Summit 2026 ⏷ | KWY Aboriginal Corp

FIRST NATIONS THERAPEUTIC RESPONSES SUMMIT 2026

KWY'S 5th Biennial National Conference

The First Nations Therapeutic Responses Summit 2026: Creating a Space for Innovation

18-20 March | Adelaide Oval, South Australia, Kaurna Country

KWY is proud to invite you to the 2026 First Nations Therapeutic Responses Summit — a dynamic, three-day gathering designed to share transformative ideas and deepen culturally responsive practice for Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence and Child Protection systems within First Nations communities.

Hosted on the banks of Karrawirra Parri (River Torrens) at the Adelaide Oval, this year’s summit carries the powerful theme “Creating a Space for Innovation.” It’s a call to action — to challenge systems, elevate First Nations ways of doing and build lasting solutions that create real change.

At the heart of the Summit is a commitment to hands-on learning, connection and collective growth. Attendees will leave with practical tools, renewed energy and a clearer path to implementing effective, community-led therapeutic responses. Our carefully curated program brings together trailblazers from across Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand), offering a rich mix of perspectives and wisdom.

What to expect:

Captivating keynote speakers who are reshaping the landscape of therapeutic responses
Candid, challenging panel conversations exploring bold solutions
Immersive sessions and workshops designed to motivate and enhance your practice
Breakout spaces for deep dives into emerging practices, cultural frameworks, and lived experiences
Opportunities to connect with like-minded practitioners and leaders
Culturally safe space to pause, recharge and reconnect throughout the Summit

Need support to attend this event?
Download our ready-to-use Professional Development Request Template to share with your manager or workplace and secure support for your participation.

About the design

This year’s design was created in collaboration with Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna man Craig Rigney, inspired by the Kaurna people’s connection to the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) and its significance as a meeting place. Abstract shapes trace the river’s topography, while dotted linework symbolises paths travelled across Country. A palette inspired by saltbush, earth, ochre and rock grounds the design, creating a calm, reflective space that invites collaboration, innovation and new ways of thinking.

2024 SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS

From 25–27 September 2024, the sold-out KWY National Aboriginal Child Safety, Family and Domestic Violence Summit brought together changemakers from across the country at Adelaide Oval, on Kaurna Country. This powerful three-day gathering, held under the theme “Creating a Space for Change,” was a platform for courageous conversations and community-led solutions, with a strong focus on system reform, Aboriginal-led research and culturally grounded, therapeutic responses.

Keynotes from leaders including Commissioner Micaela Cronin, Dr Tracy Westerman AM, Stan Grant and Aunty Muriel Bamblett challenged systems and inspired action, while dynamic panel discussions explored systemic reform, community resilience and hopes for future generations. Breakout sessions highlighted the impactful work of organisations such as VACCA, Yalu Aboriginal Corporation, SAHMRI, Lifeline and SNAICC, alongside critical research and legislative insights shared by Commissioners April Lawrie and Natalie Lewis.

The 2024 Summit left a lasting impact, equipping attendees with the tools, knowledge and renewed passion to lead community-driven change and uphold the safety, dignity and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children.