The ACWA Conference is now widely regarded as a seminal event on the calendar for child and family practitioners, policy personnel, researchers and academics. This year’s conference however is rather more special than most in that it provides an opportunity to celebrate 50 years of ACWA and we look forward to welcoming those who may be new to the sector or haven’t had the opportunity to attend before.

Our many partner organisations; both government and non-government ensure that there is a breadth and depth to the keynote speakers, the papers, the workshops, the Management and Leadership Institute and the Master classes. Of our partners I would specifically like to highlight the indispensable contribution of Elizabeth Fernandez from UNSW, who as Chair of the Scientific Program Committee and keynote liaison, will ensure the high quality and integrity of our program.

We look to the ACWA Conference to be influential, challenging, thought provoking in a way that encourages the lateral, which looks to positive change for vulnerable children and families and connects those who seek to achieve this, the effects of which we hope will sustain practitioners and policy makers alike, long after the conference has concluded.

The 2008 agenda will bring together eminent internationally renowned keynotes from Australia and overseas. Our overseas keynotes this year are Jonathan Bradshaw: University of York, Diane DePanfilis: University of Maryland, Cindy Blackstock: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, Robert Chaskin: University of Chicago and Mark Courtney: University of Washington.

The 2008 Management and Leadership Institute will have specific focus on engaging the next generation of leaders, in discussing ethical leadership and confronting the challenges posed to civil society organisation by climate change. Again eminent speakers from overseas and Australia will explore the challenges and opportunities that all these issues present.

Our social program will be one not to be missed culminating in the ACWA 50th Anniversary party and Conference dinner to be hosted by Julie McCrossin. This will be a time to celebrate and reminisce with colleagues past and present on the achievement, which is ACWA, and muse as to what the future may hold.

I do hope you can join with us for this significant event, to have fun, be challenged and affirmed, renew old acquaintances and meet others who share your vision of a truly civil society.

Maree Walk
Conference Chair

Conference Venue Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour The ACWA 2008 Conference will be held in the Bayside area of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Offering first class facilities to delegates and presenters attending the Conference, the Convention Centre is situated on the waterfront of Darling Harbour, just a short stroll from the heart of the city. As the focal point of Darling Harbour, the Convention Centre is within walking distance to accommodation, restaurants, shops and various visitor attractions. Frequent monorail and light rail services link the Darling Harbour area to the city centre.