Catholic Social Services Australia National Conference

Catholic Social Services Australia's National Conference will be held at Rydges South Bank in Brisbane from 13 - 15 October 2008.

For Sponsorship opportunities please see here.

The theme, Social inclusion: An agenda for all Australians, reflects Catholic Social Services Australia's interest in the Rudd Government's commitment to a social inclusion agenda through the establishment of a separate portfolio and also the establishment of the Social Inclusion Board and Social Inclusion Unit in the Commonwealth Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

While we remain optimistic that this Government will deliver for people on the margins, there remain concerns that the agenda will focus disproportionately on participation in employment as the means to addressing many of the issues.

The national conference has traditionally been attended by Directors and nominated staff from our agencies. This year, however, the conference will be open to the broader church and charitable sector, the business and government sectors, and other interested members of the community.

Wednesday 15 October, will be open to CSSA members only, allowing comment on strategic planning for the year ahead and to provide input into the national policy agenda.

The AGM will be run at the conclusion of day three.

McCosker Oration
Monday 13 October, (evening)
Monsignor David Cappo, Deputy Chairman,Social Inclusion Board, will deliver this year's McCosker Oration on Monday 13 October.

Annual Awards
Monday 13 October, (evening)
Catholic Social Services Australia's Annual Awards will be presented on Monday evening 13 October. The presentation was a highlight of last year's conference, showcasing the work not only of our agencies, but of the broader social services sector. Nominations will open shortly. Details will be available on this website shortly.

Conference Dinner
Tuesday 14 October (venue to be advised)

Program
The conference program will be available on this website by the end of July.

Conference updates will also be posted here and published in NetworkNews

Please direct any inquiries to: Judith Tokley, National Office
Judith.tokley@catholicsocialservices.org.au 02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306