Two of AACAFS’ Founding Members talk about why they established AACAFS.
AACAFS is an Aboriginal led, managed, self-determining not-for-profit organisation. Established in 2021, AACAFS purpose is to support, care for and protect vulnerable and at-risk Aboriginal children and families.
Our focus is improving the welfare and wellbeing of Aboriginal children, young people and families through the empowerment that comes from self-determination and culturally responsible support.
To do this, AACAFS will:
Deliver a range of integrated and intensive family services and out-of-home care for Aboriginal children, young people, and families underpinned by connection, culture, kinship, belonging and empowerment.
Provide national leadership and advocacy to unpack, dismantle and decolonise legislative and policy systems and structures, including child protection, out-of-home care and child welfare, that perpetuate the disempowerment and disadvantage of Aboriginal children, young people and families. We are committed to speaking truth to power.
Maintain a strong voice that promotes policies and service system responses that are Aboriginal led and value, respect, and promote the cultural practices and knowledge needed to nourish healthy and thriving Aboriginal children, young people, and families.
Our Governance.
AACAFS is a public company limited by guarantee which is established to be, and to continue as, a charity.
AACAFS Directors.
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Kerry is a Dunghutti-Gumbaynggirr woman born in Newcastle NSW. Kerry has over 25 years experience working in Child and Family Services. Kerry has a Bachelor of Social Work. Most recently Kerry has worked with Children and Young people in crisis care across NSW. Kerry has held Executive positions within the sector and has been a board member of AbSec and SNAICC. Kerry was also involved in the establishment of SAFT in NT following the board of inquiry recommendations. Kerry has undertaken a study tour in Canada with First Nations People. Kerry has been involved in and worked on the following.
• Wood Special Commission of Inquiry into child protection services NSW
• Protecting Victoria’s vulnerable children inquiry
• Family Matters Campaign
• Family is Culture
• Establishment of Victorian Aboriginal Child First
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John is a Biripi man born in Taree NSW. John has worked for Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) since 2007 in the Child Protection, Intensive Family Based Services and Cultural Support programs. Between 2016 and 2019 he was Deputy Chair of the NSW Community Services Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) and is a current sitting ARG member, which is the key consultation group for DCJ Aboriginal policies and service direction. John owns and operates Subway Sandwich Franchise in Kiama since 2004. He is also the current Chair of Australian Indigenous Oztag and has been since 2017. John worked in the education sector in his younger years whilst forging a name for himself in the NRL, playing for 12 seasons between 1990 and 2001 including four games for NSW State of Origin and 1 test for Australia.
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Craig is a proud Biripi - Tharawal man, Born in Port Kembla NSW who has completed an Electrical Trade. Craig has had a successful NRL Football career playing for South Sydney Rabbitohs and Illawarra Steelers as well as Super League (UK) Gateshead Thunder and Hull FC. In his role as a Coach of Women’s Rugby League, Rugby Union and Oztag, Craig supports and mentors’ at-risk children and young people. Craig is dedicated to working with vulnerable Aboriginal children and their families. Craig is a Board member of the Australian Indigenous Oztag having a national and international profile. Craig continues to dedicate himself to supporting pathways via sport and building resilience and strength in child welfare and the Aboriginal community.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
Australian Aboriginal Child and Family Services Limited is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) as defined by Clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Clause 44 states that:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control is an act of self-determination. Under this Agreement, an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisation delivers services, including land and resource management that builds the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people and is:
incorporated under relevant legislation and not-for-profit.
controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
connected to the community, or communities, in which they deliver the services.
governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body.
AACAFS Business and Charity Registrations.
ABN 42 655 536 664
Entity name: AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES LIMITED
ABN status: Active from 13 Dec 2021
Entity type: Australian Public Company
Goods & Services Tax (GST): Registered for GST
Main business location: NSW 2533
ACN 655 536 664
NSW Office of Children’s Guardian
View accreditation certificate
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES LIMITED is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) as follows:
ACNC registration: Registered as a charity from 13 Dec 2021
Australian Tax Office (ATO)
AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES LIMITED is a Public Benevolent Institution endorsed to access the following tax concessions:
GST Concession: 13 Dec 2021
Income Tax Exemption: 13 Dec 2021
FBT Exemption: 13 Dec 2021
AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES LIMITED is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient(DGR) from 13 Dec 2021. It is covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.