AIFS 2026 Conference External Advisory Group
Role
The AIFS 2026 Conference External Advisory Group provides advice on key aspects of the AIFS 2026 Conference to support the delivery of a diverse, inclusive and high-quality conference program.
Their role ensures the event reflects the needs and interests of the event's key stakeholders including government personnel, academics and practitioners.
This group plays a critical role in shaping the conference, drawing on diverse perspectives and sector expertise to guide decision-making.
Input includes advice on program streams, keynotes and panellists, abstract criteria and reviewers and other aspects of the event.
Members
The Conference Advisory Group includes representatives from our key stakeholder groups including Indigenous Cultural Safety Advisor, government personnel, academics, practitioners and lived experience advocates.
| Category | Member | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Liz Neville | AIFS |
| Conference Scientific Committee Chair | Dr Rachel Carson | AIFS |
| Government | Rhiannon Box | Department of Health, Disability and Ageing |
| Rebecca Mills | Attorney-General's Department | |
| Angela Hope | Office for Women, PM&C | |
| Sector | Robyn Clough | Family & Relationship Services Australia |
| Nick Tebbey | Relationships Australia | |
| Lauren Renshaw | Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) | |
| Amanda Duncan | SNAICC | |
| Academic | Daryl Higgins | ACU Institute of Child Protection |
| Edith Gray | Australian National University | |
| Ilan Katz | University of New South Wales | |
| Lived Experience | Alison Scott | DFSVC Lived Experience Advisory Council |
| Dr Gabriele Byrne | Department of Health | |
| Sonali Varma | ARACY’s Young and Wise Group | |
| Fiona [surname omitted] | ARACY’s Young and Wise Group | |
| Indigenous Cultural Safety | Eddie More | Nyuka Wara Consulting PTY LTD |
| Head of Communications | Kate O’Connor | AIFS |
| Conference Project Manager | Laura Crocker | AIFS |
Meetings
The group will meet 4 times in the lead up to the conference to advise on key aspects of the event.
Terms of Reference
Read the Conference Advisory Group Terms of Reference [PDF, 292.8 kB].
Contact
To contact the AIFS 2026 Conference External Advisory Group, please email AIFS Conferences.