2nd National Complex Needs Conference – Details

The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) – in conjunction with the National Complex Needs Alliance (NCNA) – is holding the Second National Complex Needs Conference in Canberra on 17-18 November 2015.  This will be the second Australian conference to showcase successful programs/approaches in addressing complex needs – with the broader purpose of identifying what works and how.  Click here to register online.

Keynote speakers at the conference include:

  • Dr Tom Calma AO, National Coordinator, Tackling Indigenous Smoking; Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia

TOPIC: Justice Reinvestment – is it the policy solution for Australia’s Indigenous incarceration challenge?

  • Bernadette Mitcherson, Executive Director, ACT Corrective Services

TOPIC: Throughcare programs and initiatives for detainees with complex needs in the ACT

  • Kate Carnell AO, CEO, Chamber of Commerce and Industry

TOPIC: A hand up, not a hand out – how the business community can support disadvantaged Australians to re-enter the labour market

  • Kieran Palmer, Clinical Service Manager, Psychologist, Ted Noffs Foundation

TOPIC: Embracing the potential of youth: Integrated treatment approaches to improving outcomes and supporting greatness

  • Sue Miers AM, Chair, National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (NOFASD)

TOPIC: Comprehensive responses to the needs of children and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

  • Day 2 of the conference will also feature an Opening Address by Yvette Berry MLA, ACT Minister for Housing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Community Services, Multicultural Affairs, Women and Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Social Inclusion and Equality

TOPIC: ACT Government’s Human Services Blueprint and the related Strengthening Families and Local Services Network initiatives.

Among the other program highlights is the Political and Community Perspectives Panel – confirmed panellists include:

  • Kirsten Livermore, A/g Director, Health, Safety, Environment & Community Policy, Minerals Council of Australia and former Federal Member for Capricornia
  • Senator Deborah O’Neill, Chair, Senate Select Committee on Health
  • Dr John Falzon, Chief Executive Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia
  • Julie Tongs OAM, Chief Executive Officer, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service

The Hypothetical Plenary Session: Great expectations – can we meet complex need effectively? – will be facilitated by Genevieve Jacobs, Presenter of Mornings with Genevieve Jacobs on 666 ABC Canberra.  Panellists will explore options for providing comprehensive assistance to a hypothetical family with complex needs.  Panellists include:

  • Sue Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Suicide Prevention Australia
  • Lyn Morgain, Chief Executive, cohealth
  • Camilla Rowland, Chief Executive Officer, Marymead
  • Professor Valsa Eappen, Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Tamara Stewart-Jones, Director, Multicultural Youth South Australia Inc.
  • Sharon Tuffin, Chief Executive Officer (Interim) Karralika Programs Inc.

Click here to view the full Provisional Program for the conference.