Family Matters

Strong communities. Strong culture. Stronger children.

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Our approach in 2021

As the impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic reinforce existing inequities, trauma and challenges for many of our families across the continent, Family Matters has continued to focus on the need for a consistent implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle and the Family Matters Roadmap to Reform.

These tasks and the central need to ensure the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, require a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner. A dedicated, independent Children’s Commissioner for our children will deliver the focus on their needs and the oversight needed for change.

Leadership

The Family Matters Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander National Leadership Group reflects knowledge, insights and expertise from different sectors and states and territories.

The current members of the National Leadership Group are:

Family Matters National Co-Chairs  

Sue-Anne Hunter National Sector Development Manager, SNAICC 

Dr Paul Gray Associate Professor, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney 

Family Matters National Leadership Group members  

Barbara Henry Director, Noongar Family Safety and Wellbeing Council 

Gerald Featherstone CEO, Kummara Association 

Jacynta Krakouer PhD researcher, Social Work, University of Melbourne 

Jenny Brown  Head, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Impact, Australian Red Cross  

Joanne Della Bona CEO, Moorditch Gurlongga Association 

Joanne Else Indigenous Lead, Family Matters South Australia, Child and Family Focus SA 

John Leha CEO, AbSec  

Karl Williamson Senior Manager SEWB and Mental Health, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services  

Kathleen Pinkerton Chair, Yorganop Association  

Michael Currie Co-Chair, Family Matters Queensland; Principal Advisor, Indigenous Development, The Benevolent Society 

Muriel Bamblett SNAICC Chair and CEO of VACCA 

Toni Janke Manager, Culture and Inclusion, Centacare Family and Relationship Services, Centacare  

Priorities

Reflecting progress made to date, and the current political context, the campaign’s priorities for the year ahead will centre around:

  1. Ensuring the effective operation of the Family Matters Campaign.
  2. Deepening accountability of all Campaign partners – “walking the talk”.
  3. Progressing political solutions – walking with governments.
  4. Increasing the public visibility of the Campaign.
  5. Supporting state and territory work – with a focus on community level engagement.

Sponsorship

Family Matters is proudly community-driven, drawing together committed organisations in collaboration to work towards campaign goals by utilising our strengths.

However, in order to continue our collective fight to eliminate the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care within a generation, we need to raise a further $150,000 through sponsorships.

Already in 2019 we have managed to secure $80,000 in funding, thanks to our generous supporters, the Australian Communities Foundation and Life Without Barriers.

We need your support to reach our goal.

Your sponsorship will go towards:

  • raising awareness within communities on the issues impacting the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and the solutions that will see them flourish
  • employing a campaign manager to drive campaign activities across Australia
  • advocating for laws, policies and practices that will empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to drive the solutions and that focus on supporting families and communities to prevent child removals.

More information on how you can support and partner with us

Join Us

Finally, you can also support us by signing our statement of commitment and pledging to work in ways that promote the Family Matters principles. Sign the Statement of Commitment.

Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

About Us

Family Matters is Australia’s
national campaign to ensure
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children grow up safe
and cared for surrounded by
their own family, community and
culture.
Read More >>

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