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Wiyi Yani U Thangani National Summit. We are the change. 9-11 May 2023

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Tuesday 9 May, 2023
First Nations Women and Girls Summit

The Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women's Voices) National Summit was held over three days from 9-11 May 2023, with an additional one-day Youth Forum on 8 May 2023. The Summit brought together over 800 First Nations women delegates from across Australia, for decision-making, innovation and celebration.

Summit Communiqué

The Summit Communique is available for download here.

Youth Forum Delegate Statement

The Youth Forum Statement is available for download here.

 

The National Summit is an outcome of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project, led by Commissioner June Oscar AO, in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency. It is the first ever national gathering of its kind. 

The Summit is a once-in-a-generation platform for agreement-making where First Nations women will come together, raise their collective voice, and determine the way ahead. It will be a space for showcasing and decision-making with multisectoral stakeholders from governments, academia, business and more. At the Summit, serious commitments and lasting relationships will be formed across these diverse sectors to invest in the vital work identified through Wiyi Yani U Thangani, guaranteeing it is made real and drives systemic change over the long-term. 

First Nations women and girls' voices are vital to paving the way for a future that all Australians deserve and have a right to. 

REGISTRATIONS NOW CLOSED

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE LIVESTREAM


Event details 

WHEN?

Youth Forum: Monday 8 May 2023
Welcome Event: Monday 8 May 2023
National Summit: Tuesday 9 May - Thursday 11 May 2023
Gala Dinner: Thursday 11 May 2023

 

WHERE?

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
National Convention Centre Canberra,
31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2601

For all additional venue information please visit the NCCC website.

Summit Program

You can download the Summit program here:

SUMMIT PROGRAM (21.46 MB)

Summit Program


Summit Sponsors 

SPONSORS

 

Media Partner

Media partner

 

  • Event details and FAQs

    When and where is the Summit being held?

    The Summit will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country - 31 Constitutional Avenue Canberra, ACT 2601. Below is an overview of session times: 

    Monday 8 May – Youth Forum
    Registrations Open: 8:30am
    Session Times: 9:00am – 5:00pm

    Monday 8 May – Welcome Event
    Registrations Open: 5:00pm
    Welcome Event: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Tuesday 9 May – Summit Day 1
    Registrations Open: 7:30am
    Session Times: 8:30am – 5:00pm
    IBA Networking Session and Evening Screening of Djäkamirr: 5:00pm – 8:00pm

    Wednesday 10 May – Summit Day 2
    Registrations Open: 7:30am
    Session Times: 8:30am – 5:00pm
    Our voices on the Voice: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

    Thursday 11 May – Summit Day 3
    Registrations Open: 7:30am
    Session Times: 8:30am – 4:00pm
    Gala Dinner: 6:00pm – 10:30pm

     

    Is this event live or virtual?

    The Summit is a live, in-person event hosted at the National Convention Centre Canberra. A number of sessions at the Summit will be recorded and made available online via our website.

    Who is the Summit for?

    The National Summit is first and foremost a gathering for First Nations women (including those who identify as cis, transgender and non-binary) to elevate their voices and solutions.  As such, registration priority will be given to First Nations women and First Nations community-controlled organisations.

    Registrations for non-Indigenous attendees are capped and by invitation only, in order to ensure we can create as many opportunities as possible for First Nations women to attend. We appreciate there are non-Indigenous women who provide fundamental caring roles for First Nations women and collaborate on vital community projects. If you have queries about attending the Summit on this basis please contact wyut@conferencenational.com.au

    Further, the cultural safety of First Nations women (including those who identify as cis, transfer and non-binary) is priority, with respect, male participation in this conference will be limited to the virtual platform and gathering spaces outside of the Summit’s main plenary and concurrent sessions. 

    The Summit will be an important gathering for First Nations women, however there will be future events and opportunities open to non-Indigenous and male allies to connect with the Wiyi Yani U Thangani project in our shared work to achieving Fist Nations Gender Justice in Australia. Please note, gala dinner tickets are open for all (men included) and we encourage you to join us for what will be an incredible evening.

    Who can attend the Youth Forum?

    The Youth Forum is open to all First Nations women between 18 and 29 years of age (including those who identify as cis, trans and non-binary).

    Is catering included in the Registration costs?

    Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is included in your registration pass, and a 3-course dinner is included in your Gala Dinner ticket.

    If you have specified a dietary requirement in your registration details, this will be catered for appropriately.

    Is the Welcome Event and Gala Dinner included in the Registration osts?

    Yes, the Welcome Event and Gala Dinner is included in the Full Registration ticket and the Youth Forum & Full Registration ticket.  

    Can I attend the gala dinner only?

    Yes, you can purchase a ticket for Gala Dinner only. Gala Dinner tickets are open to anyone. The cost for this ticket is $110.00 (GST inc). 

    What should I wear to the Gala Dinner?

    To end what will be an incredible week, there will be a Gala Dinner from 6.00-10.30pm on Thursday 11 May. Gala Dinner tickets are included in your registration.

    There will be time after the end of the formal program to return to your accommodation and get ready for the Gala Dinner if you wish. We encourage you to wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but you are welcome to dress up for the occasion! 

    When should I arrive/leave Canberra?

    The formal Summit program begins in the morning of Tuesday 9 May and will conclude in the afternoon of Thursday 11 May. You are invited to attend the Welcome Event on Monday 8 May (5.30pm-8.30pm) and the Gala Dinner on Thursday 11 May (6.00pm-11.00pm). Please note event times are subject to change. 

    If you are also attending the Youth Forum, the program of events will commence in the morning of Monday 8 May and will conclude in the afternoon of Thursday 11 May, followed by the Gala Dinner Thursday 11 May (5.30pm-8.30pm). Please note event times are subject to change. 

    Details for booking accommodation can be found in the drop-down below. 

    What should I bring with me?

    As we move into the colder months, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country can already be quite cold. The predicted temperatures range from 16°C throughout the day, to 4°C at night.

    We suggest you bring warm clothing with you, or alternatively there will be a range of warm items of clothing which have been donated, coordinated by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). You may also find something to wear for the Gala Dinner if needed!

    Please note that items will be limited so if you are in a position to do so, we ask that you bring warm clothing with you. Participants may also like to bring an extra warm item of clothing to donate! You will be able to find the clothing drive in the Exhibition Hall at the NCCC.

    Is the venue accessible?

    The National Convention Centre Canberra is a fully accessible venue. For further information about the venue (public transport, parking, disability access, health & safety) please visit the NCCC website Visit Information - National Convention Centre Canberra (nccc.com.au).

    Can I bring dependent children with me?

    We are aware of the need to provide adequate support for parents and caregivers at the Summit and/or Youth Forum. To assist those travelling with infants and children under 5 years of age and for whom they have legal guardianship, there will be a dedicated room onsite at the convention centre for quiet time and nursing stations. Please be aware that no childcare services will be provided, and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. You must ensure that children in your care do not behave in a manner that unreasonably interferes with other attendees’ safety or enjoyment. Attendees bringing children will be asked to sign a form as part of your registration form acknowledging full responsibility and waiving any right or cause of action, arising as result of your child(ren)’s attendance at the Summit from which any liability may or could accrue to the event organisers.

    Will there be support if I feel distressed during the Summit?

    There will be a wellbeing space at the summit which is intended to be a safe space for any participants who are feeling a little overwhelmed and need some time to themselves. 

    Is there a COVID management plan?

    Coronavirus (COVID-19) is extremely contagious and is spread mainly from person-to-person contact. We cannot guarantee that participants, volunteers, partners, or others in attendance will not become infected with COVID-19. Participants choosing to attend the Summit must acknowledge the health risks associated with their attendance and sign a liability waiver as part of their registration. All participants must agree to their duty to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and discontinue their participation immediately and seek appropriate medical attention should they become unwell. At a minimum, we will comply with the ACT Government COVIDSafe requirements which will be reviewed based on Public Health Directions in place at the time of our event.  We will go above and beyond to ensure these requirements are adhered to, to ensure the safety for all attendees.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation Link is the official hotel provider for the National First Nations Women and Girls Summit 2023.

    We've negotiated accommodation discounts and secured a limited number of reduced-rate hotel rooms to make your trip to Canberra affordable. Through the travel experts at Accommodation Link, rooms at the group rate are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. These reduced contract rates will expire 30 days prior to the event - book early for best selection and price.

    BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION NOW

    Accommodation Link is a licensed product of ConferenceNational.

    To contact ConferenceNational submit our online form, email us at registrations@conferencenational.com.au or call 1300 79 20 30 (Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm AEDT). 

    View our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about official hotels. 

  • Cancellation Policy

    Cancellation Policy

    • All prices displayed are in AUD, include GST and are correct as at date of offer. Any prices quoted may be subject to change until registration is confirmed.
    • ConferenceNational Amendment Policy: Once You register and receive your registration confirmation, ConferenceNational will provide 1 set of complimentary changes (excluding refunds). Any further reviews/changes to your registration will incur an administration fee of $10.00 charged directly to You.
    • ConferenceNational Cancellation Policy: Any cancellations or changes to a registration which result in a refund back to You will incur an administration fee of $35.00 (on top of any charges applied by the Australian Human Rights Commission). Payments by credit card can be made by Visa, Mastercard or American Express and will incur a transaction fee. Credit card merchant fees are non-refundable.
    • Cancellations and/or amendments must be sent in writing to ConferenceNational via wyut@conferencenational.com.au.

    Sponsored delegate and speaker delegate cancellation policy can be found in the Terms & Conditions upon registering. 

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