Sponsorship and Exhibitor Terms and Conditions

2025 National Foster & Kinship Care Conference
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Terms and Conditions

2025 Conference Terms – Sponsors & Exhibitors

Adopt Change is proud to host the 2025 National Foster and Kinship Care Conference.
These Terms and Conditions apply to all organisations or individuals participating as Sponsors and/or Exhibitors at the 2025 National Foster and Kinship Care Conference (the Conference), hosted by Adopt Change Limited (Adopt Change) unless a different arrangement has been entered into.
For full sponsorship and exhibitor booth inclusions, please carefully review our Sponsorship Prospectus.

BOOKING AND ACCEPTANCE

All sponsorship and exhibitor applications are subject to approval by Adopt Change. We reserve the right to decline applications that we reasonably believe may conflict with the purpose, values or reputation of the Conference and/or Adopt Changes work.
Acceptance of an application is confirmed only upon written confirmation from Adopt Change and full payment of the relevant fee.
Booth space and sponsorship benefits are allocated based on sponsorship level as set out in our Sponsorship Prospectus.

PAYMENT TERMS

Payment must be made in full within the time stated on the tax invoice issued to you by Adopt Change.
Failure to make payment by the due date may result in cancellation of the booking and reallocation of the booth space or sponsorship.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

Exhibitor Booths

Any request to cancel must be submitted in writing to conferences@adoptchange.org.au as soon as possible and at least 14 days prior to the commencement of the Conference.
No refunds will be issued unless the booth space can be resold.
Adopt Change reserve the right to charge an administrative fee of 25%.
Adopt Change reserves the right to cancel an Exhibitor or Sponsor’s participation at any time if payment is not received, or if conduct is deemed harmful, offensive or inconsistent with the values of the Conference. In such cases, no refund will be payable.

Sponsorship Packages

If a Sponsor chooses to cancel their sponsorship for any reason, they must notify Adopt Change in writing to conferences@adoptchange.org.auas soon as possible.
Refunds are at the discretion of Adopt Change and will only be considered if the sponsorship package can be resold and no sponsor benefits have been provided.
Adopt Change reserve the right to charge an administrative fee of 25%.

SPONSOR AND EXHIBITOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Sponsors and Exhibitors are responsible for:
a. Supplying all artwork, logos, copy, signage or digital assets by the deadlines provided.
b. Ensuring that any promotional material or staff conduct is appropriate and respectful.
c. Ensuring their booth or display does not interfere with adjacent exhibitors or present safety risks.
d. Complying with all applicable laws and venue regulations, including those relating to health, safety, fire prevention, and accessibility.
Adopt Change reserves the right to:
a. Alter the floor plan or location of booths without notice.
b. Remove or require changes to any exhibit or materials deemed inappropriate or unsafe.
If the materials referred to on 13.a. above are not received by their due date, their incorporation into Conference event materials cannot be guaranteed. The value of these entitlements will not be refunded in this circumstance.

INSURANCE AND RISK

All Exhibitors must obtain and keep in force during the term of the installation and the use of the exhibit premises, policies of Comprehensive General Public & Products Liability Insurance for personal injury and property damage.
All property brought to the venue is at the Sponsor or Exhibitor’s own risk. Adopt Change accept no responsibility for damage, theft or loss.
Exhibitors are responsible for insuring their own equipment and materials.
The Exhibitor acknowledges that Adopt Change does not hold insurance for goods and materials that belong to the Exhibitor.
The Exhibitor agrees to provide evidence of this insurance upon request by Adopt Change or the venue.
The Sponsor/Exhibitor is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, bylaws, regulations, requirements, codes and standards including those with respect to fire, safety, health and environmental matters and must ensure that all equipment, materials and goods used by the Sponsor/Exhibitor do comply.

INDEMNITY AND LIABILITY

Sponsors and Exhibitors agree to indemnify and hold harmless Adopt Change, its staff, contractors and the venue from any claims, losses, damages or expenses arising from their participation in the Conference.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Adopt Change is not liable for any indirect or consequential loss or for any personal injury, property damage or financial loss incurred by a Sponsor or Exhibitor.
This indemnity does not apply to losses arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Adopt Change or its employees.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Sponsors and Exhibitors grant Adopt Change a royalty-free licence to use their name, logo and supplied materials for the purposes of promotion and delivery of the Conference.

EVENT CHANGES OR CANCELLATION

While every effort will be made to deliver the event as advertised, Adopt Change reserves the right to change the event format, dates, venue or program due to unforeseen circumstances.
If the Conference is cancelled entirely, a refund will be provided to sponsors and exhibitors, minus any reasonable expenses already incurred.
Adopt Change is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by sponsors or exhibitors due to changes or cancellation.

CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR

All Sponsors and Exhibitors must conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner. Offensive, discriminatory or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated.
Adopt Change reserves the right to remove any Sponsor, Exhibitor or representative who breaches this clause. No refunds will be issued.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Sponsors and Exhibitors must adhere to move-in and move-out schedules and any other instructions issued by the conference staff.
The conference staff reserve the right to make changes to these hours; however, such changes will be made known to Exhibitors as far in advance as possible.
Bump-in/bump-out times and exhibition opening hours will be communicated in writing. No exhibits may be dismantled before the advertised close time.
Any food or beverage sampling must be pre-approved and comply with venue policies and relevant food safety regulations.
These Terms and Conditions are current as at July 2025 and may be updated from time to time. Sponsors and Exhibitors will be notified of any material changes.

GENERAL

Adopt Change shall not be held responsible for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under these Terms and Conditions where such delay or failure is caused by events beyond its reasonable control (including natural disasters, strikes, pandemic-related shutdowns or other acts of government).
If a dispute arises between Adopt Change and a Sponsor or Exhibitor, both parties agree to first try to resolve it by negotiation between senior representatives of each party. If the dispute is not resolved within 14 days, the parties agree to try to resolve it through mediation before taking any legal action. The mediation will be held in New South Wales and each party will pay their own costs.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. By participating as a Sponsor or Exhibitor at the Conference, you agree to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales in relation to any dispute arising under or in connection with these Terms and Conditions.

Founder

Deborra-lee Furness is an internationally acclaimed actress as well as a passionate supporter of children and defender of their human rights across the globe. Deborra-lee’s humanitarian work for children is a driving force in her life.

It is her passion that children all over the world be given every chance to live a fulfilled life and achieve their full potential. As founder of National Adoption Awareness Month (NAAM) and Adopt Change in Australia, Deborra-lee has been a driving force for improving adoption programs, procedures and legislation, and raising awareness and understanding of the issues of vulnerable children.

She is Patron of the Lighthouse Foundation for displaced children in Melbourne Australia; World Vision Ambassador, Patron of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute for children with leukemia; Patron of International Adoptive Families of Queensland; she sits on the board of World Wide Orphans Australia and is newly appointed on the board of the UN Women for Peace Association in New York. Deborra-lee has been honoured extensively both in Australia and internationally for her work to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable children.

For her advocacy work she has been honoured by World Wide Orphans in New York, The Joint Council USA and in 2013 was given the prestigious award of Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in Washington DC. Harlem Village Academies honoured Deborra-lee and her husband Hugh for their philanthropy work in 2012. She was presented with 2014 International Humanitarian Award in Utah by Mentors International. She was named NSW Australian of the Year 2015. Also in 2015, Deborra-lee was honoured in Washington as Advocate of the Year by Kidsave.

Deborra-lee is the co-founder of the newly launched Hopeland organisation which is a US-based platform driving awareness around the issue of vulnerable children. The mission of Hopeland is to ensure children belong in loving families. Hopeland is about family strengthening and community empowerment and driving creative solutions for vulnerable and abandoned children globally.

Journalist and TV Presenter

Celebrating over three decades at the network, Network 10’s Entertainment Editor Angela Bishop, has established herself as a prominent identity within the Australian and international entertainment media.

Angela’s reputation and credibility is such that she is often called upon by international broadcasters to report on events happening within Australia. Angela has reported on Michael Jackson’s Sydney wedding to Debbie Rowe, the wedding of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban and covered Princess Diana’s 1996 tour of Australia where she was invited to interview the Princess.

Her biggest interview to date was with Oprah Winfrey during her Ultimate Australian Adventure. She also scored a rare interview with Borat, the alter ego of comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, that went viral.

In 2014, Angela wrote and presented a behind the scenes look at hit comedy show Modern Family who were filming down under for a special holiday episode and in 2018, she was invited to The Bold and The Beautiful Los Angeles studios to reprise her role as JJ, who she first played when the show filmed in Australia.

Angela’s renowned work ethic, integrity and professionalism sees her regularly invited to interview the stars and creators of music, film and television all over the world. Her extensive list of celebrity interviews includes Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Drew Barrymore, Angelina Jolie, Susan Sarandon, Jack Nicholson, Daniel Craig, Cate Blanchett, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Robin Williams, Elton John, Rihanna, Britney Spears and Mick Jagger.

Angela can be seen covering the major red carpet events around the world including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. She is also called upon by movie companies to host Australian premieres and media conferences.

Angela joined Network 10 as a general news reporter in 1989 and in 1994, she was appointed 10’s Entertainment Reporter. As well as filing stories for 10 News First, Angela regularly reported on Good Morning Australia with TV legend Bert Newton, and in 1998 became one of the founding cast members of The Panel.

Richard Rose

Director and Founder, TLSWi, United Kingdom

Richard Rose (U.K.) is the Director and Founder of Therapeutic Life Story Work International (TLSWi). TLSWi provides consultancy and training on Therapeutic Life Story Work and working with ‘hard to reach’ children and adolescents and develops academic training programmes in the UK and Internationally. TLSW is the only evidenced based Life Story Model in the World, TLSWi also is the professional body for Therapeutic Life Story Work and engages in research, supervision and professional development of all members.

Richard has worked with traumatised children and families since he was 17 years old, and in that time has been shaped by those he has journeyed with over the last 42 years. He qualified in Social Work in 1989 and since then worked in the UK in local authority child protection and from 1997 with the highly regarded residential therapeutic treatment agency SACCS, including four years as the Clinical Practice Director of the Mary Walsh Institute.

Throughout his career, Richard has worked with children and their families in out of home care and within birth family placements, with the aim of enabling these placements to become healthy and nurturing.

Richard is a regular visitor to Australia where he is an and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe University, Melbourne and Honorary Associate of the Berry Street, Melbourne. He is a regular visitor to the USA, where he has presented for Portland State University, and currently for DHS Oregon and ORPARC (Adoption Services).

Richard is the author of The Child’s Own Story – Life Story Work with Traumatised Children (2004); Life Story Therapy with Traumatised Children – A Model for Practice (2012) and Innovative Therapeutic Life Story Work (2017). Chapters in publications such as Children in Care and various papers within University Press. His latest book on Relational Practice will be published in 2025 by Jessica Kingsley Publications.

In 2020 he founded Therapeutic Life Story Work International (TLSWi) and this has developed into a leading professional community that has members across the World. This year, Richard has launched THEiA (Trauma, Health and Education International Academy) and within this new academy he will be offering 1600 funded places a year in the UK and 1600 funded places internationally for carers to complete a new certificate programme based on the Rose Model of Therapeutic Care – The Care Excellence Programme. It is envisioned that this will be a 10-year programme in the UK and Internationally and train 32000 carers.

Workshop title
Communicating with Traumatised Children

Jason May

Bawamarra Cultural Services

I am a proud Wiradjuri man from the Binjang clan of Wellington, NSW. My early years were shaped by a deep connection to my culture, which grew into a profound respect and passion for learning and teaching cultural knowledge as I matured. Understanding the healing power of cultural connection became a cornerstone of my personal and professional journey, particularly in my early adult years.

Family is central to my life; I am a devoted husband and father of five beautiful children, or galin gabangbur. Being the best father, I can be is a guiding principle in everything I do.

My personal journey has been marked by significant challenges, including growing up in a household with physical, verbal, and psychological violence, substance abuse, and the trauma of sexual abuse. These experiences led me to a difficult path in my early adult years, struggling with issues like alcohol and sex addiction. However, at the age of 27, after separating from my older children’s mother, I began a journey of self-healing, growth, and recovery. This journey has been supported by regular therapy and a commitment to helping others who have faced similar challenges. My wife has been an incredible source of support and inspiration, helping me realize the importance of my Indigenous identity and the healing power of culture, purpose, and connection.

In 2022, I co-founded Bawamarra Cultural Services, an Indigenous-owned business dedicated to providing culturally centred, holistic, and therapeutic mentoring to children and youth, particularly those in out-of-home care (OOHC) and involved with the justice system. At Bawamarra, we believe that mentoring can have a transformative impact, not just on individuals but on communities as a whole. We offer a range of services, including cultural consultation, cultural supervision, and the development and delivery of tailored cultural awareness education packages. Our cultural immersion programs and workshops are designed to foster genuine cultural understanding and respect within workplaces and communities.

Our work at Bawamarra is rooted in the principles of Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), integrating psychological expertise with Indigenous spirituality and lived experiences. In recognition of our innovative approach, Bawamarra Cultural Services proudly received the 2023 Innovate with NBN Co Australia Indigenous Business Award. We collaborate on academic projects aimed at enhancing SEWB outcomes for Indigenous children and youth in OOHC, working alongside esteemed professionals like Manisha Abayakoon-Stanborough and Debbie Haynes from the DCJ. We also receive ongoing support from Dr. Gordon Reid MP, which strengthens our impact and reach in the community.

My professional journey includes roles such as Cultural Educator and Mentor with Dhinewan Mentoring, various positions with the DCJ, including Indigenous Senior Project Officer, and an Environmental Health Officer with Central Coast Local Health District. Additionally, I founded the Central Coast Men’s Wellbeing Circle, a community support group that provides a safe space for men to engage in open and honest discussions about their challenges. My commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing, particularly among men, is a driving force in my life.

Sport and exercise are also passions of mine. I have a long-standing involvement in Rugby League, both as a player and a coach, and I make regular time for exercise to maintain my physical and mental wellbeing.

Today, I am dedicated to fostering reconciliation, building bridges of understanding and respect, and supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of all individuals. Through Bawamarra Cultural Services and my personal initiatives, I strive to create a future where cultural diversity is celebrated, and all voices are heard and valued.

Presentation title
Bawamarra Cultural Services: Fostering Healing and Growth Through the Buwanha Mentoring Program

Fiona Endacott

Chief Executive Officer, Connecting Foster & Kinship Carers – SA Inc

Fiona Endacott is the Chief Executive Officer of Connecting Foster & Kinship Carers SA (CF&KC-SA), where she leads the organisation’s mission to support and advocate for foster and kinship carers across South Australia. With a deep commitment to child protection and community service, Fiona has dedicated her career to improving the lives of vulnerable children and the families who care for them.

With over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Fiona has developed a reputation for her strategic leadership, innovative thinking, and passionate advocacy. Fiona has worked in areas spanning drug & alcohol, mental health and most recently child protection at the peak body CF&KC-SA. Under her leadership, CF&KC-SA has expanded its reach and influence, ensuring that the voices of foster and kinship carers are heard at both state and national levels.

Fiona’s approach to leadership is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and a deep understanding of the complexities of the child protection system. She is a strong advocate for policy reform and has been instrumental in driving initiatives that address systemic issues affecting carers and the children in their care. Fiona is dedicated to addressing the issue of financial security as a gendered issue for foster and kinship carers, working to shift the policy, practice and legislation to support volunteer Carers to provide care safely with dignity and respect.

Fiona holds a strong commitment to building a supportive and resilient community for foster and kinship carers, ensuring they have the resources, training, and recognition they deserve. Her work continues to make a profound impact on the lives of many, contributing to a more just and compassionate society.

Title of talk
The National State of Foster & Kinship Care – panel of representative body CEO’s

Renée Leigh Carter

CEO, Adopt Change

Renée Leigh Carter is the CEO of Adopt Change and a passionate advocate for the well-being of children and young people, with a focus on children with an experience in the Australian child protection system.

Renee leads a team of Adopt Change Changemakers across a range of work nationally and operates the government-funded My Forever Family NSW program to recruit, support, train and advocate for carers (foster, kinship, guardian and adoptive) of children in care.

National activities include the annual #THRIVE National Permanency Conference; campaigns including ‘A Home for Every Child’ to find more homes and support; MyPacks first night backpacks for kids entering care; Empower Change for providing education support to children in care; along with engagement with community, government, child welfare sector; and is regularly sought to speak with media about child welfare, trauma informed care, permanency and adoption.

Renee is a member of the National Foster & Kinship Care Collective, with CEO colleagues from Australian jurisdiction carer representative bodies.

Renée has held roles on advisory committees including as a member of the Institute Advisory Group for the independent research centre – Institute of Open Adoption Studies (The University of Sydney); various government and cross-sector advisory groups and taskforces; and was previously Vice Chair of NSW Committee on Adoption and Permanent Care (COAPC).

She is a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors, with a background in communications and executive management, along with board level experience in corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Her experience includes three years as Chair of charity Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS), an organisation focused on early intervention, education and support of families and communities; and Managing Director of corporate, investor and creative communications specialists Designate Group.

Renée is committed to influencing child welfare policy and practice for social impact – to bring about timely and effective outcomes for children so they can have better childhood experiences and a brighter future.

Chris Braddock

State Program and Engagement Coordinator NSW/ACT, CREATE Foundation

Chris is an experienced youth worker based in Sydney, Australia. Chris has diverse experience within both the Out-Of-Home Care (OOHC) and Youth Justice sectors across New South Wales, ACT, and Central Australia. Chris’ experience has had particular focus on participatory practice, program development and youth engagement. As the State Program and Engagement Coordinator for NSW and ACT, Chris leads the programmatic work and engagement of CREATE’s NSW and ACT teams. Current programs and advocacy have had particular focus on education, transition supports, and imbedding young person led participation within system reform and practice. Chris’ passion lies within participatory and strengths-based practice and believes that children and young people with lived experience are the experts best placed to lead positive and sustainable change within the OOHC system.

Presentation title
CREATE’s approach to developing practice advice for government and sector agencies co-designed by young people with an experience of the system.

Using a case study of a project facilitated by CREATE in NSW, the presentation will highlight how policy advice is crafted through direct consultation with young people. The case study, focusing on a recent Ministerial Roundtable in NSW, will illustrate how young people shaped the foundation of the project and will explore various consultation methods used during data collection. Special attention will be given to the role of young consultants from CREATE, demonstrating how the guide’s structure and consultation sessions can be made child-friendly and culturally safe. The results of this initiative include clear guidance and creative solutions for specific improvements to residential care to be applied in practice. This aligns closely with the theme of this year’s THRIVE Summit, emphasising the importance of evidence-based policy recommendations and listening to the voices of young people. By presenting practical insights into effective collaboration models, this presentation aims to contribute meaningfully to ongoing system reform efforts in child protection, elevating the vital role young people’s voices play in improving outcomes for children and young people in care.

Founder and CEO of Worldwide Orphans Foundation

Dr. Jane Aronson was born in Brooklyn in 1951 and grew up on Long Island. She attended Hunter College in New York City and taught school for ten years.

At thirty-one, she fulfilled her life’s dream to become a physician and entered medical school. She graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1986 and did a pediatric residency and chief residency in New Jersey, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Columbia Presbyterian /Babies Hospital in New York City. Between 1992 and 2000, she was the Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Director of the International Adoption Medical Consultation Services at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, New York.

Since July 2000, Dr. Aronson has been in private practice as Director of International Pediatric Health Services, in New York City. She is Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and has evaluated well over 4,000 children adopted from abroad as an adoption medicine specialist; she has traveled to orphanages in Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Latin America.

Since 1997, she has conducted research and provided education in orphanages abroad through her 501(3) (c) foundation, Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO). WWO documents the medical and developmental conditions of children living in orphanages abroad in order to identify their immediate healthcare needs and to advocate for their well-being through the Orphan Ranger Program. This program acts as a “peace corps” for orphanages by commissioning university students and healthcare professionals to live and work in orphanages. They are proficient in the native tongue and work in conjunction with staff to improve the nutritional and emotional health of abandoned children. Since 1997, Dr. Aronson has funded Orphan Rangers in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, India, Ecuador, Viet Nam, China, Serbia, Montenegro, and Ethiopia. WWO has been granted NGO status in Viet Nam and Ethiopia and has embarked on training programs for physicians in both countries to care for HIV-infected orphans.WWO currently treats orphans with HIV/AIDS in both countries.

She has been featured in many newspapers and magazines, such as The New Yorker on July 17, 2000, People on November 12, 2001, May 2, 2005, August 1, 2005, and most recently, November 7, 2005; other features were in The NewYork Times in Jane Brody’s Science Times/Personal Health column on July 22, 2003 and then Jill Brooke’s feature on adoption and home design on July 22, 2004. She is a recipient of the Congressional Angel of Adoption Award in September 2000. She is the adoptive mom of two sweet boys, Ben, from Viet Nam and Desalegn, from Ethiopia.

Fiona Endacott

CEO | Connecting Foster & Kinship Carers SA & Chair of The Collective Committee Meetings

A skilled communicator and strategist, Fiona is frequently sought after as a speaker and advisor on matters related to child protection, foster care, and community services. Her insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector have made her a respected figure among policymakers, practitioners, and carers alike. Fiona holds a strong commitment to building a supportive and resilient community for foster and kinship carers, ensuring they have the resources, training, and recognition they deserve. Her work continues to make a profound impact on the lives of many, contributing to a more just and compassionate society.

Video Producer | Public Communications & End‑to‑End Delivery | Government, Education & Community

Joël de Carteret is a Filipino-Australian documentary filmmaker, cultural practitioner and educator whose work brings together lived experience and storytelling to explore intercountry adoption, identity, belonging and cultural restoration.

Born in the Philippines and adopted to Australia at the age of six, Joël brings his lived experience of intercountry adoption together with more than 15 years as a filmmaker, director and producer. He is the founder and creative director of Stories In Motion, with a film practice grounded in human connection and translating complex lived experiences into stories that can be felt and understood.

Joël founded Filipino Adoptee Cultural Events (FACE), creating dedicated spaces for Filipino adoptees to reconnect with culture, community and one another. This work extends his own journey of cultural restoration into community practice, creating opportunities for adoptees to explore identity and cultural connection alongside others with shared lived experience.

Joël is currently producing “Foundling”, a feature documentary that has evolved from the search for his biological family into a decade-long examination of the lifelong impacts of adoption. Beginning with no leads to his origins, his search gained national media attention in the Philippines, where prominent broadcasters and producers became part of the search that ultimately led to his reunion with his biological mother. His story later reached Australian audiences through “60 Minutes”, expanding the narrative to explore his relationship with his two mothers — adoptive and biological. But where most reunion narratives end, “Foundling” begins. Through the decade following reunion, Joël has documented the complexities of birth and adoptive family relationships, cultural expectations, trust and belonging, while undertaking the deeper work of deconstructing an identity shaped by adoption and integrating culture, ancestry and family into his understanding of self. In doing so, Joël sheds light on the lifelong impacts of adoption and the importance of honouring a child’s identity, culture and connection to their origins throughout their life.

This evolving body of documentary and cultural work has been recognised through Joël’s recent nomination for the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship, while his lived-experience voice has also contributed to national conversations about adoption, including an upcoming appearance on ABC’s *You Can’t Ask That: Adopted*.

At NAISDA Dance College, Joël works as a film educator specialising in documentary storytelling and dance film, mentoring emerging First Nations artists to recognise their lived experience, cultural histories and connections to Country as powerful sources of knowledge and storytelling. His practice is grounded in listening, trust, cultural responsibility and self-determination — helping artists explore identity, strengthen cultural connection and reclaim authorship of their own stories.

Today, Joël contributes to conversations across intercountry adoption, cultural identity and belonging, bridging lived experience, cultural understanding and professional film practice to help complex human experiences not simply be represented, but more deeply understood.

2025 National Foster & Kinship Care Conference Sponsorship and Exhibitor Terms and Conditions

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Deborra-lee Furness

Renée Leigh

Alfre Woodard

Nadia Levett

Nicole Warne

Nia Vardalos

Jack Thompson

Lisa Sthalekar

Meg Ryan

Marie Osmond

Daniella Park

Gabrielle Stricker-Phelps

Hon Tony Smith

John O’Neill

Mark Nixon

Brad Murphy

Dr Shellie Morris

Catherine McDonnell

Mariska Hargitay

Hugh Jackman

Emily Hikaiti

Sandra Sully

Anne King

Ellia Green

Louise Ransome

Phoebes Garland

Zufi Emerson

Sallianne Deckert

Helen McCabe

Anna Cleary

Joe Hildebrand

Tom Imbesi

Bianca Dye

Latika Bourke

Joel de Carteret

Jonah Bobongie

Melissa Doyle

Victoria Buchan, GAICD

Eric Bailey

Angela Bishop

Marly Wells

Maree Walk

Lachlan Hobman

Dr Elspeth Stephenson

Lainie Terbogt

Bryan Smith

George Elisara

Ursula Elisara

Richard Rose

Joel de Carteret

Zufi Emerson

Loren Dumbrell

Michelle Stacpoole

Zahra Shire

Melissa Pritchard

Anjali Prabhu

Mary Paul

Dawyte Hart-O’Neill

Steve Kinmond OAM

Dr Robyn McCarthy

Jason May

Amanda Purvis

Damon Martin

Julie Hourigan

Julia Horton

Samantha Hauge

Lucy Thornton

Jenny Evans

Mellissa

Francesca Fowler

Tyler McLean

Zena Almouiee

Ghassan Noujaim

Rebecca Whips

Felicity Graham

Naji Alam

Richard

Shannon Mackie

2025 National Foster & Kinship Care Conference
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Terms and Conditions