9:10 Opening keynote Truth telling, justice reform and a better shared future

Understanding our colonial history in Victoria and how the past impacts today’s justice system Stories from Australia’s first formal truth telling process Recommendations for reform and the path to a fairer, more just future for all Victorians Travis Lovett Commissioner Yoorrook Justice Commission

9:40 Cultivating resilience and tenacity and mastering challenges in the justice system

He specialised in the field of homicide investigation for 25 years, up until his retirement in 2019 with the rank of Detective Chief Inspector Building strength in high-stakes investigations and the crucial role of tenacity in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in complex cases How aligning your passion with a broader perspective enhances decision-making and drives effective problem-solving Implementing strategies for sustaining motivation amid challenges and turning setbacks into opportunities for growth Gary Jubelin Former Detective Chief Inspector

10:10 Panel discussion Utilising data for justice through a community-driven model for reinvestment and reconciliation

How robust data and research will result in effective justice reinvestment strategies that prioritise localised needs Overcoming challenges in analysing the data to suit community-led justice models Implementing methods for involving community members and local organisations in data collection and analysis to ensure solutions are truly reflective of community priorities Panellist: Senior representative Justice Reinvest NSW Rachel Harris First Nations Strategy and Impact Lead NEAMI National

10:50 Morning Refreshment Sponsor

Supporting First Nations people with disability in the Justice System Insights and FAQ guide by Yarning Crescent Tamara Lovett State Manager (Victoria) – Aboriginal Disability and Justice Support Yarning Crescent

11:20 Case study Powering change through curiosity and actions for social transformation in justice

How small actions combined with bold ideas can unlock the potential for transformative change Applying the power take off (PTO) philosophy to drive impactful, sustainable change in communities Exploring real-world examples of initiatives driven by curiosity and action to develop diverse projects that contribute to large-scale change in justice transformation Benjamin Knight Co-founder A Curious Tractor Nicholas Marchesi Co-founder A Curious Tractor

11:50 Analysing the detrimental effects of delayed justice, re-traumatisation, systemic failure and pathways to reform

Exploring how extended timelines and systemic backlogs re-traumatise victims, prolonging their emotional and psychological suffering and hindering their healing process Overcoming systemic challenges and inequities of how the clogged justice system disproportionately disadvantages victims, leaving them feeling powerless, neglected and often disillusioned with the process. Implementing a victim-centred justice reforms strategy to prioritise timely resolution, embrace a trauma-informed approach and ensure a more compassionate and supportive system for victims seeking justice Graeme Simpfendorfer Former Detective Sergeant Director Peregrine Consultancy Director Centre Against Violence Lead Investigator ‘Hunted Australia

12:30 Case study Enhancing justice support through collaborative partnerships for improved access to justice services

How collaboration between specialist organisations and mainstream entities can combine resources and expertise to improve service delivery for individuals seeking justice support Embedding specialist workers within mainstream organisations to enhance staff capabilities and foster a trauma-informed approach to justice support Creating sustainable pathways for developing long-term partnerships that ensure continued access to justice support services and address the evolving needs of underserved communities Alison Churchill Chief Executive Officer Community Restorative Centre Kelly Parker Manager – Reintegration Housing Support Program Community Restorative Centre

2:00 Case study Analysing innovative legal solutions and strategies to provide more effective legal aid services for culturally appropriate advocacy and representation

How to overcome the legal barriers and challenges related to discrimination and over-representation in the justice system Analysing innovative legal solutions and strategies for providing more effective legal aid services for culturally appropriate advocacy and representation Implementing policy reform and systemic change to influence legal reform and address systemic inequities within the justice system Corina Martin Chief Executive Officer Aboriginal Family Law Services *Virtual presentation

2:30 Case study Building a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children get the support they deserve

Discussing the progress and setbacks of the campaign to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility Showcasing path forward to end the overpolicing and overincarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children What a future looks like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children when they get the support they deserve Nerita Wright Chief Executive Officer Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

3:00 How Indigenous justice is at the mercy of a collapsing system

Tackling systemic failures that undermine Indigenous justice systems and increase vulnerabilities within a collapsing framework Drawing on traditional practices and cultural knowledge to adapt and strengthen justice mechanisms despite external pressures Designing collaborative efforts to reform existing systems and elevate Indigenous voices in the pursuit of equitable justice John B. Lawrence SC Barrister James Muirhead Chambers

11:20 Panel discussion Showcasing cultural and economic self-determination to create new pathways beyond the criminal legal system

Hear from The Torch in community artists about how access to cultural self-determination strengthens identity, resilience, and provides a sense of belonging and purpose How The Torch developed strategies to offer economic independence through the arts and cultural sectors Exploring how combining cultural empowerment with economic self-determination creates sustainable pathways, reducing recidivism and improving overall wellbeing Moderator: Susannah Day Chief Executive Officer The Torch Panellists: Tupun Wultatinyeri The Torch Flick Chafer-Smith The Torch

11:50 Case study Implementing comprehensive strategies to provide young people with holistic cultural safety support

Developing a culturally responsive and community-based intervention program to promote long-term positive outcomes for young people Integrating a multi-sector solution to create comprehensive support networks to address individualised assistance Developing preventative measure and support systems for youth to access every step of the way Sasha Greenoff Manager (state-wide) Youth Engagement Program Aboriginal Legal Services – WA

12:30 Case study Transforming healing by implementing innovative justice approaches in Koori youth services

Addressing justice through an integrated holistic model of care for youth support Focusing on advocacy in a Koori youth healing service for improved outcomes Piloting restorative justice practice in a residential context Peter Dawson Clinical Lead and Co Manager Bunjilwarra Uncle Patrick Farrant Cultural Lead Bunjilwarra

2:00 Panel discussion Building strategies for peer support post incarceration and finding purpose through those with lived experience

Developing a model that helps build connect and support and finding your tribe How to make impactful changes through volunteering and identification Showcasing the strength of collective action and the power of lived experience Moderator: Stu Holmes Founder The Green Collar Panellists: Nadja Basic Ex WISE UP Coordinator WISE Employment Paul Hunter Manager Green Collar Brigade Luke Anderson Founder Fair Threads

2:30 Case study Breaking down barriers to employment post incarceration

Identifying and discussing barriers to employment post incarceration and ways to break them down Developing strategies for hroughcare and wrap around services and partnerships Examining the importance of employment to kick start reintegration Lukas Carey Education and Advocacy Manager Reboot Australia

3:00 Breaking the cycle of recidivism through healing, wellbeing and cultural connection

Recognising at-risk youth and identifying early warning signs and risk factors that indicate youth may enter the justice system, enabling timely intervention Brain Health and Healing as a solution in addressing juvenile delinquency and fostering positive outcomes Implementing community-based holistic support strategies that empower at-risk youth and facilitate smoother transitions to eduation, training and employment. Sheryl Batchelor Founder and Director Yiliyapinya *Virtual presentation

4:00 Mini workshop Supporting Indigenous young people transitioning back into society through a community reintegration model

This mini workshop will deep dive into the complex journey of youth reentering society after incarceration. Delegates will gain insights into the obstacles these young individuals encounter as they strive to rebuild their lives, including finding stable housing and securing employment. The session will highlight effective services and resources that play a critical role in easing this transition and will provide strategies for creating robust community networks that offer ongoing support and guidance. Prepare to learn strategies on: How to overcome the common challenges Indigenous youth face when reintegrating into their communities post-incarceration Ensuring accessible support services and resources that can aid in successful reintegration, such as housing and employment support Establishing and leveraging community networks to support youth during their transition Lukas Williams Founder Gaa’na Healing Jacob Little Co-Founder About Time for Justice

5:00 Closing remarks from the Chair and end of conference day one

Analysing the key findings and insights from the National Children’s Commissioner’s report, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to improve outcomes for at-risk youth Focusing on the critical role of early intervention in the child justice system and how it can prevent harm while promoting safety and wellbeing for children Developing innovative, community-driven approaches that can be implemented to transform child justice practices and foster a supportive environment for children and families

6:30 Networking dinner

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9:10 keynote Breaking down intergenerational incarceration and lessons from personal experience

Unveiling the journey of youth detention and the challenges of turning 18 in custody, illustrating the impact of intergenerational incarceration on individuals and families Identifying systemic failures in the criminal justice system and exploring systemic issues that perpetuate cycles of trauma and incarceration Prioritising vital services that service providers need to be aware of, equipping them to better support affected individuals and communities Jacob Little Co-Founder About Time for Justice

9:30 Showcasing what a successful cross-sector partnership should include for long-term outcomes

• Setting strong foundations that lead to thriving partnerships • Co-designing priorities that are built around self-determination Aunty Marion Hansen Founding member Ngwala Willumbong Aborigina Chris Harrison Co-Chair Aboriginal Justice Caucus and Chair, Aboriginal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) Neerim Callope Director, Koori Justice Unit Aboriginal Justice Department of Justice and Community Safety

10:10 Fireside chat Revolutionising justice and embracing rehabilitation over punishmen

John Killick is an Australian criminal and author. He is best known for escaping from Sydney’s Silverwater Correctional Complex with his partner by helicopter on 25 March 1999. Talking through personal experience in the justice system from 1960 to the present and highlighting key ongoing changes Examining the impact of drug-related issues on the justice system and the urgent need for reform in addressing addiction Analysing the financial implications of rehabilitation programs compared to punitive measures to explore sustainable solutions for effective justice John Killick Australian Author and Advocate

Agenda

Pre-Conference Day

Tusday, 25 February 2025

Conference Day 1

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Conference Day 2

Thursday, 27 February 2025

Post Conference Workshops

Friday, 28 February 2025

Pre-Conference Day

Tusday, 25 February 2025

Bridging systemic gaps through transformative approaches to reconciliation and justice for First Nations communities

7:30 Registration opens

8:30 Welcome to Country

8:50 Opening remarks from the Chair

9:00 Opening keynote Empowering First Nations individuals and communities through a strength-based approach for self-determination

Lukas Williams, is a national motivational speaker, entrepreneur, Indigenous health advocate, educator and facilitator with 15 years’ experience in the field of social emotional and cultural well-being

Outcomes from my lived experience that have transformed my life
How to apply strength-based approaches in justice reform for First Nations individual and communities
Identifying and leveraging existing community strengths to foster resilience and self-determination and healing

9:40 Implementing local programs to drive change with a community-centric lens

How to collaborate with local stakeholders and community members in the planning and execution of programs
Designing programs that are culturally relevant and tailored to the specific needs of the community
Implementing strategies for securing funding and resources necessary for program implementation and sustainability

10:50 Case study Amplifying First Nations voices and the role of lived experience representation in transforming the youth justice system

Using Indigenous research methodologies to empower children in youth detention centres to identify why social and emotional wellbeing needs are important to them and to advocate for systemic change
Building relationships over time to ensure meaningful representation of diverse First Nations voices
Showcasing the power of stories to influence community narratives about First Nations children in the justice system

11:40 Empowering First Nations communities through Indigenous governance and cultural healing

How to develop and implement restorative programs for stronger communities
Developing strategies to prioritise governance for Indigenous empowerment
Focusing on cultural healing as a foundation

1:20 Transforming justice by embracing rehabilitation over punishment

Examining different rehabilitation models and its effectiveness in reducing recidivism
Analysing the impact of punitive measures versus supportive interventions on individual behaviour especially in children with trauma.
What does an institutionalised/recidivist Indigenous person suffering the effects of childhood trauma look like?

2:00 Panel discussion Bridging the gaps between the western and Indigenous court system and developing practices for a more inclusive justice framework

Weaving in cultural practices, values and traditions that influence Indigenous legal systems in courts
Incorporating restorative justice principles that recognise traditional knowledge and adapt legal procedures to be more inclusive and respectful of Indigenous perspectives
Exploring reforms that would allow for greater collaboration and mutual recognition between Western and Indigenous legal practices

3:10 Mini-Workshop Supporting First Nations to rebuild connection to culture and identity in prisons

In this workshop, attendees will learn how to develop and implement culturally appropriate services for First Nations people in prison, focusing on the importance of maintaining cultural identity and connection during incarceration and post release. Participants will explore the critical role of collaboration among correctional institutions, Indigenous organisations and community groups to ensure a holistic approach to support in prisons.

Attendees will also gain insights into tailored programs that honour cultural practices, promote mental well-being and facilitate community reintegration. The workshop will emphasise restorative practices that empower individuals to reconnect with their heritage and strengthen their identity.

Gain strategies to:

Address the unique cultural needs of First Nations individuals in prison and foster a sense of belonging and identity
Develop programs that provide access to cultural practices, including ceremonies, language, and community connections
Create pathways for post release support that prioritise cultural reintegration and community engagement
Advocate for policy and practice changes that promote the inclusion of First Nations perspectives in a correctional environment.