The Family Services Symposium

‘Together with Families’, the Centre’s annual celebration of family services, will return in 2027!

Following the incredible response to our 2026 Symposium—which sold out quickly—we encourage you to save the date now: Friday 18 June 2027.

To be the first to hear when tickets are released, we invite you to register your interest via the Expression of Interest form below.

We look forward to bringing the sector together again for another inspiring day of connection, insight and shared commitment to families.

The Centre congratulates recently retired CEO of Windemere Family Services, Dr Lynette Buoy, as the recipient of the Centre’s 2026 Acknowledgement of Service Award.

During the Symposium, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr Buoy about the evolving family services landscape and the critical role family services play in supporting communities.

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 acknowledged two sector leaders 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.