Our Story
Our History: From AFCC Australia to Pacifica Congress
Pacifica Congress has a history of collaboration and innovation, evolving from its 2011 beginnings into a leading regional forum for family law professionals across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
From Vision to Regional Leadership
Pacifica Congress has a history of collaboration and innovation, evolving from its 2011 beginnings into a leading regional forum for family law professionals across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
The Beginning — A Vision Shared Across the Pacific
The story of Pacifica Congress begins in 2011, in the lobby of a downtown Chicago hotel during the Annual Conference of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). At that conference, Chief Justice Diana Bryant AO, then Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, gathered a group of Australian and New Zealand delegates — judicial officers, family law practitioners, psychologists, social workers, and leaders of community organisations — to explore what was then an ambitious idea: creating the first national chapter of the AFCC outside North America.
Planting the Seeds
This informal meeting planted the seeds of a movement focused on interdisciplinary collaboration and improved outcomes for children and families. 2012 — The Formation of the AFCC Australian Chapter The vision took shape at the World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights, held in Sydney in 2012, where the AFCC Australian Chapter was formally established — the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Early Days
From its earliest days, the Chapter brought together judges, lawyers, mediators, psychologists, social scientists, and service providers, creating a rich forum for evidence-based practice and reform. Its national conferences, think tanks, and policy contributions helped shape professional discourse and innovation across the Australian family law system. Building Regional Connections In its formative years, the Chapter benefited from the close participation of New Zealand colleagues. Although these professionals ultimately decided — amicably and in full recognition of their own distinct legal context — not to become formal members of the Australian Chapter, strong trans-Tasman relationships continued and contributed significantly to the Chapter’s intellectual and professional life.
Toward a Regional Identity
Rebranding and Independence: As the Chapter matured, its members reflected increasingly on how best to serve the unique needs of Australian practitioners, while also welcoming the perspectives and participation of professionals from across the Pacific region. Over time, it became clear that an independent identity would allow the organisation to respond more directly to the nuances of Australian law, and to expand membership to include New Zealand and Pacific nations in a fully inclusive way. This led to a formal but collegial separation from the AFCC, undertaken with mutual respect and gratitude for the AFCC’s global legacy. The transition marked the beginning of a new era in which the organisation could more fully reflect the cultural, legal, and regional diversity of the Pacific.
The Emergence of Pacifica Congress
Through this evolution, Pacifica Congress was created — a regionally grounded, interdisciplinary body dedicated to strengthening family law practice and supporting the wellbeing of children and families across the Pacific.
A pivotal figure in this period of transformation was The Honourable Steven Strickland AM KC, who assumed the presidency in 2015. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the organisation through its rebranding, expansion, and consolidation as a leading regional forum for family law professionals.
Under his stewardship, Pacifica Congress has grown into a dynamic, collaborative community of judges, lawyers, mediators, psychologists, social workers, academics, and service leaders committed to excellence in practice, education, and policy dialogue.
A Continuing Legacy
From a conversation in Chicago to a thriving Pacific-wide organisation, the journey from AFCC Australia to Pacifica Congress reflects the power of vision, collaboration, and professional unity.
It honours the leadership of Chief Justice Diana Bryant AO, the early pioneers of the Chapter, and the generous stewardship of The Honourable Steven Strickland AM KC, whose presidency since 2015 has shaped the organisation’s identity and direction.
Pacifica Congress stands today as a testament to these shared efforts — rooted in respect, informed by evidence, and committed to the wellbeing of children and families that experience separation and family law disputes throughout the Pacific region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was Pacifica Congress founded?
Pacifica Congress evolved from the AFCC Australian Chapter, which was established in 2012, and became an independent organisation in the years that followed.
What inspired the creation of Pacifica Congress?
It began with a shared vision in 2011 to create a collaborative, interdisciplinary forum for family law professionals across the Pacific region.
How is Pacifica Congress different from the AFCC?
While originally connected to the AFCC, Pacifica Congress became independent to better reflect the unique cultural and legal contexts of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific nations.
Who were the key figures in its history?
Chief Justice Diana Bryant AO and The Honourable Steven Strickland AM KC played pivotal roles in shaping the organisation’s vision and growth.
Why the name “Pacifica Congress”?
The name reflects our commitment to serving the diverse family law communities across the Pacific region.
What does Pacifica Congress focus on today?
We continue to promote evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and improved outcomes for children and families experiencing separation and family law disputes.
