National Conference 2025

On 11 November 2025, the National Child and Family Hubs Network (the Network) brought together 150 people from across the Hubs sector, including 17 family and community representatives, for our first national Conference. Together, we explored how we can strengthen Hubs as high-quality places that deliver the best possible outcomes for children and their families.

 

'If we want services that work for families, families need to be involved in shaping them.'

– Jaimee, Family and Community Voice Representative.

 

Building Change Together

The Conference was a truly special event. Participants were united in their shared vision for collaboration, and for a stronger, more connected service system that centres the voices of children and families.

Family and community voice representatives bravely shared their stories and insights, grounding the day in lived experience. Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, spoke about the services and supports that help children to thrive in their early years, reinforcing that when supports are integrated, 'they are more than the sum of their parts.'

As Network Steering Committee Chair Prof Sharon Goldfeld AM put it, 'It’s a tough and complex road to get the work done for children, and to address the very preventable inequities we see in Australia. We won’t do it apart but maybe, just maybe, we can do it together.'

Recordings 

Watch the full recordings of our presentations and panel sessions. 

Gallery

Explore the photo gallery to glimpse the energy and collaborative spirit of those who came together at the Conference to connect and drive change for children, families and Hubs. 

Program

The Conference program was filled with engaging presentations, interactive panel discussions, participant-led sessions and opportunities to connect. Participants also got to experience powerful performances by Djirri Djirri, Wurundjeri Women's Dance Group, and the Melbourne Playback Theatre Company. View the Conference Program.  

Speakers

Our inspiring line up of speakers and panellists reflected a diverse mix of perspectives across policy, advocacy, research, Hub leadership, community, and lived experience. View speaker and panel bios.

Contributors

We're grateful to our contributors, speakers and panel members for sharing evidence, insights and stories to inspire action for children, families and Hubs:

  • Uncle Bill Nicholson, Wurundjeri Elder, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
  • Djirri Djirri, Wurundjeri Women's Dance Group
  • Lee Constable, Child and Family Inclusion Lead, National Child and Family Hubs Network
  • Prof Sharon Goldfeld AM, Director, Centre for Community Child Health
  • The Hon Dr Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth
  • Prof Edward Melhuish, Professor of Human Development, University of Oxford, and Birkbeck, University of London
  • Mandy Taylor, Executive Director Office of the CEO, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
  • Lived experience and community voices panel: Kenny Duke, Heidi Denner, Lee Constable
  • Hub leadership panel: Alex Blaszak, Cassy Bishop, Tracey Howard, Veronica O'Brien
  • Policy, partnerships and advocacy panel: Dr Suzy Honisett, Mandy Taylor, Frances Martin, Prof Sharon Goldfeld AM
  • Dr Suzy Honisett, Manager, National Child and Family Hubs Network
  • Melbourne Playback Theatre Company.

 

 

Proudly in partnership with

The National Child and Family Hubs Network is a national, collaborative group working together to strengthen Child and Family Hubs Australia-wide through research, policy, advocacy, and learning. The Network is generously supported by The Ian Potter Foundation, Minderoo Foundation, and Paul Ramsay Foundation.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.