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WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN June/July
KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES IN WA FAMILY LAW JUNE/JULY 2021
Greetings from the Deputy Chair
by Marnie Williams
Hello from WAFLPN!
For those of you who may not know
me, I am Marnie Williams, Managing
Solicitor at Aboriginal Family Legal
Services (AFLS) in Kalgoorlie. I am
also the Regional Representative for
Kalgoorlie and the current Deputy
Chair of the WAFLPN Steering
Committee. As you would already
be aware from Karen’s message in
the previous eBulletin, WAFLPN is
currently in the process of electing
a new Steering Committee Chair.
Look forward to an announcement
introducing our new Chair soon!
On behalf of the WAFLPN Steering
Committee, I would like sincerely
thank everyone who attended the In this issue of the eBulletin, we
2021 WAFLPN Annual Conference provide a recap of the Annual
and Workshop Day. After the Conference, reflect on some recent
unfortunate cancellation of the 2020 events and introduce one of our
conference, it meant a lot to be able Regional Representatives. If you
to come together with other like- consented to being photographed,
minded professionals for two days of you may even find pictures of yourself
learning and stimulating discussion. and your colleagues featured in the
For those who completed the post- next few pages!
conference online evaluation form, we In the coming weeks, you can expect
appreciate your time and honesty in to receive more updates regarding
providing us with valuable feedback. the WAFLPN Service Directory
We hear you, and your responses are and other projects we have on the
guiding us as we begin planning the horizon.
2022 Annual Conference. If you have
Now, without any further ado, please
any further feedback or suggestions
enjoy this content-packed issue of
for next year’s conference, please
the WAFLPN eBulletin.
contact us and let us know.
WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN | June/July 2021 2
PHOTO GALLERY: 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE & WORKSHOP DAY
L to R: Magistrate Anderson, Justice
Shaun Nannup Moncrieff and Registrar French (FCWA) Marilyn Metta
L to R: Magistrate Hughes, Sean Woods
Kate Jeffries Professor Victoria Hovane and Melisa Cox (Children’s Court)
Stopping Family Violence Panel WA Men’s Behaviour Change Program Network
Photos by Ezra Alcantra Photography
WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN | June/July 2021 3
REVIEW OF PAST WAFLPN EVENTS
Recap: WAFLPN Annual Conference Following on from Marilyn’s presentation, Kate Jeffries
proceeded to discuss what an FDV-informed family
With the theme of ‘Shaping the Future of Family Law in law system would look like, and the steps that need to
2021: Ideas, Innovation and Inspiration’, the WAFLPN be taken to achieve this. If you missed or would like to
Annual Conference took place on 25 May 2021, review the content of Kate’s presentation, she has kindly
followed by a post-conference Workshop Day on 26 made a copy of it available through the Member Area of
May. Held at the beautiful Burswood on Swan venue in the WAFLPN website.
Perth, the conference saw over 300 delegates attending
in person, tuning in online or joining one of the It was then time to break for lunch, where delegates
conference livestream events organised by our Regional continued to network and build on their learning from
Representatives in Bunbury, Albany, Kalgoorlie, the conference thus far.
Carnarvon and Geraldton. After lunch, Professor Victoria Hovane delivered a highly
Shaun Nannup kickstarted the first day of the impactful presentation based on her research on the
conference with a beautiful and inspiring Welcome role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law and
to Country. Tying the conference theme in with Culture is responding to and preventing family violence.
National Reconciliation Week, Shaun’s message about She made a strong point about the incompatibility
reconciliation, connection and healing trauma left a between the ‘white law’ of the family law system and
lasting impression on attendees and set the scene for Aboriginal law, and how reforming the response to
the next two days. Aboriginal children in the Family Court needs to involve
both these laws ‘talking’ to each other. The presentation
Rod West performed a short opening speech on behalf definitely left the audience with a lot to think about,
of the WAFLPN Steering Committee, acknowledging with many later citing Professor Hovane’s presentation
outgoing Chair Karen Barker’s contributions to the as a highlight of the conference for them.
Network and welcoming delegates to the conference.
The energetic MC Malcolm Dix proceeded to run Following a quick afternoon tea break, it was time
through housekeeping instructions and before for the final presentation of the day. The panel from
introducing the first presentation of the day. the Children’s Court consisting of Magistrate Wendy
Hughes, Sean Woods and Melisa Cox sharing about
The first session was presented by a panel from their involvement in the therapeutic Pilot Court. The
the Family Court of Western Australia, consisting of panel’s energy and passion for their work was clear,
Magistrate Neil Anderson, Registrar Simon French, and ending the conference on an inspiring note.
the Honourable Justice Simon Moncrieff presenting in
lieu of the Chief Judge. Magistrate Anderson reflected At the end of the day, conference speakers and
on his involvement in the Djidji Nyitti (Martu words for delegates were invited to join the WAFLPN Steering
‘Little Children’) initiative, a simplified and accessible Committee for a sundowner overlooking the beautiful
family law service for Aboriginal people that was Swan River.
piloted in Newman. Registrar French spoke about the Many of the delegates returned the following day for
mediation pilot program conducted between 15 July the two-part FDV Informed workshop. The morning
2019 and 30 June 2020, which offered litigants the session consisted of sharing by members of the WA
opportunity to participate in a Pre-Trial Conference to Men’s Behaviour Change Program Network, who
see whether their dispute could be settled or narrowed, talked about emerging findings as well as their
resulting in an impressive saving of 334 days of court own experience and learnings working across the
time. perpetrator intervention system in WA.
During the morning tea which followed, delegates After lunch, the team from Stopping Family Violence
at the Burswood on Swan venue caught up with spoke about FDV-Informed Family Assessments and
colleagues over some fresh fruits and hot drinks, with engaged the audience in an open discussion about
many taking the opportunity to step outside and enjoy family violence and the family law system.
the beautiful view of the Swan River.
As a token of appreciation, all conference speakers were
It was then time to hear Marilyn Metta’s personal story presented with gift boxes from Mettle, an Australian
of living with intimate abuse and coercive control and social enterprise that employs women who have
her experience navigating the family court system over experienced homelessness as a result of domestic
15 years ago. Marilyn’s story of her enduring trauma and family violence. Delegates also left with their own
clearly struck a chord with many of those in attendance lanterns - a reminder to keep lighting the way towards a
as she left the stage to a standing ovation. brighter future in family law.
WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN | June/July 2021 4
PHOTO GALLERY: 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE & WORKSHOP DAY
Photos by Ezra Alcantra Photography
WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN | June/July 2021 5
REVIEW OF PAST WAFLPN EVENTS
Bunbury Conference Livestream Geraldton Children’s Matters
Cathy Mills from Anglicare WA was one of the WAFPLN Stakeholders Forum
Regional Representatives who hosted a conference
livestream event. Family law professionals in Bunbury After the cancellation of the February event, the
came together at Quality Lighthouse Hotel to tune into Geraldton Children’s Matters Stakeholders Forum was
the conference. Despite some technical difficulties, the able to go ahead on 15 June, featuring guest speaker
conference delegates at Bunbury reported having a Dr Carolyn Jackson. WAFLPN is proud to partner with
great day. They have shared some photographs with us, the Geraldton FRC to support this longstanding event
which we have included below with permission. series, so as to enable networking and discussion of
important issues between family law professionals
located in Geraldton and those travelling from Perth on
the Magistrates circuit of the Family Court of Western
Australia.
Anthea Shaw (Manager Geraldton FRC); Dr Carolyn Johnson (Guest Speaker);
Julie-Anne Berg (FDRP Geraldton FRC); Carole-Anne Burton (Manager Children’s
Contact Service); Christina Mallett (Client Liaison Officer, Geraldton FRC)
Neil Hofmeyr (Aboriginal Family Law Services); Julie French (Senior FDRP
Geraldton FRC); Julie-Anne Berg (FDRP Geraldton FRC); Rayleen Counsellor
(Barrowa Consultancy)
Chloe Samuels (Legal Aid); Family Consultant Linda Biffen; Magistrate Andrews
WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN | June/July 2021 6
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Upcoming training and National FLPN Webinar: The new Wednesday, 15 September 2021
networking opportunities Family Law Court - How will it be 11.00am-12.30pm AWST
Online webinar
different?
If you are running a training event Register here
and would like it included in our next The changes to the federal
eBulletin please contact Note: The Family Court of Western
Family Law Courts have been a
Australia (FCWA) is the only state
WA.FamilyPathwayNetwork@ topic of significant interest across
Family Court in Australia, however
relationshipswa.org.au the sector since the introduction
the changes occuring at the federal
of the merger bill in 2019. With the
level would still be of interest to
launch date of the Federal Circuit
many of the WAFLPN members.
and Family Law Court of Australia
set for 1 September 2021, the Family
FDV Conference 2021 -
Law Pathways Networks are pleased
Bringing Children and Young
to provide an opportunity for our
People into View membership to learn about the
MORE TRAINING AND EVENTS
[External/non-WAFLPN event] changes being implemented as part Check out the ‘Resources’ section
of the restructure. on our website for more relevant
Join Stopping Family Violence and
the Centre for Women’s Safety and This webinar will be presented by: training and events.
Wellbeing at this important three • Lisa O’Neill (Senior Registrar & https://waflpn.org.au/re-
day event in September 2021, National Registrar – Risk Policy sources/other-relevant-train-
which will bring together non- and Family Violence) ing-and-events
government community services,
the government sector and the • Anna Parker (Senior Registrar &
broader community to critically National Operations Registrar –
examine, discuss and explore Judicial Case Management)
policy and practice responses • Janet Carmichael (Executive
to better support the safety and Director, Court Children’s
wellbeing of children and young Services)
people experiencing family,
domestic and sexual violence. The speakers will speak to:
• the new Court structure and case
13-15 September 2021 management pathways,
8.30am-5.30pm
Crown Perth, Burswood WA • the role of the Lighthouse
Tickets starting from $125 Project in the new Court
and other risk screening and
For more information and to assessment mechanisms, and
register, visit fdvconference.com.
• the role of the Court’s Children
au
Services from the 1st of
September 2021.
There will be an opportunity for the
audience to ask questions during the
webinar using the ‘chat’ function.
Registered participants will be
emailed a link for the webinar within
24 hours of the scheduled start
time and will also have access to a
recording of the webinar for a period
of time following the live stream.
WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN | June/July 2021 7
RESEARCH & PRACTICE
The latest contributions to Trauma then and now: Exploring separated fathers’
evidence-based practice in Implications of adoption reform understandings and
family law for First Nations children experiences of ‘home’ and
Currently, Aboriginal children are homemaking
If you are undertaking research
significantly over-represented This paper considers fathers’
in the field of family law that you
in the out-of-home-care system. understandings and experiences
think may be of interest to WAFLPN
Drawing on Aboriginal trauma of home after relationship
members, please contact us to have
scholarship and decolonizing separation through interviews
it included in our eBulletin.
methodologies, this paper situates with four separated fathers
WA.FamilyPathwayNetwork@ the contemporary state removal conducted as part of a larger
relationshipswa.org.au of Aboriginal children against the qualitative study. Key themes to
backdrop of historical policies that emerge were: the significance
actively sought to disrupt Aboriginal attached by participant fathers
kinship and communities. The paper to home and homemaking
Evaluation of an On-line
draws on submissions to the 2018 through their focus on everyday
Parenting and Divorce Course:
Australian Senate Parliamentary interactions; the concern that
Effects of Parent Knowledge
Inquiry into Adoption Reform from their home might be viewed
and Skills among Court-
Aboriginal community controlled by children as secondary; and
mandated Parents of Divorce
organizations and highlights a sense of the vulnerability and
There are very few evidence- four common themes evident transience of home arising from
based parent education programs throughout these submissions: (i) their children’s presence and
focused on divorce even though the role of intergenerational trauma absence. Viewed overall, the
more and more state court in high rates of Aboriginal child fathers in this study conveyed
systems are requiring them. This removal; (ii) the place of children their determination to offer their
study builds the evidence-base within Aboriginal culture, kinship children a loving, stable, and
by using a population of parents and identity; (iii) the centrality of secure home life as a fundamental
who were court-mandated to take the principles of self-determination dimension of their commitment
a parenting class as part of their and autonomy for Aboriginal to post-separation fathering while
divorce proceedings. With over communities and (iv) Aboriginal also describing key challenges
800 parents in the study, we found community controlled alternatives they experienced in doing so.
the on-line parent education to child removal. Acknowledging
program increased parent Read abstract or purchase article.
the failure of both federal and state
knowledge of skills in effective reforms to address the issues raised Campo, M., Fehlberg, B., Natalier,
communication and parenting in these submissions, the paper K. & Smyth, B. M. (2021). Exploring
immediately after the course, and reflects on the marginalization of separated fathers’ understandings
parents retained their knowledge Aboriginal voices and solutions and experiences of ‘home’ and
and skills 30-days after the course. within contemporary efforts to homemaking. Journal of Social
Qualitative analysis indicated address the multiple crises of Welfare and Family Law, 43(3),
parent-reported changes in their the child protection system and 291-306.
behavior after the course as well. the implications for the future of
Aboriginal children.
Read abstract or purchase article.
Yamaguchi, R. & Randel, B. (2021). Read abstract or purchase article.
Evaluation of an On-line Parenting Turnbull-Roberts, V., Salter, M., &
and Divorce Course: Effects of Newton, B. J. (2021). Trauma then
Parent Knowledge and Skills and now: Implications of adoption
among Court-mandated Parents reform for First Nations children.
of Divorce. Journal of Divorce & Child & Family Social Work, 1-10
Remarriage, 62(6), 431-449
WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN | June/July 2021 8
SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on Sharon Collier, WAFLPN Regional
Representative for the North West
In this feature, we shine the spotlight on the amazing people who volunteer their time and skills to WAFLPN. These
include members of our Steering Committee, our valued Regional Representatives, and other professionals and
organisations who generously donate their services to our Network.
Based in Broome, Sharon Collier is the Coordinator
of Family Law Services at Anglicare WA. With Family
Relationship Centres (FRCs) operating in Kimberley and
Kununurra, Anglicare WA offers Family Law Services in
Broome, Karratha, Kununurra, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby,
Wyndham and Halls Creek.
“Anglicare WA offers many programs to support the
communities of the North West,” says Sharon. “Within
these diverse settings, we seek to offer services that will
meet the needs of the communities.”
Sharon in an accomplished practitioner in the family
law sector with a background in psychology. She has
over 10 years’ experience as a Family Dispute Resolution
Practitioner (FDRP) and has previously worked as a
Child Inclusive Consultant and as part of the Parenting
Orders Program. She has also managed a regional FRC,
Regional Family Dispute Resolution, counselling service
and refugee program.
Sharon came on board as the WAFLPN Regional
Representative for the North West in January 2021
and quickly became an integral part of the Steering
Committee. She has also been working on the ground
to build relationships and create stronger networks
between family law sector professionals based in the
North West.
“I’m enjoying connecting with other services within the
Sharon Collier
region that support families through separation and to
share the learning and networking opportunities that
WAFLPN offers,” she shares.
When she isn’t hard at work, Sharon loves to keep fit,
spend time with family and get out into nature.
WA FAMILY LAW PATHWAYS NETWORK EBULLETIN | June/July 2021 9
NOTICE BOARD
What’s happening around town New AIFS Survey of Parents and Join the Aboriginal Reference
Carers: Compliance with and Group for the 2022 WAFLPN
If you or your organisation has Enforcement of Family Law Parenting Annual Conference
something to announce, pin it on Orders Project
the board! Submit an article for the Based on member feedback,
notice board by emailing: The Australian Institute of the theme of the 2022 WAFLPN
Family Studies (AIFS) has been Annual Conference will be focused
WA.FamilyPathwayNetwork@ commissioned by Australia’s on working with Aboriginal
relationshipswa.org.au National Research Organisation families and planning will be led
for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) to by the newly formed Aboriginal
undertake research in relation to the Reference Group.
compliance with and enforcement
Information Sharing Between WAFLPN invites members and
of family law parenting orders. The
the Family Law and Family sector professionals who identify
research will involve multiple studies,
Violence and Child Protection as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
including a survey of parents and
Islanders to join the Aboriginal
Systems carers.
Reference Group and contribute
The Attorney-General’s Parents or carers who have had to shaping this important event.
Department has released family law parenting orders made
Participation in the Aboriginal
its Consultation Paper on in the past 5 years are invited
Reference Group is voluntary. It
Operationalising the National to participate in this survey.
is anticipated that the group will
Strategic Framework for We encourage you to share this
meet on a monthly basis in the
Information Sharing Between the information with your client base if
Perth CBD, with opportunities
Family Law and Family Violence you feel that it would be of interest.
to join via video conferencing
and Child Protection Systems. This research will help us to (webex). Professionals based
The purpose of this paper is to understand whether parents comply in regional areas of WA are
inform and seek feedback from with parenting orders, how the encouraged to apply.
non-government stakeholders enforcement process in the Family
Please email expressions of
about the development of the Law Act operates, and how well it
interest to WAFLPN Network
National Strategic Framework for works.
Development Officer at sofia.
Information Sharing between the Please see the link to the participant kouznetsova@relationshipswa.
Family Law and Family Violence information sheet and survey here: org.au
and Child Protection Systems (the https://tinyurl.com/cefpo-wa
National Framework).
This paper builds on the paper
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DISCLAIMER
safety: supporting information Follow @FamilyPathwayWA on
sharing between the family Content included in this eBulletin twitter for the latest information
law and criminal justice and originates from a range of sources and interesting articles relating
child protection systems’ that including contributors from the to family law
was circulated to a number of wider community. The opinions
stakeholders in October 2020, as a and viewpoints contained do not
basis for feedback and continued necessarily reflect those of WAFLPN FEEDBACK
discussion. or its affiliates. If you have any suggestions on
Read the consultation paper here. how to improve our ebulletin,
please email them to sofia.
kouznetsova@relationshipswa.
org.au
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