Family Matters: Strong Communities. Strong Culture. Stronger Children is Australia’s national campaign to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture.
Family Matters aims to eliminate the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by 2040.
Family Matters is led by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and is supported by a Strategic Alliance of over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations, leading academics and prominent educational institutions.
Family Matters is governed by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group, ensuring the campaign has the authenticity and the range of skills required to truly effect change.
Currently, the representatives of the Leadership Group are:
- Natalie Lewis, QATSICPP; Family Matters Co-Chair
- Richard Weston, Healing Foundation; Family Matters Co-Chair
- Muriel Bamblett, VACCA
- Jenny Brown, Red Cross
- Natahlia Buitendyk, Uniting Care
- Jeffrey Chesters, Kulila Indigenous Kindergarten
- Melissa Clarke, Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement
- Michael Currie, The Benevolent Society
- Joanne Della Bona, Coolabaroo Neighbourhood Centre
- Joanne Else, Child and Family Focus SA; Family Matters SA
- Gerald Featherstone, Kummara Association Inc.; Family Matters Qld
- Tim Ireland, AbSec; Family Matters NSW
- Toni Janke, Centacare Family and Relationship Services
- Maureen O’Meara, Aarnja; Family Matters WA
- Kathleen Pinkerton, Yorganop Association Inc.
- Dawn Ross, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
- Sheena Watt, VACCHO