Bringing together collective voices to strengthen child and family safety
22 May 2026 | State Reception Centre, Fraser’s Kings Park, Perth
The National Child & Family Safety Leadership Summit 2026 brought together leaders, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, lived experience advocates, First Nations voices and community sector representatives from across Australia for a powerful day of listening, learning and collective action.
Held at the State Reception Centre, Fraser’s Kings Park in Perth, the Summit created space for meaningful national conversations on child and family safety, domestic and family violence, coercive control, safeguarding, prevention, recovery, cultural governance and shared accountability.
This event gallery captures the energy, connection and purpose of the day — from the Welcome and Acknowledgement through to panel discussions, networking moments, shared conversations and closing reflections.
Welcome and Opening
The Summit opened with a warm welcome and Acknowledgement led by Master of Ceremonies, Carmen Braidwood, setting the tone for a respectful, inclusive and solutions-focused gathering.
Convenor, Dev Singh, delivered the opening speech, welcoming attendees and acknowledging the importance of bringing diverse voices together to strengthen systems of care, safety and support for children and families across Australia.
Panel 1
Children at the Centre: Strengthening Systems of Care and Safeguarding
Panel 1 explored how Australia’s child, family, health, justice and education systems can better connect to ensure every child is visible, heard and safe.
Speakers:
Andrea Musulin, Founder, WA Child Protection Society and The Child Focused Safety Service WA; Director Safeguarding Program, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth; Safeguarding Lead, Police and Community Youth Centres
Hon Nick Goiran MLC, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council; Shadow Attorney General; Shadow Minister for Child Protection
Claire Marshall, CEO, Emerge Women and Children’s Support Network
Tamara Creamer, Child Safety Expert
Morning Tea
Morning tea provided an opportunity for attendees, speakers and sector leaders to connect in smaller conversations, reflect on the opening session and continue discussing practical pathways to strengthen child and family safety.
Panel 2
First Nations Leadership and Governance: Guiding the Way Forward
Panel 2 centred First Nations leadership, cultural authority, governance and self-determined responses in shaping stronger approaches to child safety, family wellbeing, family violence and community healing.
Speakers:
Demaga Warria, Artist, Tiwi Islands
Asha Bhat OAM, CEO, Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Sarah Austin, Director, Darwin Youth Services
Oscar Colbung, Deputy CEO, Family Violence Prevention Legal Service Program, Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Panel 3
Early Intervention, Perpetrator Accountability and Safe Homes: Health, Economic Security and Pathways to Recovery
Panel 3 examined the importance of coordinated responses across justice, health, housing and economic systems — from early recognition of coercive control through to safe homes, financial security and long-term recovery.
Speakers:
Nicole Edwards, Sexual Violence and Child Abuse Advocate and former police officer with 17 years of frontline experience
Monica Miller, Principal Solicitor, Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Sheree Schonian, Lived Experience Expert; Founder, I Am Sheree
Sandra Creamer AM, CEO, Australian Women’s Health Alliance
Lunch Break
The lunch break gave attendees time to build relationships across sectors and continue the conversations sparked by the morning sessions. These informal exchanges were a valuable part of the Summit, creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and future partnerships.
Panel 4
Prevention, Education and Technology: Shaping a Culture of Respect
Panel 4 focused on prevention, respectful relationships education, digital safety, community awareness and the role of technology in driving cultural change and stopping violence before it starts.
Speakers:
Danielle Bradtke, Lived Experience Expert; CEO and Founder, Foundations of Hope
Sarah Barnbrook, CEO, Away from Keyboard Inc.; Advisor, National Council of Women Victoria; Company Secretary, Australian Gender Equality Council
Karen Bevan, CEO, Full Stop Australia
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea offered another moment for connection, reflection and focused conversation. Attendees continued to exchange ideas on prevention, systems reform, community leadership and the practical steps needed to strengthen safety outcomes.
Panel 5
One System for Safety: Collaboration, Data and Shared Accountability
Panel 5 brought the day’s themes together, exploring how governments, community services, justice, health, child protection and housing sectors can collaborate through shared data, regulation, workforce alignment and restorative pathways.
Speakers:
Sophi Bruce, CEO, Centre for Relational Care; Director, Adaptive Leadership Australia
Danielle Bradtke, Lived Experience Expert; CEO and Founder, Foundations of Hope
Malini Raj, Executive Director, Australian Multicultural Women’s Alliance
Andrea Musulin, Founder, WA Child Protection Society and The Child Focused Safety Service WA; Director Safeguarding Program, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth; Safeguarding Lead, Police and Community Youth Centres
Thanks and Closing Remarks
The Summit concluded with thanks and closing reflections, acknowledging the speakers, attendees, supporters, partners and team members who contributed to the success of the day.
The conversations throughout the Summit highlighted a shared commitment to building safer, more connected and more accountable systems for children, families and communities across Australia.
Networking, Drinks and Canapés
Following the formal program, guests gathered for networking drinks and canapés. The afterparty created a relaxed and meaningful space for attendees to continue conversations, strengthen relationships and reflect on the collective purpose of the Summit.
Special Thanks
A special thank you to our platinum sponsor, Southern Aboriginal Corporation, for their valued support and contribution to the National Child & Family Safety Leadership Summit 2026.
We also extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, attendees, partners, supporters and the event team for helping bring this important national conversation to life.
