The Australian and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) plans to hold a conference next year exploring how public services need to rethink the way they relate with Indigenous communities.
The conference, which will be conducted virtually, will examine how successful partnerships have evolved and the positive results they have delivered for communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dean and Chief Executive of ANZSOG, Ken Smith said that while many partnerships between Indigenous communities and Governments had been challenged by the pandemic, genuine partnerships built on foundations of trust and respect had not only survived but had been agile, innovative and even strengthened.
Launched during NAIDOC Week, ANZSOG’s Proud Partnerships in Place conference would bring together Public Servants, academics, not-for-profit and Indigenous community leaders from Australia and New Zealand.
“They will share ideas and hear from individuals, communities and organisations that have built partnerships based on trust and respect, developed policies and delivered successful local solutions,” Professor Smith said.
“The conference aims to create a forum to amplify and spread this success and examine in detail the qualities that have resulted in successful partnerships.”
He said this would be the third ANZSOG First Peoples conference, delivered with funding and support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
“It is a virtual version of the conference originally planned for Brisbane in March,” Professor Smith said.
The four-day conference will be held over four weeks, with one three-hour event per week, beginning in February 2021.
“The first day will begin with a keynote address from a prominent speaker to challenge and inspire attendees to consider the intrinsic value of authentic partnerships with First Peoples and set the framework for the conference.” Professor Smith said.
“The program for the following three events will each host six speakers covering a range of topics related to solving global challenges, structuring change and turning trends.”
