THE BLACK THUNDER: POWER OF BLACK VOICES TOWARDS 2020 CONFERENCE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY
In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which we are gathering. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgment to country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.
Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandella:April 23 2013)
The Black Thunder: The Power of Black Voices Towards 2020 Conference will bring together many of this country’s indigenous leaders, academics, politicians, activists, Indigenous elders, cultural advocates and those who are making a contribution to the struggle of self-determination for Indigenous people in Australia through their leadership and actions from grassroots communities. It is designed to be both inspiring, self empowering whilst at the same time, providing the opportunities for delegates to evaluate what the future holds for Indigenous People. At the same time, making a bold statement to the wider community that Indigenous self determination is both strong and gaining stronger momentum each day.
An old proverb is “It always seems impossible until it's done”. As Australia’s First Nations People, each day we demonstrate our pride in our communities and culture, and place them in our hearts and future, although nowadays, our children continually face an uncertain future as mainstream society in Australia tends to highlight the doom, gloom and negatives in Indigenous communities. The event is designed to shatter this myth and to inspire First Nations People with all the positives from the past, the present and importantly towards 2020 (our future). Whilst we may not know what the future has instore for us as First Nations Peoples, we do in fact have the power to control our future through our actions of the present.
THE CONFERENCE PHILOSOPHY
Towards 2020 National Conference is designed to embrace our indigenous spirit, whilst at the same time empowering delegates through leadership and activism that drives us forward as a people. The conference will also take in-depth look at present day government policies and how they may affect our future. Today we have the largest number of representatives ever elected. This has in some way given indigenous people a voice to the highest level in Local, Territory, State and federal governments.
The conference should be seen as information, insights sharing and a roadmap for First Nations People heading towards to 2020. We encourage all First Nations People of Australia to take part in this event by attending and have your voice heard, this event enables delegates to develop their own road map for the future and therefore, a framework that could be utilised in developing programs within your own community. Self-determination is only words, for after all, the important thing is the practice, implementation and drive, that us as individuals and First Nations Peoples have at our fingertips.
With the concept of knowledge is power, the core belief of the conference is the dissemination of information which provides power for clear and decisive thinking and planning. What drives many of the discussions and debates around land rights, culture, justice, health and education, is the empowerment that indigenous communities impart to our First Nations leaders. This gathering also offers a unique opportunity to both delegates and speakers to meet, ground and establish contact with a wide diversity of First Nations Peoples from grass roots communities to our Indigenous politicians and leaders. The location of the conference is scheduled for Canberra, not by accident.
The event is located in Canberra, so even if politicians or parliament do not attend, the indigenous voices from around Australia will not be able to be ignored. It is with this in mind we invite indigenous and non-indigenous people to become part of this event.
Today with the introduction of the internet and Jet Travel the world has become much smaller but more complex in the pursuit of information. In our every day working life we develop a local network and as such, this event will provide delegates, Communities, Government Departments the opportunity to learn and engage with individuals, organisations, families and communities from not only state, nationally but also internationally. The conference aims to develop creative collaboration, building bridges between agencies.
THE CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
To promote a positive future in the years leading to 2020
To promote Aboriginal self determination and self management
To promote further First Nations economic, social and cultural development
To highlight that First Nations Peoples are intricate part of the Australian fabric
To highlight that we have not only survived as a people
To promote our culture, our songs, our history and our future
To promote leadership in Indigenous communities
To highlight First Nations Peoples are succeeding
To promote First Nations Peoples will remain a part of Australian society well past 2020
Capture, disseminate educational knowledge and consolidate the latest developments
Strengthen the existing networks of practitioners, policymakers, planners
THE WHY ATTEND
The Black Thunder Towards 2020 National Conference presents an invaluable opportunity for individuals and communities to participate and share their stories, knowledge, challenges and experiences. Furthermore, the conference is envisage to be the largest gathering of First Nations people in Australia for 2018. In our everyday working environment, the day to day stresses of our roles tends to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking opportunities. Whether you work at a community level or at a governmental level, the opportunity to network and gain contacts outside your local region tends to be limited, this is why this conference will be invaluable to participants.
• Lawyers, Legal Officers & Prison Officers
• Health workers and professionals
• Indigenous professional bodies and other organisations
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
• Aboriginal Legal Services, Aboriginal Community Organisations
• Education and Training bodies and organisations
• Policy makers
• Law enforcement workers
• Community representatives
• Government – Local, State/Territory and Commonwealth
• Aboriginal Youth Engagement Officers, Police Liaison Officers
• Students & Teachers
• All Interested Individuals with interest in Indigenous Affairs
The Black Thunder Towards 2020 National Conference is designed as an educational tool for healing and professional development. ICS wishes to invite Indigenous and non-indigenous people from Australia and internationally to attend the conference to share and gather information in Canberra. We also extend an invitation to participants to join us at the conference dinner in a relaxed atmosphere conducive to networking and sharing experiences.
SHARE AND CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS STORIES/EXPERIENCES
Come and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengths, successes and empowerment. So that we may share each other’s stories and ideas in an atmosphere that empowers and strengthens all delegates.
THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER
As an employee, professional development is an ongoing process and needs to be kept continually updated with the latest industry trends and methodology. Listed below are valid points that can be put forward to the employer to justify your attendance at the conference.
Staff attending conferences regularly tends to become long term employees.
An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training.
Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisations knowledge base.
Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
Provide opportunities for organisations to develop new ideas and program innovations.
Gives organisations a voice at a national level.
Provide an opportunity to evaluate various programs
The event is conducted over a 2 or 3 day period, hence staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.
Canberra is Australia’s capital, inland from the country's southeast coast. Surrounded by forest, farmland and nature reserves, it earns its nickname, the "Bush Capital.” The city's focal point is Lake Burley Griffin, filled with sailboats and kayaks. On the lake shore is the massive, strikingly modern Parliament House, as well as museums including the National Gallery, known for its Indigenous art collections. When you visit Canberra, prepare to experience one good thing after another. Because whether it’s world-class wining and dining, iconic national treasures or breathtaking adventures, everything you’re after is just moments away.
2. TRAVEL: We have engaged Helloworld (formerly Harvey World Travel) Hervey Bay to negotiate with all the relevant airlines for special or discounted airfare rates.
One of the prohibitive factors in attending a conference is the airfare component. Our company strives in making our event a lesser burden on the individual or organisation by negotiating competitive and affordable travel packages. When asking for a quote through Helloworld Travel (Hervey Bay) you must pick:
Airfares & Accommodation
Helloworld Travel (Hervey Bay) can be contacted on 07 41281900 Toll free 1800 688993
Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) also recognises that some NGOs or other agencies will need to seek additional funding to attend, therefore Helloworld Travel (Hervey Bay) quotation can be made out to either pay ASAP or to take into account the time that is required to obtain funding. Further advantage to using Hello World Travel for your airfares is that if something goes wrong, you have greater access to your travel agent, if required.
INTERNATIONAL DELEGATION: VISA TO AUSTRALIA
If you are an international guest or speaker, please note that citizens of some countries require visas before entering Australia. To obtain an Australian Visa, you may require a letter of invite from the conference secretariat. To obtain the letter of invitation, the guest must have registered for the conference and paid the required conference cost. This is refundable if visas are not approve, you should allow a minimum of 60 days for visa processing at the nearest Australian Embassy. Please note, processing visa documents in some countries may take longer, depending on your country of origin. Visas can be obtained online by searching the Australian Government website and accessing the Department Of Immigration and border protection site. For your convenience we have added the link to our website, which is www.border.gov.au/information/facet-sheets.