Link-Up (Qld)’s service delivery team proudly attended the national Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Gathering in Walyalup (Fremantle, Western Australia) in early March, connecting with representatives from organisations across Australia.
SEWB is a holistic concept of health that recognises the centrality of strong connections to culture, community, and country as well as the influence of social, political, and cultural determinants on health and wellbeing.
The three-day conference hosted delegates from over 150 organisations to showcase the benefits of using the SEWB Framework – producing positive health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Link-Up (Qld) SEWB Counsellor Christine Kanofski was among the team that attended the event and said the cultural activities were particularly impactful.
“We had a whole healing session where we all sat down together and shared our stories,” she said.
“We did a little activity where we wrote something that we’d like to let go of on a stone, wrapped it up in paper bark and then we tied it up.
“We all walked together down to Bathers Beach, and we had a ceremony there, and we ended up throwing that stone into the water and letting go of whatever it was that we felt we needed to let go.”
Culturally centred practices were at the heart of both the Framework and the conference itself. Frequent discussion groups, reflections and breakout sessions encouraged participants to share their insights and explore the event’s “Circles of Wisdom” theme.
Image description: Round tables encourage group discussions at the SEWB Gathering in Walyalup (Fremantle)
As the sixth and final gathering of its series, the “Circle of Wisdom” conference represented both an ending and a continuation, honouring the collective knowledge, learning, and relationships built across the previous five gatherings. The circle symbolised reciprocity: gathering wisdom, sharing wisdom, and giving back to the collective.
Link-Up (Qld) SEWB Counsellor Tahj Minniecon said sharing stories of community connection with other organisations produced a “great few days.”
“Exchanging thoughts and ideas around how to better engage with clients and community members was really valuable,” Tahj said.
The key domains of the SEWB Framework are:
- connection to spirit
- connection to spirituality and ancestors
- connection to country and land
- connection to culture
- connection to community
- connection to family and kinship
- connection to mind and emotions
- connection to body and behaviours
“It’s our way of doing things. Our way of healing. It’s our connections to something. It’s sitting down in those groups and doing something cultural. It’s art… That’s our way of healing,” Christine said.
The team found the event very informative and noted that the SEWB Framework aligns closely with Link-Up (Qld)’s approach to supporting Stolen Generations survivors and descendants.
Link-Up (Qld) Caseworker Jennifer King said the conference reaffirmed for her that SEWB is not just a model of service, but a cultural practice and relational responsibility grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
“It was also a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and strengthen networks across the national Stolen Generations workforce,” Jennifer said.
“A highlight for me was the workshop presented by the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention and the Healing Foundation which identified workforce training needs across staff supporting Stolen Generations survivors and descendants and explored strategies for sustainable culturally safe practices across the sector.”
Fellow Cairns team member, Link-Up (Qld) SEWB Counsellor Joshua Thompson said the conference offered an opportunity for introspection.
“The experience was inspiring, and allowed me to connect with other services, share experiences, and reflect on how we can continue to support our clients through culturally safe and trauma-informed practices.”
Link-Up (Qld) Program Manager Tracy Bright said the gathering reinforced the importance of centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices and lived experiences in work that supports healing.
“When we prioritise the stories and lived experiences of Stolen Generations survivors and descendants, we help ensure our work reflects genuine community needs and supports people to reconnect with family, country, community and culture,” Tracy said.
To learn more about SEWB Gatherings and see reports from previous years, visit https://timhwb.org.au/sewb-gatherings/
Published March 2026.