Ethics: Duties and Dilemmas in Family Law
AFCC Australian Chapter’s Sixth Annual Conference
International Convention Centre – Sydney
14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000
The AFCC is the premier interdisciplinary, international association of professionals dedicated to the resolution of family conflict. Australia has its own Chapter of the AFCC, chaired by me. It is a unique and formidable association – one that thinks outside the Family Law square and looks at innovative ideas to improve the practice of Family Law and the lives of children and their families. AFCC members include judicial officers, practitioners, researchers, teachers, social scientists and policy makers in the Family Law area.
The AFCC plays a leadership role and collaborates with key organisations on significant reform initiatives and training in Family Law and domestic relations practice and policy. Major emphasis is placed on case management, family violence, Family Law education and the integration of research into policy and practice.
Our conference in Sydney is gearing up to be something very special; the focus will be on Ethics – Duties and Dilemmas in Family Law.
Yours sincerely,
Honourable Justice Steven Strickland
AFCC President
Please check back regularly for program updates. Program is subject to change.
THURSDAY 15 AUGUST
9.30am – 5.00pm
Pre-conference Institute Day Workshops
Additional Fees Apply.
5.00pm – 7.00pm
Welcome Drinks
FRIDAY 16
AUGUST
9.00am – 5.00pm
AFCC Conference
5.00pm – 6.00pm
Social Drinks and Networking
6.00pm – 8.00pm
Evening Reception – Growers Market
SATURDAY 17 AUGUST
7.30am – 9.00am
AFCC Chapter Board Meeting
9.00am – 3.00pm
AFCC Conference
3.00pm – 5.00pm
End of Conference Social Drinks
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Clinical Associate Professor Michael Robertson
Michael Robertson is a Clinical Associate Professor of Mental Health Ethics at Sydney Health Ethics and a visiting Professorial Fellow at the Sydney Jewish Museum. He is an Approved Medical Specialist for the NSW Worker’s Compensation Commission and Dispute Resolution Consultant to the Motor Accidents Authority. His clinical work is in Occupational Psychiatry and Civil Forensic Psychiatry. He had worked previously in acute adult and community psychiatry for 20 years and had been a previous Head of Department of Psychiatry at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He has previously coordinated a clinical service for survivors of psychological trauma. His book “The First into the Dark- the Hempel Sisters and the Nazi persecution of the Disabled” is published by UTS e-press
Albert Frantz
Albert Frantz is a concert pianist, Fulbright scholar, Ironman triathlete and is among the most frequent contributors to the TEDx platform. A documentary about his life and work was released in 2015. In October 2016, Albert was the cover story for Toastmaster Magazine in 142 countries. As an activist, he is Head of Mission, Vienna, for the Diplomatic Council and presents human rights and social justice initiatives at locations ranging from Vienna’s City Hall to the United Nations in Geneva.
The Honourable Stephen Thackray
The Honourable Stephen Thackray was formerly the Chief Judge of the Family Court of Western Australia and the Senior Judge of the Appeal Division of the Family Court of Australia. Since his retirement in January 2019, Mr Thackray has taken on many pro bono assignments with universities, community organisations and training institutions. He has also commenced an Australia wide practice as a mediator.
More coming soon…
VENUE
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE SYDNEY
ICC Sydney is at the heart of its very own Sydney harbour waterfront precinct, set amongst restaurants, retail and a vibrant public domain on Darling Harbour yet only a moment’s walk to Australia’s largest CBD and surrounding university and cultural quarters.
ACCOMMODATION
Sofitel Darling Harbour
12 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000
1 minute walk to the ICC, 70m
| Room Type | Per night |
| Superior Room | $339 |
Breakfast – $35 per person per day.
Enjoy a fabulous stay in the vibrant Darling Harbour precinct, facing the city’s centre. Step into a world of sophistication blending French Art de Vivre and local culture. Enjoy a breathtaking view on the Harbour and skyline, laze the day away by our infinity pool or indulge yourself at the Champagne Bar. Make your stay magnifique in Sydney.
SUPERIOR ROOM
Novotel Darling Harbour
100 Murray St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
4 minute walk to the ICC, 450m
| Room Type | Per night |
| Superior Pymont Room & Breakfast for 1 | $309 |
Location, location, location is key and our hotels are right in the heart of Darling Harbour and adjacent to Asia Pacific’s premier integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct, International Convention Centre Sydney, providing unique accommodation and event options, within walking distance of shopping, dining and most points within Sydney’s Central Business District.
With spacious rooms and facilities; such as an outdoor pool, In-Balance gym, tennis court and The Ternary Restaurant & Bar; our concept restaurant and bar offering fabulous food, delicious drinks, exemplary service and the most stunning panoramic Sydney skyline views
SUPERIOR PYMONT ROOM
Locations
Terms and Conditions
Accommodation Guarantee
Sofitel Darling Harbour reserves the right to process one night’s accommodation 60 days prior to arrival and the balance of accommodation will be processed 30 days prior to arrival. The individual guest will be responsible for all incidental charges incurred and which remain outstanding at check-out.
Cancelation Policy
60 to 31 days prior to the arrival date: Cancellations will incur a cancellation fee equivalent to one (1) nights stay.
30 to 0 days prior to the arrival date : Cancellations prior to 30 days of the arrival date including “no shows” will incur 100% cancellation fee, this being the number of room nights cancelled times the accommodation rate.
Accommodation Guarantee
All reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card at time of booking. This does not constitute as payment, all accommodation charges including incidentals will settled by individual guests upon departure.
Cancelation Policy
All guaranteed rooms cancelled at or within 14 days prior to arrival including “no shows”, will incur 100% cancellation fee, this being the number or room nights cancelled times the accommodation rate.
SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
REGISTRATION
Preconference Institute Day Workshop Registration Fees
| Registration Category | Standard Registration |
| Preconference | $400 |
Conference Registration Fees
| Registration Category | Early Bird Registration Before or on 15 May |
Standard Registration After 15 May |
| AFCC Member | $830 | $900 |
| General | $920 | $1030 |
Single Day Access and Presenters Conference Registration Fees
| Registration Category | Standard Registration |
| Single day | $550 |
| Presenters | $750 |
Students, Family Consultants and Judicial assistants are also eligible for discount – please contact AusAFCC@gmail.com for registration instructions
CPD POINTS
AFCC professional development events meet the CPD requirements of all Australian jurisdictions with exception of WA. They also meet CPD requirements for lawyers from New Zealand. Practitioners from WA will be provided with details of the requirements for CPD recognition for this event at their request.








SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
WELCOME DRINKS
Location: International Convention Centre Sydney
14 Darling Dr,
Sydney NSW 2000
Date: Thursday 15th August
Time: 5.00 – 7.00pm
Join us for the AFCC welcome drinks where we will welcome all delegates local and international, whilst enjoying Australian wines and delicious food.
EVENING RECEPTION
GROWERS MARKET
$125
Location: International Convention Centre Sydney
14 Darling Dr,
Sydney NSW 2000
Date: Friday 16th August
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
The Gala Dinner will be the social highlight of the AFCC Conference. It’s a perfect opportunity to unwind after a day of information gathering. Enjoy great Sydney food, network with your peers and be entertained!
SOCIAL DRINKS
END OF CONFERENCE
Location: International Convention Centre Sydney
14 Darling Dr,
Sydney NSW 2000
Date: Saturday 17th August
Time: 3.00 – 5.00pm
Join us for the AFCC end of Conference social drinks for a great opportunity to unwind after aa few days of learning and farewell your peers until AFCC 2020.