The Family Services Symposium

‘Together with families’, the Centre’s annual celebration of family services, is back for 2026! This year we’re celebrating the central role of family services in keeping children and families safe and connected.

When: Friday 19 June 2026
Where: Sofitel Melbourne
Tickets: Early bird pricing until 12 April. Get your tickets here.

The full-day program will offer unique learning opportunities, including keynote speakers Jelena Dokic, Adele Ferguson and Ashley Fell, presentations and panel discussions exploring effective practice, our sector’s impact and reach, and the innovative approaches shaping the future of family services.

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.