Family Law Forums: Leaders in Practice
Venues
Accommodation for each Pacifica Congress Forum venue is available to book at a discounted conference rate via the registration form.
Perth Program
Friday 15 May 2026 – Perth
8.00am – 9.00am | Registration
Session 1
9.00am – 10.30am
Session 1
9.00am – 9.10am
Welcome The Honourable Steven Strickland SC
9.10am – 10.30am
Staying Well in Difficult Work: Practical Responses to Vicarious Trauma in Family Law
- Jason Walker, Partner and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Forte Family Law
- Kristie Smith, Meillon & Bright Family Law
- Heather Millar SC, Shoreline Chambers
- Sharyn Green-Arndt, The Co-parenting Institute
- Peta Slocombe, Performance Story
10.30am – 11.00am | Morning Tea
Session 2
11.00am – 12.30pm
From Allegation to Proof: Advocacy in Coercive Control Matters
- Max Beckerling, Acting Magistrate
- Rachel Milton, Barrister
- Sharyn Green-Arndt, The Co-parenting Institute
12.30pm – 1.30pm | Lunch
Session 3
1.30pm – 3.00pm
Session 3
1.30pm – 2.15pm
Pro tips for evaluating expert witness reports. A workshop for professionals
- Rachel Oakeley, Barrister Perth
- Dr Ben Jones, Vincent Papaleo & Associates Melbourne
2.15pm – 3.00pm
When No Contact Becomes Necessary: Identifying and Managing Extreme Parenting Cases in Family Law
- Danielle Hadida, Kerr Fels Perth
- Rachel Oakeley, Barrister Perth
3.00pm – 3.30pm | Afternoon Tea
Session 4
3.30pm – 5.00pm
Beyond the Labels: Neurodiversity, Trauma and Parenting in Family Court Contexts
- Justice Robin Cohen, Family Court Western Australia FCFCOA
- Darin Cairns, Charles Street Clinic Perth
*Program is subject to change.
Queenstown
Saturday 1 August 2026 – Queenstown
8:00 am–9:00 am | Registration
Session 1
Chair: Brintyn Smith
9:00 am–9:15 am
Forum Opening
- Brintyn Smith
9:15 am–10:30 am
The Work That Works — and the Toll It Takes: Insights in Complex Family Matters
- Judge Jacquelyn Moran, Principal Family Court Judge
- Nick Dore, Fisher Dore Lawyers Queensland Australia
- Brintyn Smith, Barrister
- Phil Watts, Mindstate Psychology
10:30 am–11:00 am | Morning Tea
Session 2
Chair: Brintyn Smith
11:00 am–12:30 pm
What do children think in the shadow time adults call transitions — why haven’t we noticed?
- Dr Sarah Calvert, Clinical Psychologist
- Dr Kath Orr, Clinical Psychologist
- Phil Watts, Mindstate Psychology
12:30 pm–1:30 pm | Lunch
Session 3
1:30 pm–2:15 pm
When Jurisdictions Collide: Criminal Law Consequences in Domestic Violence and Family Proceedings
- Nick Dore, Fisher Dore Lawyers Queensland
2:15 pm–3:00 pm
Neurodivergence, Credibility and Fair Process in Family Law
- Amanda Pearson, Barrister Melbourne
3:00 pm–3:30 pm | Afternoon Tea
Session 4
3:30 pm–4:15 pm
The Interdisciplinary Function Assessment Model (IFAM): A Systemic Framework for Understanding Parental Behaviour in Family Court
- Dr Bahrie Veliu, Clinical Psychologist Wellington
4:15 pm–5:00 pm
Science, Censorship and the Expert Witness: Parent Coordination through the lens of a psychologist - identifying areas for improvement in practice to increase effectiveness
- Dr Helen Buckland-Wright, Psychologist
*Program is subject to change.
Melbourne Program
Saturday 14 November 2026 – Melbourne
8.00am – 9.00am | Registration
Session 1
Chair: The Honourable Steven Strickland KC
9.00am – 9.10am
Welcome and Introduction
- The Honourable Steven Stickland KC
9.10am – 10.30am
A conversation with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency AHPRA
- Monica Lambley, Interim Executive Director, Health Regulation AHPRA
10.30am – 11.00am | Morning Tea
Session 2
11.00am – 11.45am
Pro tips for evaluating expert witness reports. A workshop for professionals
- Dr Phil Stahl, Forensic Psychologist
11.45am – 12.30pm
Working at the Psy/Legal Nexus: An Integrative Framework for Post-Separation Therapy
- Dr Rayleigh Joy, Family Therapist and Mental Health Social Worker
12.30pm – 1.30pm | Lunch
Session 3
1.30pm – 2.15pm
Science, Censorship and the Expert Witness
- Dr Helen Buckland-Wright, Psychologist New Zealand
2.15pm – 3.00pm
AHPRA, FCFCOA, and youth gender medicine (YGM): A practitioner perspective
- Prof Dianna Kenny, Professor Em of Psychology, The University of Sydney
3.00pm – 3.30pm | Afternoon Tea
Session 4
3.30pm – 4.15pm
How to Gather and Present Evidence in Family Violence Parenting Matters - A social science and legal perspective
- Artemicia Nisyrios, Child and Family Consultant
4.15pm – 5.00pm
T.I.I.C. — Ticking All the Boxes in Complex, High-Conflict Family Law Intervention
- Lisa Bottomley, Lisa Bottomley Consultancy, Vincent Papaleo & Associates
- Dr Timothy Entwisle, Psychiatrist
*Program is subject to change.
General Accommodation T&Cs
All guaranteed rooms cancelled at or within 30 days prior to arrival, including “no shows”, will incur a 100% cancellation fee. This is calculated as the number of room nights cancelled multiplied by the accommodation rate, payable by the guest and charged at the time of cancellation.
All reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card at the time of booking. Please note: this does not constitute payment.
Any amendments to the original hotel booking must be forwarded in writing to: info@tphe.com.au.
Registration
| Category | Type | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| PC Member | Early Bird | $660 |
| PC Member | Standard | $880 |
| Non-Member | Early Bird | $780 |
| Non-Member | Standard | $980 |
Early bird will close one month prior to each Forum (24 April, 3 July and 17 October respectively).
Prices are listed in AUD inclusive of GST. Queenstown Forum will be in AUD and exclusive of Australian GST.Registration Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of a registration must be advised in writing via email to The Production House Events via info@tphe.com.au. Verbal changes or cancellations cannot be accepted.
Registration cancellations received up to one month prior to applicable Forum date will receive a full refund, less a $300 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received within one month to applicable Forum date. No card surcharges incurred will be refunded in the event of cancellation.
As an alternative to cancellation, registrations may be transferred to another person (for the same registration category) without receiving any extra cost penalty. Please note that no credit card surcharges will be refunded at any time. The refund will be returned via the same payment method as the original receipt of funds.
The members of the Pacifica Congress and The Production House Events do not accept any liability for any losses incurred pre, post or during the Conference due to unforeseen cancellation or postponement. In the event of the Conference being cancelled, no refunds will be issued. All available funds will be credited towards a future conference/s held by Pacifica Congress.
Sponsorship
In 2026, each Pacifica Congress Law Forum will be supported by a select number of sponsors, ensuring maximum brand prominence and unrivalled category exclusivity within a highly curated environment.
Pacifica Congress is pleased to work in partnership with Our Family Wizard in support of the Family Law Forums.
Law Forum Partner
Perth Forum Sponsor
Interested in getting involved? Contact The Production House Events at sponsorship@tphe.com.au for the prospectus.
Event Enquiries
Reach out to the team at The Production House Events
Calendar of Events for 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the Family Law Forums: Leaders in Practice?
The Forums are one-day, in-person training events for family law professionals. They combine practical workshops, expert-led sessions, and structured networking to help you build skills, share insights, and expand your professional circle.
Who should attend?
Family law professionals across disciplines, including lawyers, barristers, judicial officers, psychologists, social workers, family consultants, parenting coordinators, and family report writers from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region.
What will I learn?
Each forum explores current and emerging topics shaping family law practice—such as child-focused decision-making, managing high-conflict matters, report writing, parenting coordination techniques, trauma-aware practice, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Do I need to be a Pacifica Congress member to attend?
No. Non-members are welcome. Members may receive early access and preferential pricing, and can also access member-only updates and networking opportunities.
When do registrations open?
Registrations are opening soon. Join the mailing list or become a member to be notified when bookings go live for each city.
Where are the forums held in 2026?
- The Westin Perth — 15 May 2026
- Crowne Plaza Queenstown, New Zealand — 1 August 2026
- AC by Marriott Melbourne — 14 November 2026
How long is each forum?
Each is a full-day program with morning/afternoon sessions, scheduled breaks, and dedicated networking time.
What other 2026 events should I know about?
- Annual Conference: Singapore, July 2026
- Business events aligned to the conference theme
- Parenting Coordination Training (comprehensive, skills-based)
Check the Calendar of Events on the website for dates and details.
Join Now!
Exciting Events for Pacifica Congress Members in 2026
Annual Conference in Singapore - July 2026
Mark your calendars for the highlight of the year! The Annual Conference will take place in Singapore next July. This event promises to bring together leading experts, practitioners, and researchers to share the latest insights and advancements in family law
Business Events
In addition to the Annual Conference, Singapore will also host a special business events tailored for family law professionals looking to enhance their skills. These events will cover essential topics which reflect the theme of this year's conference, providing valuable tools and knowledge to help you succeed in your practice.
Parenting Coordination Training
For those interested in expanding their skills in parenting coordination, we are offering comprehensive training sessions. These sessions are designed to equip you with the necessary techniques and strategies to effectively manage high-conflict family situations and support parents in making child-focused decisions.
Plus 1 Gatherings
We understand the importance of building a supportive community, which is why we are excited to introduce Plus 1 Gatherings. These informal meetups provide a relaxed environment for members to connect, share experiences, and foster meaningful relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, these gatherings are a great way to expand your network.