We held our 2025 forum on 6 November. Over 100 people from across the sector gathered to explore this year’s theme: Practice and Research Innovations Towards Culturally Responsive Systems.
With over 19 speakers, including keynotes Kathomi Gatwiri and Indigo Daya, the day was full of discussion and celebration.
In the words of MC Tharindu Jayadeva (TJ), we were “tough on systems, gentle on each other.”
Daya was the first keynote to speak. She outlined some of her work and research, discussing the nuanced tension between reform and abolition. She made the point that “we’re responsible to each other and not for each other” Her presentation sparked a vigorous discussion among attendees that carried into the break.
Gatwiri’s talk came later in the day. Focused on her Racial Dignity Framework, it spanned notions of unconscious bias, personhood, and the idea of dignity as a liberatory practice. “Dignity is not debatable,” Gatwiri said, underlining the importance of her work.
A clear theme of the importance of dignity emerged. Left, Write, Hook provided a history of their creative and peer-led roots. Chris Williams, Liz Arcus, Thuch Ajak and Dwij provided an overview of the ways in which appropriate food gardening practices can create culturally safe spaces.
The intersections with ideas of dignity and justice and the importance of culturally responsive practices in interpreted encounters were emphasised by Blossom Ah Ket, Nari Kim and Susan Esmaili. Focusing on the role of interpreters in mental health settings, they made the point, among others, that many interpreters can see clients more often and with more consistency than some clinicians.
Malitha Perera, whose presentation centered on the spectrum of restrictive practices and involuntary treatment, which he noted were racialised in Australia, commented that the forum was the most culturally diverse he has been to this year. Many other speakers and attendees echoed this sentiment.
The passion and expertise of our small corner of the sector was extraordinary. We would like to give a full rundown of the day, shouting out each speaker, but there’s simply not enough space. The full program outlines the strength and diversity of speakers and their presentations.
With such a range of perspectives from so many speakers with different ideas on how to approach dignity within the mental health system, we were happy to be challenged and invigorated by the points of tension that were raised. These kinds of issues require open discussion, and we are proud that we were able to facilitate it. That so many people were able to gather together and encounter ideas that they may find challenging is a testament to the openness of our sector.
We’d like to thank everyone who was involved, from speakers to audience members. The forum was supported by artist and visual scribe Debbie Wood, MC Tharindu Jayadeva, and Mandy Nicholson who delivered the Welcome to Country.