Ovens Murray Child & Family Services Alliance

CFECFW - Protect, Share, Support: Understanding Family Violence in Disability Services
2026-04-14 09:30 - 13:30 UTC
14 April, Online | More info
Designed for disability support services outside MARAM, this workshop shares best‑practice guidance on responding to family violence, including information sharing and privacy.
Online– 14 April 2026, 9.30am to 1.30pm, Cost :$260 inc. GST

Safe and Equal - Responding to Disclosures
2026-04-17 09:30 - 12:30
This three-hour virtual interactive training provides foundational knowledge in understanding family violence and responding to disclosures of family violence.
It prepares participants to recognise indicators of family violence, ask questions and provide a safe, simple and sensitive response to a disclosure from an adult victim survivor experiencing family violence.

Online via Zoom
🎟️ AUD $180 (+GST) 10% discount for member organisations
👉 Register here

CFECFW - Putting MARAM into Practice
2026-04-21 09:30 - 13:30
ONLINE
Putting into Practice MARAM training, a 4 hour workshop for all workforces best suited to those with intermediate responsibilities to develop their confidence in working with people experiencing family violence and to build their MARAM skills and understanding.
Register here

Centre for Community Child Health - Working in Partnership with Families
2026-04-21 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-28 16:00 - 17:30
Working in Partnership with Families
Overview
This workshop will equip you to identify and use strategies that support a partnership approach within and across family services.
Why choose Working in Partnership with Families?
Working in Partnership draws on the evidence-based Family Partnership Model, an approach that fosters respectful collaboration between parents and professionals striving towards shared goals.

Increase your understanding of engagement and partnership as concepts that influence your practice.
Build your awareness of the worker and service characteristics that support engagement and working in partnership.
Learn how to identify and use tools and strategies that support a partnership approach within and across family services.

Reflections from past participants
‘Very interactive. I enjoyed the meaningful questions, activities and group discussions.’
Duration

2x 1.5-hour sessions
Also available as a half-day, one-day or two-day workshop.

Dates
21 April and 28 April 2026
Delivery
Online
Cost
$268.00
Time
4PM to 5.30PM
Contact
For further information or to enquire about tailoring a workshop to meet the needs of your organisation, please email us at training.ccch@rch.org.au
Participation
All training is participatory and highly interactive. Participants attending online workshops are asked to have cameras turned on throughout the session with a preference for one participant per screen.

Register now

VCOSS - AI and digital transformation in Victoria
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:00
Online
The VCOSS Compliance and Operations Network is a space for staff in senior operations, risk, compliance and HR roles to come together and share experiences and learnings.
Staff from VCOSS members organisations can get advice and different perspectives on issues affecting the sector, including workforce, funding and financial sustainability, IT and data, regulation and more. Meetings are held online every two months.
The next meeting of the Network will focus on AI and digital transformation in Victoria. We are delighted to have the Gradient Institute come and speak to members about responsible AI use in the community sector.
For VCOSS members
Network membership is subject to verification of VCOSS membership.
Join the VCOSS Compliance and Operations Network here.

Navigating the NDIS online training - Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
2026-04-23 10:00 - 15:00
Course Overview
This workshop provides hands-on, practical training for professionals working in the child and family sector who support NDIS participants or their carers.
It runs for four hours in total and is delivered in two separate two-hour sessions. You can choose to attend both sessions on the same day or spread them across two different days – whatever suits your schedule best
Learning Outcomes
An explanation of how the NDIS is designed to work, including the many assumptions built into it about families and children with a disability.
Clear explanation of the roles and responsibilities of child and family sector staff in working with families with disability.
Parental perspectives on the experience of caring for a child with disability.
Tips and techniques to help support vulnerable families as they navigate the NDIS, from access to review and appeal.
An introduction to the wide network of support and advocacy organisations around the NDIS.
These sessions offer insider knowledge about how decisions are made within the NDIS. You’ll gain valuable insights into how disability is defined, the types of evidence that impact decision-making, and the language that helps achieve the best outcomes.
We also provide practical templates and tools to support you in collecting information and clearly communicating the needs of children, parents, and carers to NDIS decision-makers.
Navigating the NDIS – Session one: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Navigating the NDIS – Session two: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
To register, follow the link below and select ‘NDIS’ in the program field.
REGISTER

Take Two Berry Street - Trauma Responsive Infant Work
2026-04-27 09:30 - 16:00
Online
Overview
Infants exposed to violence and other traumatic events, including significant neglect, are most vulnerable to profound, enduring impacts of these experiences, unless interventions occur to remediate these impacts as early as possible. This workshop will support practitioners working with vulnerable infants (0-5 years) and their caregivers, to:

define the concept of Infant Mental Health and learn the key Take Two principles for working with vulnerable infants
understand the 5 key elements for optimal infant development
understand the neurobiology of in utero and early infant development; the role of caregiving in forming relational neurobiology; the neurobiology of toxic stress in infancy
the Take Two framework for infant carer assessment and intervention.

Participants will be provided with a range of tools and resources to support their work with infants and caregivers.
Book now

CFECFW - MARAM Training for the Education Workforce
2026-04-28 09:30 - 13:30
Online
The Centre, in partnership with The Department of Education, is delivering free and interactive family violence MARAM training to education workforces, online and in person held in metropolitan and regional areas throughout Victoria up until June 2026.
REGISTER HERE

Safe and Equal - Case Notes, Family Violence and the Law
2026-04-29 09:15 - 16:30
Designed for family violence specialist practitioners and leaders, this course will cover the purpose of case notes, what should be recorded, documenting risk, privacy, legal issues, subpoenas and how to appear as a witness in court.
At the end of this full-day training, you will have increased your knowledge of best practices for the structure, style and language of case notes and broader confidentially and legal matters.
This training is delivered in partnership with Women’s Legal Service Victoria.
Online via Zoom
🎟️ AUD $380 (+GST) 10% discount for member organisations
👉 Register here

Berry Street - Holding Hope in Disability & Child and Family Services
2026-05-01 09:00 - 13:00
Online
Delivered by Josie van der Wal, Professional Lead, Specialist Behaviour Support & Psychology at Berry Street Yooralla, Holding Hope is a 4-hour webinar designed for practitioners in disability and child/family services who want practical tools to strengthen their work with families.
Grounded in evidence that shows outcomes improve when we build on protective factors, the session invites participants to pause, reflect, and rediscover what sustains families — and themselves — in complex systems.
The session integrates evidence-based frameworks, theory and validated assessment tools for protective factors and hope, and demonstrates how to adapt these into creative, strengths-based practices. Participants will leave with creative strategies they can apply immediately, along with decision-making guides for when and how to use these approaches. Through creative reflection, discussion, and practical activities, participants will explore how to translate theory into every day, culturally safe practices that build protective factors, nurture connection, and sustain professional hope.
Learning Outcomes

Explain the core concepts of hope, resilience, and protective factors, and how these shape outcomes for children, families, and practitioners.
Understand evidence-informed approaches and tools that help recognise and build protective factors in disability and child/family contexts.
Apply a protective-factor lens to everyday work, using creative, strength-based practices, and relational methods that make assessment and planning more strengths-based and culturally safe.
Reflect on barriers and opportunities for embedding hope-focused and strengths-based approaches within complex service systems.
Practitioners reconnect with their own sense of professional hope, anchor self-care and purpose to sustain reflective, compassionate practice.

Who Should Attend?

Disability practitioners (therapists, behaviour support practitioners, support coordinators, allied health staff).
Child and family service practitioners (case workers, family support, OOHC/child protection staff, early intervention).
Leaders, supervisors, and team managers seeking frameworks to support staff resilience and strengths-based practice.
Community service workers who engage directly with families under pressure.
Policy, program, and quality staff interested in embedding protective factor and hope-based approaches in systems and service design.

Book now

Webinar: Uniting - How can services enable a healthy village?
2026-05-04 10:30 - 11:30
Across Australia, family services are being reshaped, with significant changes proposed to how support is organised and delivered.
This Uniting Families Report webinar, which will be held on Monday 4 May, 10.30am-11.30am (AEST), brings together insights from the Uniting Families Report ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ with what is currently being seen in practice across different communities, family types and states.
Uniting NSW.ACT, Uniting Vic.Tas and UnitingSA will share experiences from services supporting families to connect, build confidence and access help earlier.
These service spotlights will explore what a ‘village’ looks like in practice through community-based programs and relational supports.
The session will also include time to connect with others working with families and communities, and a live Q&A with the speakers.

REGISTER

OMFVP - TOGETHER IN PRACTICE
2026-05-06 10:00 - 13:00
Location: WODONGA
Part A: ‘Your role in the framework. Collaborative risk assessment and information sharing’
This two-part training is open to all professionals in the Ovens Murray Region who respond to family violence. It is designed to support your understanding of your responsibilities under the MARAM Framework, with a focus on collaborative risk assessment and information sharing.
This is not a risk assessment training but forms an integral part of the MARAM suite if training for professionals. Participants will explore their roles in the framework, strengthen regional connections and apply learning to place based scenarios.
More information and enrol here

Berry Street - Working with Infants and Parents where there is a Mental Illness
2026-05-11 09:30 - 12:30
Online
Partnering with Austin Health.
Delivered by Professor Anne Buist and Polly Cox from Austin Health, this webinar will examine the likely impact of serious mental illness on parenting capacity, its effects on the developing infant and the attachment relationship, as well as possible interventions to achieve the best outcome for parent and Infant.
Who should attend?
Practitioners working in child protection, mental health, foster care, early parenting centres, maternal child health, private practice and family support agencies.
Book now

A Decade of change - Turning Reform into Results
2026-05-12 08:00 - 2026-05-13 17:00
REGISTER HERE

Safe and Equal - Unpacking Resistance
2026-05-13 09:30 - 15:30
This one-day training helps you manage interpersonal pushback in primary prevention work. The course provides practical skills to turn resistance into a catalyst for change, using real world examples and role-play to build confidence in navigating difficult conversations.
🗺️ Online via Zoom
🎟️ AUD $300
👉 Register here

OMFVP - TOGETHER IN PRACTICE
2026-05-13 10:00 - 13:00
LOCATION: WODONGA
Part B: ‘Shared Risk, shared responses. Risk management and safety planning’
This two-part training is open to all professionals in the Ovens Murray Region who respond to family violence. It is designed to support your understanding of your responsibilities under the MARAM Framework, with a focus on collaborative risk assessment and information sharing.
This is not a risk assessment training but forms an integral part of the MARAM suite if training for professionals. Participants will explore their roles in the framework, strengthen regional connections and apply learning to place based scenarios.
More information and enrol here

FRSA National Conference 2026 - Showcasing practice.evidence.impact
2026-05-18 08:00 - 2026-05-21 17:00
Registration details are available on the Conference website including registration and pre-conference workshop rates.
Register for the FRSA National Conference 2026, which will be held in Brisbane 18-21 May.
The FRSA National Conference 2026 provides a platform to showcase and learn from on the ground practice, policy, and research. The Conference is the must-attend event for anyone passionate about family and relationship services.
Registration details

OMFVP - TOGETHER IN PRACTICE
2026-05-19 10:00 - 13:00
Location: WANGARATTA
Part A: ‘Your role in the framework. Collaborative risk assessment and information sharing’
This two-part training is open to all professionals in the Ovens Murray Region who respond to family violence. It is designed to support your understanding of your responsibilities under the MARAM Framework, with a focus on collaborative risk assessment and information sharing.
This is not a risk assessment training but forms an integral part of the MARAM suite if training for professionals. Participants will explore their roles in the framework, strengthen regional connections and apply learning to place based scenarios.
More information and enrol here

OMFVP-TOGETHER IN PRACTICE
2026-05-26 10:00 - 13:00
LOCATION: WANGARATTA
Part B: ‘Shared Risk, shared responses. Risk management and safety planning’
This two-part training is open to all professionals in the Ovens Murray Region who respond to family violence. It is designed to support your understanding of your responsibilities under the MARAM Framework, with a focus on collaborative risk assessment and information sharing.
This is not a risk assessment training but forms an integral part of the MARAM suite if training for professionals. Participants will explore their roles in the framework, strengthen regional connections and apply learning to place based scenarios.
More information and enrol here

Take Two Berry Street - Facilitating Reflective Practice
2026-06-02 09:30 - 16:00
Online
This workshop will help participants answer the question, “what is reflective practice?” by exploring definitions and introducing the Take Two approach to reflective group work.
Reflective Practice groups are increasingly used within human services to assist professionals to improve practice. Despite this, the function and structure of many such groups remains ill-defined. This workshop will help participants answer the question, “what is reflective practice?” by exploring definitions and introducing the Take Two approach to reflective group work. This draws upon key principles of trauma-informed practice to effectively facilitate professional groups, particularly those working with service users experiencing adversity. Group safety, including cultural safety, is explored as a central construct, along with consideration of the facilitator role. Support is provided to plan and run groups from establishment to closure, including evaluation. We will also think about the phases within each reflective practice session, and provide practical advice about supporting progress through these to bring group members into a state of reflection.
Learning objectives

to acquire the skills to design and run both face to face and on-line reflective groups
to have knowledge and tools to manage and facilitate a reflective practice group throughout its duration, from establishment to closure
to know and select from three reflective practice models to use within sessions
to provide for the cultural safety and regulatory needs of reflective practice group participants
to plan for and implement an approach to group evaluation that suits your unique context.

Book now

Blue Knot Foundation - Using a Trauma Lens when working with Domestic and Family Violence
2026-06-18 09:00 - 16:30
Our Using a Trauma Lens when working with Domestic and Family Violence training program provides trauma-informed knowledge and practical skills for professionals working with individuals who have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV). Participants will develop a deeper understanding of complex trauma and how experiences of DFV can impact wellbeing, behaviour and relationships.
Online
Register

Take Two Berry Street - Trauma Informed Practice Applications
2026-06-30 09:30 - 16:00
Online
Presenting key concepts from Dr Bruce D. Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™ (NMT™), this workshop will support participants to understand early neurodevelopment and provide Practice applications of these critical principles into their day-to-day work.
Understanding the impact of trauma on early development, and how to intervene in trauma-informed ways, is critical to professionals working with vulnerable children, young people and families. This training presents the key concepts drawn on by Take Two to inform their therapeutic assessment and interventions. Content includes concepts from Dr Bruce D. Perry’s Neurosequential Model of TherapeuticsTM (NMTTM), a key framework in which Take Two is site-certified.
Learning objectives

understanding of the sequential nature of early neurodevelopment
understanding of the development of the stress response system
understanding of the impact of trauma and neglect on development and how that manifests in behaviour and day-to-day functioning
key principles that support effective, developmentally- and relationally-informed interventions.

Who should attend?
Professionals working with children, young people and families from a range of sectors – Child Protection, Out of Home Care, Family Services, Family Violence, Mental Health, Adoption and Permanent Care, Youth Services.
Book now

AIFS Conference 2026 - CHANGING FAMILIES IN CHANGING TMES
2026-09-09 09:00 - 2026-09-11 17:00
The 18th biennial AIFS Conference will bring together government, practitioners and key researchers to explore how policies, programs and systems need to evolve so that families – in all their diversity – can flourish in a rapidly changing world.
As Australia’s leading national event on family wellbeing, the conference showcases the latest evidence and ideas shaping the lives of families, with a strong focus on translating research into real-world policy and practice impact.
Details
Theme: Changing Families in Changing Times
Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River) in Naarm
Contact: conferences@aifs.gov.au
REGISTER NOW

VHA 2026 Conference - Our impact, our future.
2026-10-20 08:30 - 2026-10-21 17:00 | Pullman Melbourne on the Park
Over two days, we’ll explore the theme ‘Our impact, our future’.
Day 1 features a ministerial and keynote address, masterclass on adaptive leadership and finishes with social events including the Welcome Reception and VHA Member CEO and Board Chair dinner.
On day 2 we look ahead to the future of our healthcare system, with a range of expert speakers and panel discussions exploring health service governance, community health and workforce sustainability and more.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn and connect with over 350 leaders from across Victoria’s publicly funded healthcare sector. Early bird registrations are available for members now until 11.59pm Sunday 31 May, secure your place now.
Venue: Pullman Melbourne on the Park
Register now

INTERNATIONAL Freedom From Sexual Violence - Inaugural Summit
2026-11-04 08:30 - 2026-11-06 17:00
Held in Melbourne from 4-6 November 2026, the Inaugural International Freedom from Sexual Violence Summit is for all those committed to making freedom from sexual violence a reality, from frontline workers to educators, business leaders and researchers.
This three-day event is hosted by Sexual Assault Services Victoria (SASVic), the peak body for Victoria’s 19 specialist sexual assault and harmful sexual behaviour services.
Hear from up to 100 global and local speakers, including:

Professor Fiona Vera Gray (UK)
Professor Michael Salter (AUS)
Brittany Higgins (AUS)
Professor Carlene Firmin (UK)
Irene Zeilinger (BEL)
Hennah Joku (PNG)
Professor Nicola Gavey (NZ)
And more to be announced.

SASVic is holding an End of Financial Year Sale where you can save up to $545 per ticket. The sale ends 31 May.
Purchase your tickets or find more information about the Summit here

Sexual Assault Services Victoria - International Freedom from Sexual Violence Inaugural Summit
2026-11-04 09:00 - 2026-11-06 17:00
4-6 November | Melbourne | Register here
Sexual violence affects every part of society. This summit brings together practitioners, advocates, leaders and researchers to drive collective change across prevention, response and recovery.

Australian Childhood Foundation - International Childhood Trauma Conference
2027-08-01 08:30 - 2027-08-06 17:00
Join us for the sixth biennial International Childhood Trauma Conference 2027, from harm to hope: collective pathways to trauma transformation.
A week of learning, connection and shared purpose bringing together leading voices from across the globe committed to trauma-informed practice, healing and transformation.
ICTC 2027 will explore how we can better support children, young people and families impacted by trauma, and what it means to create pathways from harm to hope.
With flexible ticket options including 1, 3, 4 and 5 day registrations, you can tailor your conference experience to suit your learning goals and schedule!
The 2027 program will feature:
✓ Keynote presentations
✓ Advanced masterclasses
✓ Interactive workshops
✓ Symposium sessions & much more
Whether you are returning to the conference or joining us for the first time, ICTC 2027 offers a unique opportunity to connect with a global community with a shared commitment to transforming the lives of children and adults impacted by childhood trauma.
FIND OUT MORE
REGISTER NOW
