
- Regional, Rural and Remote Network Meeting
- Indigenous Workers Network Meeting
These meetings provided an opportunity for service providers from across Australia to come together to share information, knowledge and ideas to enhance conference outcomes by setting the scene for an interactive approach.