The OPEN Symposium
Collaborative practice: Working in partnership with children and families.
Last updated: 10 Apr 2026
Cross-sector expertise
Victoria’s child and family sector continues to push boundaries and inspire, working tirelessly to support our most vulnerable community members.
Our annual OPEN Symposium brings together leading experts, practitioners, and innovators from across the sector.
Each year, the multi-day online event OPEN provides a platform for growth, collaboration, and inspiration. We invite you to enhance your knowledge, expand your network, and join us in setting the standard for innovation in the sector.
OPEN Symposium 2025
The Outcomes, Practice and Evidence Network’s (OPEN) Symposium 2025 brought together more than 260 practitioners, researchers, policymakers and community partners to explore this year’s theme, ‘Collaborative practice: Working in partnership with children and families’.
Held online over two days, the Symposium celebrated the sector’s ongoing commitment to working together across systems to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
Thank you to everyone who joined, presented and supported the OPEN Symposium 2025, and to our sponsors for helping make this event possible.
‘What Ally Needs Now’ highlights plight of domestic homicide victim survivors
08 Apr 2026
- News
Strengthening Child-centred practice after fatal family violence
01 Apr 2026
- News
A conversation on care experienced leadership with Churchill Fellow Clare Holdsworth (UK)
06 Mar 2026
- News
OPEN Symposium 2024
The OPEN Symposium 2024 featured a dynamic line-up of keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and panel discussions, reflecting our commitment to advancing best practices and sharing knowledge.
Last year’s theme was Transforming Futures: Improving the Lives of Children and Their Families.
The week kicked off with a thought-provoking seminar led by Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, who highlighted essential research on family violence prevention. Day One featured a powerful keynote from Professor Ann Sanson, addressing the crucial impact of climate change on children’s wellbeing. Day Two brought more enlightening perspectives with Gulsum Adas discussing online safety for youth.
During Youth-Focused Day, we explored youth justice and participatory practices, starting with Daniel Donahoo from PROJECT ROCKIT!
OPEN
The Outcomes, Practice and Evidence Network (OPEN) is a partnership between Victoria’s child and family services sector, government and research, supporting and promoting the use, create, and sharing of evidence derived from research, practice, and client experiences to deliver better outcomes for children, young people, and families.
Take the Outcomes Journey: Tools and Techniques for Evidence Practice (Module 1)
May 5 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
More than ever, evidence is key to understanding client needs, improving services, and demonstrating impact. But with limited time and resources, how do we build and use evidence effectively? OPEN’s […]
- OPEN: Outcomes Practice and Evidence Network
- Programs
- Training
Take the Outcomes Journey: Tools and Techniques for Evidence Practice (Module 2 & 3)
May 12 @ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
More than ever, evidence is key to understanding client needs, improving services, and demonstrating impact. But with limited time and resources, how do we build and use evidence effectively? OPEN’s […]
- OPEN: Outcomes Practice and Evidence Network
- Programs
- Training
Take the Outcomes Journey: Tools and Techniques for Evidence Practice (Module 1)
June 2 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
More than ever, evidence is key to understanding client needs, improving services, and demonstrating impact. But with limited time and resources, how do we build and use evidence effectively? OPEN’s […]
- OPEN: Outcomes Practice and Evidence Network
- Programs
- Training