Episode 10: From Strength to Strength – Celebrating 2025 and shaping 2026 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families

In this milestone 10th episode of Kids, Culture, Community — SNAICC Yarns, host and SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle sits down with SNAICC Executive Director Mandy Taylor on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm for a reflective and forward-looking yarn. Together, they look back on the transformative year that was 2025, exploring its successes, lessons and challenges, and share their vision for 2026. Catherine and Mandy discuss the 10th anniversary of the Family Matters report, the historic SNAICC’25 conference and the critical reforms that are reshaping how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families are supported across the country. They explore the urgent need to shift investment from crisis response to prevention, the strength of community-controlled services, and the power of storytelling to drive systemic change. This episode also  celebrates the full establishment of SNAICC’s Youth Voice initiative, the removal of the childcare activity test and  the landmark appointment of the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children; a key accountability mechanism long advocated for by SNAICC and the sector. Catherine and Mandy share personal highlights from the year, including the joy of Children’s Day and the inspiring voices of young people, reflecting on what it means to carry  the work of SNAICC forward with hope, determination and unity. As we step into 2026, this yarn is a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how much further we can go when we listen to, invest in, and celebrate our children, families and communities. Keep the conversation going—follow, subscribe, and share this podcast to help amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities. Visit SNAICC’s website to learn more, access resources and find out how you can get involved.