This report provides an overview and summary of outcomes achieved at the Second Biennial Family Relationship Services Program (FRSP) Conference held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on 1-2 August 2007.
The then Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) and the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) jointly hosted the conference.
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.
The conference was attended by over 500 FRSP non-government services sector and industry stakeholders, including key note speakers, the then Attorney-General the Hon. Philip Ruddock MP, Matt Miller, CEO of Child Support Agency, journalist and social commentator Dr Norman Swan, CEO of
Ourcommunity (www.ourcommunity.com.au) Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, Founding Director of RPR Consulting Ms Penny Ryan and FaHCSIA Deputy Secretary Ms Glenys Beauchamp. Radio broadcaster and journalist Ms Julie McCrossin facilitated the conference.
The conference created the opportunity for:
- participants to network with other family relationship service providers and industry stakeholders through informal network meetings
- participants to celebrate achievements, share experiences of integrated service delivery and innovations, and to gain a better understanding of the challenges that lay ahead for the FRSP through plenary sessions and topic workshops
- resources and innovations in service delivery to be showcased in an special exhibition
- the new industry representative body, Family Relationship Services Australia (FRSA), to hold its first Annual General Meeting and to announce its new Board of Directors
- the Australian Children’s Contact Services Association to hold its an Annual General Meeting, followed by a Board meeting.
The conference marked the commencement of the next phase of development of the FRSP Strategic Plan post June 2008.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and AGD thank all those who helped coordinate the conference and facilitate the workshops to make it a success, particularly those from the sector who also participated. The conference could not have been a success without the attendance and participation of FRSP service providers and industry stakeholders. Special thanks goes to Julie McCrossin, Dr Norman Swan, Dr Rhonda Galbally AO and Penny Ryan.
Robyn Fleming - Branch Manager
Family Relationship Services
Sue Pigdeon - Assistant Secretary
Family Pathways Branch