One Fire, Many Flames symposium lighting the way forward for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

Researchers, community leaders, service providers and policymakers from across Australia are gathering in Adelaide this week for the inaugural One Fire, Many Flames, a national symposium focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

One Fire, Many Flames has been designed as a culturally safe space grounded in community leadership, truth-telling and collective care.
Co-hosted by SAHMRI's Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA) alongside national partners, the event will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, knowledge and innovation while fostering connections across research, healthcare, education, community services and government.

ACRA Principal Research Fellow Karen Glover says it's a unique chance for people working across different sectors to connect, exchange ideas and drive positive change.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities hold incredible knowledge, strength and expertise. This symposium is about coming together to celebrate what's working, learn from each other and explore how we can continue making a positive impact for children and families," Ms Glover said.

"There are many people across the country doing remarkable work to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. One Fire, Many Flames provides an opportunity to connect, build relationships and strengthen the collective effort needed to create lasting change."

Across two days, delegates will exchange experiences from initiatives shaping services and policy, explore ways to better centre community voices in decision-making, and discuss research translating into real-world benefits.

The program will also feature the launch of the Birthing on Country Roadmap, resources from the Replanting the Birthing Trees Project, and a discussion led by the It's Time to Flourish (ICARE) project on what a national network to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families could look like.
ACRA Principal Research Fellow Associate Professor Yvonne Clark says the symposium reflects ACRA’s commitment to community-driven research and genuine partnerships.

"Everything we do through ACRA is grounded in listening to community. We know the best outcomes are achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are leading the conversations about the issues that matter to them and their families," A/Prof Clark said.

"We’re excited for One Fire, Many Flames to strengthen our connections and help us turn evidence into meaningful improvements in people's lives."

One Fire, Many Flames: Lighting the Way Forward for Our Families is being held at the Stamford Grand Hotel in Glenelg on 2-3 September.