Topic: Let’s Hear it for the Kids: Challenges and the Way Forward in Family Law
You are all invited to attend the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Australian Chapter’s seventh Annual Conference entitled “Let’s hear it for the kids; challenges and the way forward in family law” in Brisbane Queensland from 2 – 4 July 2021.
AFCC is the premier interdisciplinary international association of professionals dedicated to the resolution of family conflict. Australia has its own Chapter of AFCC, and I have the honour to be President of that Chapter. It is a unique and formidable Association – one that thinks outside the family law square, and looks at innovative ideas to improve the practice of family law, and the lives of children and their families. AFCC members include judicial officers, practitioners, researchers, teachers, social scientists, mediators, and policy makers in the family law area.
AFCC plays a leadership role and collaborates with key organisations on significant reform initiatives and training in family law, and domestic relations practice and policy. Major emphasis is placed on case management, family violence, family law education and the translation of research into policy and practice.
The Conference is gearing up to be something very special; the focus will be on the children and the way forward in family law. As always, our Conference Committee is compiling a sensational program, featuring celebrated speakers and cutting edge topics. The full conference program will be available shortly, but there will be the usual pre-conference institutes to lead into the Conference, and the plenaries and workshops to stimulate and excite. Then of course there is our social program, with welcome drinks on the Friday, social drinks following the AGM on the Saturday, and drinks to end the Conference on the Sunday. That will provide ample opportunity to wind down after a hard day “conferencing”, to renew friendships, to form new friendships, and to network.
Finally, we are also putting together a fantastic sponsorship program, and there is still time to become a principal, gold or silver sponsor.
Yours sincerely
The Hon Justice Steven Strickland
FRIDAY 2 JULY
9.30am – 5.00pm
Preconference Institute
Additional Fees Apply.
5.00pm – 6.00pm
Welcome Reception
SATURDAY 3 JULY
9.00am – 5.00pm
AFCC Conference
5.00pm – 6.00pm
Social Drinks
SUNDAY 4 JULY
9.00am – 3.00pm
AFCC Conference
3.00pm – 4.00pm
Closing Event
SPEAKERS
Arman Abrahimzadeh
Arman Abrahimzadeh OAM became an anti-domestic violence campaigner after losing his mother to domestic violence in March 2010. Together with his sisters Atena and Anita, in September 2015 they founded Zahra Foundation Australia in their mum’s honour, an organisation that provides financial literacy and economic empowerment for women fleeing abusive homes. He is an ambassador for Our Watch and a board member for the Australia Day Council of South Australia.
A graduate of the Louis Laybourne Smith School of Architecture and Design, Arman currently works as a project manager for the South Australian government’s public housing authority. He was the 2016 SA Young Australian of the Year and in 2018 he was elected as a councillor for the City of Adelaide.
Dr Ben Garber
Dr. Ben Garber is a New Hampshire licensed psychologist, parenting coordinator, expert consultant to family law matters across North America, speaker and author. Dr. Garber is a former Guardian ad litem.
Dr. Garber has advanced degrees in psycholinguistics, developmental and clinical child psychology from the University of Michigan and The Pennsylvania State University. He completed an internship in clinical child and family psychology at the Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut. He is co-founder of the Parenting Coordination Association of New Hampshire, winner of the March of Dimes “Distinction in Media Excellence” award, and an acclaimed educator and author in numerous areas of child and family development and family law.
Above all else, across roles and titles and jurisdictions, Dr. Garber is an unwavering advocate for children.
Dr Jo Lukins
Dr Jo Lukins spends her day inside the heads of individuals, teams and organisations – seeking to understand what makes them tick and assisting them to reach their potential. A psychological Indiana Jones, she describes it as a truly fascinating career that she is grateful for every day.
She holds a PhD in Psychology, has over 25 years’ experience, and a breadth of knowledge in the sport educational and organisational domains. She delivers programs in resilience and expert performance for the Australian Defence Force.
Dr Lukins has worked with elite athletes and outstanding professionals throughout her career, giving her a unique insight into the world of success. She has delivered psychology services to the North Queensland Cowboys since 1996 and supported the Townsville Fire through their five Grand Final Campaigns. She has been acknowledged as an expert in her field, being awarded an Outstanding Alumni by James Cook University for her achievements. Dr Lukins is sought after as a presenter, interventionist and for her expertise in the media space.
Knowing that she has made a difference in the lives of others is the ‘why’ of her work and the most satisfying element of her career.
VENUE
BRISBANE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
Nestled in the heart of Brisbane’s South Bank cultural precinct, our location is a unique drawcard for delegates and visitors attending events, exhibitions and conferences in Brisbane.
ACCOMMODATION
Additional accomodation coming shortly…
Rydges South Bank
9 Glenelg St South Brisbane QLD 4101
6 minute walk to the BCEC, 400m
| Room Type | Per night |
| Queen Room | $224 |
Breakfast – $32 per person per day.
Rydges South Bank is situated in Brisbane’s most enviable location, the South Bank arts and entertainment precinct. The hotel boast 304 beautifully appointed guest accommodation rooms including 64 suites, many of which have stunning views of the Brisbane City Skyline and River. We are linked via an internal staircase to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) and often act as the onsite accommodation provider for both large international and national conferences as well as smaller meetings and events. Additionally Rydges South Bank is directly opposite the Queensland Conservatorium, and only few minutes walk to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Queensland Museum, State Library of Queensland and the magnificent Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).
QUEEN ROOM
Emporium Hotel South Bank
267 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
12 minute walk to the BCEC, 900m
| Room Type | Per night |
| Vista King Suite | $270 |
A spectacular new standard in boutique luxury accommodation and service.
143 luxuriously appointed suites feature all the comforts you could ask for, while an abundance of premium food and beverage options will leave you spoilt for choice.
On level 21 you will find a spectacular, 23m infinity edge pool and bar with magnificent views over South Bank Parklands, the Brisbane River, to the city and beyond. The coveted north easterly aspect will allow comfort and enjoyment morning to night, all year round.
VISTA KING SUITE
Vista Suites enjoy tranquil suburban views over West End and Highgate Hill, and out to Mount Coottha and the hinterland. Boasting luxurious, contemporary finishes, they include a large ensuite with a switch glass window between the room and bathroom, glass enclosed marble shower (with standard and rain showerheads), white marble double vanities, separate toilet compartment, Sealy “Dynasty” beds, Bose sound system, 55inch television, wine fridge and minibar, handmade bronze feature wine bar, large wardrobe, latest in-room automation, desk and chair.
Locations
Terms and Conditions
Accommodation Guarantee
All reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card at time of booking. This does not constitute as payment, guests will then be required to settle accommodation charges upon check in at the hotel. A credit card will need to be held on file for each guest to allow for any incidental charges.
Cancellation Policy
All guaranteed rooms cancelled at or within 30 days prior to arrival all cancellations will incur a charge equal to 1 night’s accommodation per booking cancelled.
All guaranteed rooms cancelled at or within 14 days prior to arrival including “no shows”, will incur 100% cancellation fee, this being the number or room nights cancelled times the accommodation rate
Accommodation Guarantee
All reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card at time of booking. This does not constitute as payment, guests will then be required to settle accommodation charges upon check in at the hotel. A credit card will need to be held on file for each guest to allow for any incidental charges.
Cancellation Policy
30 days prior to arrival you will be charged one nights accommodation to the card given at he time of booking. All guaranteed rooms cancelled during this time will incur a charge equal to 1 night’s accommodation per booking cancelled.
All guaranteed rooms cancelled at or within 7 days prior to arrival including “no shows”, will incur 100% cancellation fee, this being the number or room nights cancelled times the accommodation rate
SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
REGISTRATION
Preconference Institute Day Workshop Registration Fees
| Registration Category | Standard Registration |
| Preconference | $450 |
Conference Registration Fees
| Registration Category | Early Bird Registration Before or on 3 April |
Standard Registration After 3 April |
| AFCC Member | $880 | $950 |
| General | $970 | $1080 |
Single Day Access and Presenters Conference Registration Fees
| Registration Category | Standard Registration |
| Single day | $600 |
| Presenters | $800 |
Students, Family Consultants and Judicial assistants are also eligible for discount – please contact AusAFCC@gmail.com for registration instructions
CPD POINTS
AFCC professional development events meet the CPD requirements of all Australian jurisdictions with exception of WA. They also meet CPD requirements for lawyers from New Zealand. Practitioners from WA will be provided with details of the requirements for CPD recognition for this event at their request.
Registration cancellations received up to Friday 28 May 2021 will receive a full refund, less $300.00 administration fee. No refunds will be given for registration cancellations received after Friday 28 May 2021. As an alternative to cancellation, registrations may be transferred to another person (for the same registration category) before Friday 4 June 2021 without receiving any extra cost penalty.
The members of the AFCC and The Production House Events do not accept any liability for any losses incurred pre, post or during the Conference due to unforeseen cancellation or postponement. In the event of the Conference being cancelled, no refunds will be issued. All available funds will be credited towards a future conference/s held by AFCC.
All fees are in Australian dollars inclusive of GST.
Registration fee does not include accommodation, meals for partners, extra tickets for the Welcome Reception, Social Drinks or Closing Drinks.
Please note there is no entry to the industry exhibition hall without registration to the conference.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
WELCOME RECEPTION
Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Glenelg St,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Date: Friday 2 July
Time: 5.00pm – 6.00pm
SOCIAL DRINKS
Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Glenelg St,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Date: Saturday 3 July
Time: 5.00pm – 6.00pm
CLOSING EVENT
Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Glenelg St,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Date: Sunday 4 July
Time: 3.00pm – 4.00pm