At the National Child & Family Safety Leadership Summit 2026, conversations around child and family safety are grounded in leadership, lived experience, cultural understanding, and long term systems change.
One of the important voices contributing to this national conversation is Asha Bhat OAM, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Aboriginal Corporation.
Quote Spotlight
“Real change happens when systems listen to communities, centre lived experience, and work together to create safety that is culturally informed, sustainable, and built on trust.”
This message reflects a growing recognition across Australia that child and family safety cannot be strengthened through fragmented approaches alone.
What Leaders Must Do Differently
Across sectors, leaders are being challenged to rethink how systems respond to children, families, and communities.
This includes:
Listening more closely to lived experience and community voices
Building culturally informed and community led responses
Strengthening collaboration across systems and services
Moving beyond short term intervention toward long term prevention and recovery
Creating accountability that leads to meaningful and sustainable change
Why This Conversation Matters
The future of child and family safety depends on leadership that is informed, connected, and willing to work differently.
The summit will continue these important conversations by bringing together policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and community leaders focused on improving outcomes for children and families across Australia.
Event Details
National Child & Family Safety Leadership Summit 2026
Date: 22 May 2026