The 2021 Straight Talk Summit has been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and challenges around moving the event online.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said while this meant the event couldn’t proceed in 2021, plans were afoot to reschedule the summit to commence in the first half of next year.
Border restrictions as well as safety concerns about vaccine coverage in the community meant the event couldn’t proceed in Canberra as initially planned. While staff worked hard to move the event online, challenges arose which meant this was not possible within the available timeframe.
“We know that participants will be disappointed that this event, like many others in recent times, has been postponed. We are also disappointed, and were looking forward to bringing together First Nations women to talk about how to build positive change in their communities,” Ms Morgain said.
“But our priority will always be the safety and wellbeing of everybody involved in Straight Talk. Current circumstances meant we couldn’t proceed this year. We want the women who participate in this summit to feel safe and get as much as possible out of it.
“We are now working towards putting on a fantastic hybrid event next year, which will involve virtual and in-person experiences running across states and territories for the wonderful women we are excited have come on board the program.
“We continue to strive toward our purpose – supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to build capacity as change makers and make positive change through political engagement. Oxfam Australia looks forward to continuing this critical work with First Nations women next year.”
Further updates from Straight Talk can be found on our website.
For further information, contact Lily Partland on 0418 118 687 / lilyp@oxfam.org.au
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