Families Australia

17/06/2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanne Greenwood as Chief Executive Officer, commencing Monday 22 June 2026.

Suzanne brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across Australia's health and social services sectors and has led some of the nation's most significant purpose-driven organisations, including Catholic Health Australia and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

A highly respected leader, Suzanne is recognised for her expertise in advocacy, governance and strategic leadership, and her commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

Please join us in welcoming Suzanne to Families Australia. 💙

Read the full media release: 🔗 https://familiesaustralia.org.au/newsroom/media-releases-statements/

09/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who has already completed our Families Week 2026 survey.

If you haven't had a chance yet, there's still time to have your say.

The survey takes just five minutes to complete and closes on Friday, 12 June.

🔗 Share your feedback: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GQGJMMD

And while you're here, mark your calendars for Families Week 2027: 10–16 May.

03/06/2026

Thank you for being part of Families Week 2026 🩷💛

Now we'd love to hear from you. Complete our short survey by 5 June and help us make next year's celebrations even better.

🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GQGJMMD

02/06/2026

Today, on Mabo Day, we recognise the legacy of Eddie Koiki Mabo and the significance of the landmark Mabo Decision.

Observed on 3 June each year, Mabo Day marks a pivotal moment in Australia's history, when the High Court recognised the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their traditional lands and waters, overturning the legal fiction of terra nullius.

As National Reconciliation Week draws to a close, Mabo Day invites all Australians to continue learning about our shared history and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

To learn more about the significance of Mabo Day, explore these six facts from Life Without Barriers: https://www.lwb.org.au/news/six-facts-you-need-to-know-about-mabo-day/

31/05/2026

Today is Reconciliation Day in the ACT – a day to come together, listen, learn and reflect on the shared journey toward reconciliation.

As a Canberra-based organisation, Families Australia is proud to acknowledge this important day and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and enduring contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

If you're in Canberra today, head to John Dunmore Lang Place from 10am to 3pm for a free, family-friendly event featuring music, dance, storytelling, food and cultural activities for all ages.

Reconciliation is built through truth-telling, understanding and action. Reconciliation Day is an opportunity for all of us to engage in that work together.

🔗 View the program: https://www.act.gov.au/community/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/reconciliation-day/reconciliation-day-program

29/05/2026

Today we acknowledge Jamie Crosby as he finishes up with Families Australia after four and a half remarkable years.

Jamie has led Families Australia with warmth, integrity and deep commitment - strengthening our voice, building meaningful relationships, and always championing better systems and outcomes for children, young people and families across the country.

We will miss having him at Families Australia, but we are excited to see the impact he will continue to make in his new role at the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare. We know this won’t be the end of our work together.

Thank you, Jamie, for everything you have given to our small but mighty organisation, and to the communities we serve. We wish you every success in this next chapter.

26/05/2026

National Reconciliation Week 2026 begins today.

Led by Reconciliation Australia, the week runs from 27 May to 3 June.

This year’s theme, All In, reminds us that reconciliation is not passive, and not the responsibility of First Nations peoples alone. Meaningful change requires all Australians to step forward, listen, learn and take action – not just during this week, but every day.

Families Australia encourages everyone to get involved this week and support reconciliation every day.

🔗 Get involved and find an event near you: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/calendar/list/

25/05/2026

Today is National Sorry Day, a time to acknowledge the Stolen Generations and reflect on the ongoing impacts of forced removal policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

The 2026 theme, From Sorry to Action, reminds us that compassion must be matched by meaningful action and accountability.

Families Australia encourages everyone to stand with survivors and support ongoing truth-telling, healing and justice.

🔗 Learn more and find an event near you: https://healingfoundation.org.au/news-events/events/

19/05/2026

Last week, we gathered in Canberra to launch Families Week 2026.

Today, we’re sharing the official photo gallery from a wonderful morning celebrating Every Family, Everywhere with communities, partners and supporters from across Australia.

Take a look through the gallery here: 203124371@N08/albums/72177720333708251" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/203124371@N08/albums/72177720333708251

And save the date for Families Week 2027: 10–16 May 2027.

11 May 2026 Old Parliament House, Canberra

18/05/2026

"I feel happiest when my family spends time together, supports each other, and shows kindness and care. My family makes me feel safe, loved, and confident. I used bright colours and energetic shapes to show happiness, warmth, and positive feelings. My artwork reminds people that love and togetherness are what make a family special." shares a very talented young artist and participant of our 2026 National Families Week Art Competition.

This year, we’re inviting children across Victoria and Tasmania to explore the question: what makes you happy? — and we're so stoked to see all the incredible artworks already being submitted. 🎨 Download the free activity worksheet, help your child create their entry, and submit it at: cfecfw.org.au/art26

*Entries close in less than a week (18 May)!