The Family Services Symposium

Celebrate and elevate.

Last updated: 01 Dec 2025

Connecting leaders and innovators

Each year, our Family Services Symposium brings together family services practitioners, leaders, and partners for a day of networking and knowledge sharing to celebrate the central role of family services in promoting the wellbeing of children and families in Victoria and Tasmania.

Our program always features keynote speeches from renowned experts, engaging presentations, and interactive panel discussions. Our speakers will offer recent developments, practical strategies, and innovative methods to address current challenges and advance the sector.

Family Services Symposium 2025

On Friday, November 14, the Centre brought more than 350 child and family services workers, leaders, and partners together to celebrate the incredible work they do for children, young people, and families. 

Our Family Services Symposium 2025, ‘Together With Families’, provided the space to reflect on the amazing work being done in the sector, share knowledge and approaches across organisations, and look to the future challenges and opportunities facing the workforce.

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2025 Acknowledgement of Service

As part of our annual Family Services Symposium, we also presented the Acknowledgement of Service Award. This award recognises the longstanding dedication and commitment of a child and family services practitioner, leader, or partner, and the impact they have had on shaping the lives of children, young people, and families.

We had two winners this year, David Tennant (former FamilyCare CEO) and Lee-anne Chapman (Uniting’s General Manager, East Victoria), both of whom have more than 30 years’ experience in the sector. David served as the FamilyCare CEO from May 2010 until recently, and is currently the Victorian Co-Chair of Anti-Poverty Week.

Lee-anne has been with Uniting for more than 10 years, with previous positions at Anglicare and the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing.

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Family Services Symposium updates
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Reflecting on the Family Services Symposium 2025

18 Nov 2025

This year's 'Together With Families' event brought together more than 350 child and family services practitioners to celebrate the incredible work they do and share-knowledge across the sector.
  • News

Saroo Brierley, Ashley Fell, and more announced for Family Services Summit 2025

07 Nov 2025

Tickets for the Friday, 14 November event are selling fast, so make sure to register now to secure your spot!
  • Events

Save the date! Family Services Symposium is back for 2025

15 Sep 2025

The Centre is delighted to welcome family services practitioners, leaders, and partners from across Victoria and Tasmania to a day of celebration, connection, and knowledge sharing.
  • News
300+
Attendees in 2025
20+
Speakers and presenters in 2025
Our work
As the peak body for child and family services in Victoria and Tasmania, we strengthen and guide the sector, building resilience, collaboration and shared success.
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The Centre’s membership benefits build collaboration, advocacy, and capacity within the child and family services sector, ensuring a more resilient and supportive environment that provides better outcomes for children and families.
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