
Welcome
On behalf of the Forum of Australian Services to Survivors of Torture and Trauma we are delighted to invite you to the 3rd Australia and New Zealand Refugee Trauma Recovery in Resettlement Conference, “Holding Hope in an Uncertain World”.
South Australia is proud to be hosting this significant event. We are fortunate to have attracted many distinguished national and international speakers who are leaders in the field of human rights and refugee trauma recovery. Our exciting program offers participants many opportunities to listen and learn, to discuss innovations in practice, to consider how we sustain support to people and communities impacted by torture, and to cast a critical eye over the issue of human rights in the current socio-political context.
We hope you find much of interest in the formal program as well as enjoy the many opportunities to socialize and catch up with colleagues and friends from around Australia and the world.
We look forward to meeting you in Adelaide in 2023.
About FASSTT
The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) is a national network of eight specialist torture and trauma rehabilitation services. FASSTT member agencies respond to the needs of survivors of torture and trauma who have come to Australia as refugees or humanitarian entrants, often bringing with them the legacy of significant human rights violations which occurred in both their country of origin and during their flight to safety.
FASSTT member agencies provide specialist “wrap around” psychosocial counselling and support to individuals, families and communities while also working to build the skills and capabilities of other services. As a network FASSTT aims to provide a coherent voice to government in policy development and in national and international conversations about the needs of survivors.
Register To Attend
The 2023 Conference theme, Holding Hope in an Uncertain World, acknowledges both the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, as well as the hope and desire for safety and a better future that sustains them on their recovery journey.
Special Single Day Registration $408
Tuesday or Wednesday Day Registration Now Available!
Abstract Information
FASSTT invites individuals and communities from refugee backgrounds, clinicians, practitioners, researchers, thinkers and policy makers to submit an abstract for the 2023 ANZ Refugee Trauma Recovery in Resettlement Conference.
Abstract Submissions Closed.
Program
The theme of the 2023 FASSTT Conference is
“Holding Hope in an Uncertain World”
The Program will include presentations on the following:
Stream 1: Knowledge and Innovation
This Stream will highlight the work and expertise of practitioners and service providers delivering trauma-informed services to refugees and asylum seekers (individuals, families, children and young people) in settings that include detention centres, prisons and schools as well as specialist and mainstream health and mental health care settings. This Stream will include discussion on working with particularly vulnerable groups such as recent evacuees from conflict zones, or asylum seekers being held in immigration detention or on bridging visas. It will also include approaches to working with specific groups of people targeted for violence such as women and other survivors of sexual torture, and members of the LGBTQI community. This Stream may include presentations on group and complementary therapies.
Stream 2: Community – Inclusion and Belonging
This Stream will explore the impact that torture and trauma has on communities and the importance of community as a site of healing. It will include presentations on community partnerships and community capacity building projects and in particular highlight refugee-led initiatives and perspectives.
Stream 3: Organizational Resilience
This Stream will address the importance of evidencing our work through research and evaluation and the collection and use of data to support evidence-based practice and systemic advocacy. This Stream may also discuss workforce development (i.e. training and professional development of paid staff, volunteers and interpreters; peer work; internships, scholarships and partnerships with Universities); resource development; database design; IT and data security; reflections on the impact of the pandemic and conversion to telehealth; and clinical supervision and the support of staff at risk of vicarious trauma and burn out.
Stream 4: Human Rights and the Socio-Political Context
This Stream may include reflections on the rise of authoritarianism and nationalism and the further marginalisation of minority groups; persecution and exclusion due to sexual and gender orientation; barriers to protection including public attitudes to asylum seeking and media representations of refugees and asylum seekers; policy development around humanitarian protection and the challenges and ethics involved in working with torture survivors.
The theme of the 2023 FASSTT Conference is
“Holding Hope in an Uncertain World”
Full 2023 FASSTT Conference Program

Welcome Reception
Bortier Okoe
Bortier Okoe will welcome Conference delegates to Adelaide with his unique blend of African Soul, interactive drumming, singing, chanting, and dance.

Breakfast Session
Please note bookings are required – limited seats available and cost TBC.
This session will only be available to Conference delegates.
‘Working on the Frontline – Firsthand Accounts of Mental Health Professionals from Ukraine’.
Begin your day with coffee and a buffet breakfast, while hearing from esteemed visitors from the Ukraine who have been at the forefront of the mental health crisis response. This is an opportunity to receive candid accounts of their experience working ‘on the ground’ amidst the crisis in the Ukraine, along with an opportunity to engage in conversation with a Q&A session.
We are incredibly lucky to have a visiting group of Ukrainian mental health professionals join us at the Conference while on a DFAT sponsored fellowship program based at STARTTS. The fellowships will present an opportunity for mutual exchange of knowledge and skills in working with the impact of torture and war-related trauma that will hopefully contribute to their work in Ukraine. The opportunity to relate to a much larger group at the conference will provide a fantastic complement to their fellowship program.
The Program will include presentations on the following:
Stream 1:
Knowledge and Innovation
This Stream will highlight the work and expertise of practitioners and service providers delivering trauma-informed services to refugees and asylum seekers (individuals, families, children and young people) in settings that include detention centres, prisons and schools as well as specialist and mainstream health and mental health care settings. This Stream will include discussion on working with particularly vulnerable groups such as recent evacuees from conflict zones, or asylum seekers being held in immigration detention or on bridging visas. It will also include approaches to working with specific groups of people targeted for violence such as women and other survivors of sexual torture, and members of the LGBTQI community. This Stream may include presentations on group and complementary therapies.
Stream 2:
Community – Inclusion and Belonging
This Stream will explore the impact that torture and trauma has on communities and the importance of community as a site of healing. It will include presentations on community partnerships and community capacity building projects and in particular highlight refugee-led initiatives and perspectives.
Stream 3:
Organisational Resilience
This Stream will address the importance of evidencing our work through research and evaluation and the collection and use of data to support evidence-based practice and systemic advocacy. This Stream may also discuss workforce development (i.e. training and professional development of paid staff, volunteers and interpreters; peer work; internships, scholarships and partnerships with Universities); resource development; database design; IT and data security; reflections on the impact of the pandemic and conversion to telehealth; and clinical supervision and the support of staff at risk of vicarious trauma and burn out.
Stream 4:
Human Rights and the Socio-Political Context
This Stream may include reflections on the rise of authoritarianism and nationalism and the further marginalisation of minority groups; persecution and exclusion due to sexual and gender orientation; barriers to protection including public attitudes to asylum seeking and media representations of refugees and asylum seekers; policy development around humanitarian protection and the challenges and ethics involved in working with torture survivors.
Speakers

Mwajemi Hussein
Conference Dinner Speaker Confimed!
Please see below our confirmed speakers for the 2023 Conference

Lorraine Finlay

Pau Perez-Sales

Professor Derrick Silove

Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo

Professor David Forbes

Jana D. Javakhishvili

Professor Jay Marlowe

Lela Tsiskarishvili

Hafsar Tameesuddin

Zaki Haidari

Jaya Luintel

Professor Nicholas Procter

Associate Professor
Mary Anne Kenny

Paris Aristotle

Jorge Aroche

David Manne
Interested in Sponsoring?
There will be a number of opportunities for organisational branding and recognition both in the lead up to and during the Conference.
For further information, please contact Rebecca Gabriel (Sponsorship and Exhibition Sales Executive) via rebecca.gabriel@aomevents.com and review the prospectus.
Platinum Sponsor
Plenary Speaker Sponsor
Coffee Sponsor
Conference Supporters
Local Scholarship Supporters
Speaker Gift Support
Destination
Adelaide offers all of the benefits of a large international metropolis without the problems of a huge city. Add its Mediterranean climate, ease of access, affordability, quality accommodation, excellent shopping options, and it’s easy to see why conference delegates refer to Adelaide as “the perfect conference city”.
Upon arrival at the international airport, delegates can check into their hotel inside half an hour, and enjoy the benefits of being opposite a world class convention centre and only a short distance from beautiful beaches and famous wineries. Adelaide is the perfect opportunity to relax and play. Discover the local gourmet food and famed regional wines. Enjoy fun social events and adventurous outings.
The unique wildlife parks, clean beautiful beaches, vibrant cafés, great dining, riverboats and dolphin cruises make Adelaide a great family holiday destination.




Venue Details
The Conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC). The ACC is conveniently located in the heart of the city centre and nestled within the beauty of the Riverbank Precinct, just 15 minutes’ drive from Adelaide Airport.
The Adelaide Riverbank Precinct is a hive of activity and where the city’s cultural, sporting, education, medical, conference and entertainment zones merge, making it Australia’s best connected business events precinct. It is also a short walk to international and boutique hotels and accommodation. Public transport, the Adelaide Railway Station and taxi ramps are also at the Centre’s doorstep.
For more information, please visit the Adelaide Convention Centre website here.



Accommodation
For all accommodation inquiries, please contact All Occasions Group via email at conference@aomevents.com
The Playford Adelaide
In the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct, The Playford brings together a rich tapestry of South Australia’s food, wine and artistry with a passion for service excellence and genuine hospitality.
Spoil yourself with a stay at Australia’s most awarded boutique hotel. Indulge in the luxury of our elegant rooms and suites while you explore all that Adelaide’s arts, cultural and entertainment precinct has to offer.
Playford Guestroom – $314.00 per night
Our Standard Guest Rooms include 24-hour access to our health club and a complimentary morning newspaper. This lead-in room type has a walk-in shower, heated towel rail and luxury amenities
Terms and Conditions
Bond: Upon check in all guests will be required to present a credit card for pre-authorisation to cover incidental charges.
Rooms may be cancelled up to 30 days prior to arrival without penalty.
30-7 days prior to arrival a cancellation charge equal to 50% of the total accommodation will apply.
From 7 days prior to arrival any room nights cancelled will incur a charge equivalent to the full duration of the booking.
Non arrivals will incur a fee equal to 100% of the accommodation not utilized.

Oaks iStay Precinct Adelaide
iStay Precinct Adelaide offers affordable Adelaide hotel accommodation with a range of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to choose from, all within walking distance of Royal Adelaide Hospital. Each apartment contains full kitchen and laundry facilities, an open plan living area and private balconies with sweeping city views. iStay Precinct Adelaide’s luxurious facilities include an indoor heated pool, spa and steam room to help you relax and enjoy your stay.
One Bedroom Deluxe – $249.00 per night
iStay Precinct Adelaide offers affordable Adelaide CBD accommodation with a range of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to choose from. Each apartment contains full kitchen and laundry facilities, an open plan living area and private balconies with sweeping city views. iStay Precinct Adelaide’s luxurious facilities include an indoor heated pool, spa and steam room to help you relax and enjoy your stay.
Two Bedroom Deluxe – $309.00
iStay Precinct Adelaide offers affordable Adelaide CBD accommodation with a range of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to choose from. Each apartment contains full kitchen and laundry facilities, an open plan living area and private balconies with sweeping city views. iStay Precinct Adelaide’s luxurious facilities include an indoor heated pool, spa and steam room to help you relax and enjoy your stay.
Terms and Conditions
All cancellations must be made in writing via email or full booking charges will apply. Bookings cancelled up to 30 days prior to arrival – no penalty applies. Between 30-14 days prior to arrival cancellation fee equal to 1 nights of accommodation applies. All rooms cancelled within 14 days of arrival or no shows will be charged at the agreed rate for number of nights cancelled.

InterContinental Hotel Adelaide
Exclusively positioned on the banks of the River Torrens, InterContinental Adelaide provides luxury city centre accommodation, dining and meeting facilities. Situated adjacent to the Adelaide Festival Centre, Convention Centre, Casino and directly opposite the spectacular Adelaide Oval, our location provides effortless exploring and entertainment at your fingertips.
A short walk from the hotel door and you will find yourself immersed in cultural North Terrace, home to the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Museum, Parliament House and the tranquil Botanic Gardens. Shopping in Rundle Mall is moments away.
King Classic City View – $265.00 per night
Sink into a luxurious King Bed or Twin Bed, and enjoy a restful night’s sleep, or marvel at the stunning City or River views from your spacious (35sqm) Classic Room.
Select a Classic City View Room for breathtaking views across Adelaide’s vibrant cityscape, or a Classic River View Room for an enchanting outlook over the River Torrens, Elder Park, and St Peter’s Cathedral.
Terms and Conditions
One night deposit/Credit Card guarantee to be forwarded to the hotel with the 14 day rooming list and the guests to finalise their account upon check in.
Cancellations made within 30 days prior to the check in date incur first night’s accommodation as cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 10 days prior to the check in date, or early departures or no-shows will incur a cancellation fee equivalent to the room rate for each night that is cancelled or reduced.

Oval Hotel
Wrapping around the eastern façade of the iconic Adelaide Oval, Oval Hotel is one of a kind in Australia and an accommodation experience unlike any other.
With 136 premium rooms and 2 exquisite private suites spanning over two wings, each room at Oval Hotel offers contemporary design, intuitive in-room technology, and expansive views of the surrounding parklands.
Parkland King Room – $339.00 per night
Room and Breakfast for one adult daily. 2-night minimum stay. Complimentary welcome drink on arrival and complimentary full Foxtel package including Movies on demand.
A room that perfectly captures the beauty of Adelaide’s parklands, while offering total escape in which to relax and enjoy the view.
Contemporary design and intuitive room controls are elevated by your custom ‘The Moment’ king bed. Your ensuite bathroom is a private haven, complete with walk-in rain shower and premium amenities. Unwind with a drink in our guest lounge, or with your in-room entertainment extras.
Terms and Conditions
At 30 days prior to arrival guests will be charged the full cost of accommodation on the credit card provided in the portal plus credit card surcharges. Payments and non-refundable. All cancellations and/or amendments must be received in writing via email to the organiser on conference@aomevents.com

Grosvenor Hotel
Located in the heart of the city, on bustling North Terrace, Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide is the perfect base to explore Adelaide city and its surrounds.
Standard Room – $159.00 per night
The Standard Room is the perfect accommodation option for those looking for value for money and a quiet, internal facing room in the heart of Adelaide city. Ideal for up to 3 adults, accompanying children may require a rollaway bed (charges apply).
Superior Room – $179.00 per night
The Superior room, ideally suited for the corporate traveller, has preferred positioning around the perimeter of the hotel in the heart of Adelaide central business district. Enjoy either a queen size bed or two single beds with fluffy feather duvets and pillows, modern furniture and amenities, iPod docking station, slim lined LCD televisions with pay to view movies, Free Wi-Fi, work desk, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Rollaway beds are subject to availability.
Terms and Conditions
Less than 30 days notice for cancellations will incur a penalty equal to the first night’s accommodation cancelled. Less than 7 days notice for cancellations or ‘No Shows’ will incur a penalty equal to 100% of the total accommodation. A ‘Grab N Go’ continental breakfast can be added on for an additional $16 per person. All guests are required to provide a credit card authorisation or cash deposit of $50 per room per night to cover any incidental charges, the balance will be refunded on departure. Undercover carparking is available to in-house guests at a charge of $20 per car per day

Holiday Inn
With a stay at Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre, an IHG Hotel, you’ll be centrally located in Adelaide. This 4-star hotel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Adelaide Central Market and 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Adelaide Oval. Make yourself at home in one of the 245 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries.
Queen Room – $234.00 per night
Free wifi and free express start breakfast. Relax in your contemporary designed room and entertain yourself with 40 inch lcd tv or stay in touch from your ergonomic work station. Room features tea coffee facilities, secure safe, massage power shower, usb ports, and your choice of pillow.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellations made within 21 days prior to arrival incur 100% of total rate. All cancellations must be provided in writing to the organiser.

MEETING
INFORMATION
Refugee Trauma Recovery
in Resettlement Confererence 2023
9 – 11 October 2023
Adelaide Convention Centre
MEETING
ORGANISERS
12 Stirling Street
Thebarton SA 5031
Contact Information
conference@aomevents.com
(08) 8125 2200