**Growing Up Strong! Findings from Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC)**

Thursday 19 February 2026, 12:00pm-1:00pm AEDT, online via MS Teams

Hosted by Family and Community Services Insights, Analysis and Research (FACSIAR)

Details

Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) has been following the development of over 1,700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children throughout Australia since 2008. The study provides rich insights into what helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up strong – from their early years through to adolescence. Findings from a recent analysis focusing on the early childhood period includes stories from families and communities who participated in the research, offering a deeper understanding of factors that support wellbeing and resilience. The findings can guide better planning and delivery of early intervention, early learning services and community strengthening work.

In this FACSIAR Lunch and Learn webinar, A/Professor Stuart Ekberg and Tirritpa Ritchie from Flinders University together with Professor Kristin Laurens from Queensland University of Technology will share key findings from their recent Early Childhood Report from Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. They will explain how Indigenous storying methods have been adapted to bring the data to life, guided by a strengths-based approach and Indigenous conceptions of social and emotional wellbeing.

Following the presentation, a panel of experts will discuss policy and practice implications of these findings.

Discover how culture, place, and strong families support wellbeing, and how these insights can shape better services and stronger communities.

The webinar will be chaired by Ali Goodwin, Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Culture in Practice, Office of the Senior Practitioner, Department of Communities and Justice

Join us to learn more about:

Growing Up Strong from early childhood: Stories and other findings from Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC)

Presentations from:

A/Professor Stuart Ekberg – Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University
Tirritpa Ritchie - Lecturer in Critical Indigenous Studies, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University
Professor Kristin Laurens - Professor, and Academic Lead - Postgraduate Research, School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology

Panel discussion:

Stevie Kirby – Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Culture in Practice, Office of the Senior Practitioner, Department of Communities and Justice
Kelly Ramsden – Manager, Cultural Quality Assurance Strengthening, Aboriginal Child Safety and Wellbeing, Transforming Aboriginal Outcomes
Anthony Shannon - Director, Early Intervention, Youth, Volunteering & Carers, Early Intervention, Disability & Inclusion, SPC

Questions or comments?

Contact: ResearchPartnerships@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Contact the host of Growing Up Strong! Findings from Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC)

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