KWY First Nations Therapeutic Responses Summit
Last week, our Executive Manager of Youth Services, Simone O’Neill, and Jasmine, Indigenous Mentor from Southern Adelaide, had the privilege of attending the KWY First Nations Therapeutic Responses Summit on Kaurna Country at Adelaide Oval. The Summit brought together leaders and changemakers from across Australia for a dynamic three day gathering to share transformative ideas, deepen culturally responsive practice, and create a space for innovation in how we support First Nations young people, their families, and communities.
Set along the banks of Karrawirra Parri (River Torrens), the Summit offered captivating keynote speakers, challenging panel conversations, and immersive workshops — all centred on elevating First Nations ways of doing and strengthening community led therapeutic responses. The powerful use of narrative approaches, storytelling and yarning created moments of truth telling, connection, and deep reflection that resonated long after each session ended.
For our organisation, currently working alongside more than 550 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across SA and WA, the Summit was both grounding and energising. Simone and Jasmine returned with strengthened cultural understanding, practical tools, and a renewed sense of purpose — carrying with them the wisdom shared, the stories gifted, and the reminders of what it truly means to be guided by community.
A heartfelt thank you to KWY and all presenters for creating a culturally safe, reflective, and inspiring space that encouraged innovation, connection, and collective growth. This experience has deepened our understanding and sharpened our focus, strengthening the cultural integrity at the heart of our work with youth — and reminding us why this work matters.
Set along the banks of Karrawirra Parri (River Torrens), the Summit offered captivating keynote speakers, challenging panel conversations, and immersive workshops — all centred on elevating First Nations ways of doing and strengthening community led therapeutic responses. The powerful use of narrative approaches, storytelling and yarning created moments of truth telling, connection, and deep reflection that resonated long after each session ended.
For our organisation, currently working alongside more than 550 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across SA and WA, the Summit was both grounding and energising. Simone and Jasmine returned with strengthened cultural understanding, practical tools, and a renewed sense of purpose — carrying with them the wisdom shared, the stories gifted, and the reminders of what it truly means to be guided by community.
A heartfelt thank you to KWY and all presenters for creating a culturally safe, reflective, and inspiring space that encouraged innovation, connection, and collective growth. This experience has deepened our understanding and sharpened our focus, strengthening the cultural integrity at the heart of our work with youth — and reminding us why this work matters.
