Aboriginal Family Support Services
Together with the community
CE's message
Aboriginal Family Support Services Incorporated (AFSS) was established in 1978. It is a recognised community based and controlled organisation that was born out of the passion and tireless commitment of strong Aboriginal leaders who were determined to address the inequities that existed around the removal of Aboriginal children from their families and communities. Removal of these children often occurred without family consent and the trauma and emotional impact on those involved is still being experienced today.
It is acknowledged with great respect that the founders of this organisation had vision and foresight which has left a strong legacy to build on. More than 36 years later AFSS remains the peak organisation in strengthening Aboriginal families, children and young people to remain safe and connected to our rich heritage and culture.
The safety of our children and our people is at the forefront of the organisation and underpins all that we do.
Although significant progress has been made it is vital that AFSS remains focussed to ensure safe and positive futures for our children. Aboriginal culture is thousands of years old. It is living and vibrant, and as our children remain connected to it they will grow strong and able to reach their full potential.
The vision and strategic direction of this organisation is to work together with the community to achieve our mission and goals, as detailed in our Strategic Plan. By building on the strong foundations left by our founders AFSS will continue to provide strong leadership and committed staff to deliver the future directions of the organisation. This requires passion and dedication that will challenge and influence social change for the wellbeing of our community.
AFSS has this strong leadership, and by working together with the community we will strengthen and empower our children and young people for the future.
Our journey as Aboriginal people began over 60,000 years ago – we are part of the rocks and the river – no Aboriginal child should have this taken away from them and I will continue to do everything in my power to develop safe pathways to keep our children and young people connected to their culture.
I take this opportunity to personally thank the Board and staff for their focussed enthusiasm and dedication in creating a shared vision and future for the organisation and for our community.
Sharron Williams
Chief Executive
Sharron Williams
is a Narungga/
Kaurna woman
who has been the
Chief Executive
of AFSS, the peak
Aboriginal child
welfare
organisation in
South Australia,
since 1998.
The agency was
formed in 1978 in response to Aboriginal children often being removed from their families and communities without the consent or even consultation with extended family members.
Sharron’s experience has included 15 years with Correctional Services in strategic and policy development positions, including the first Indigenous Public Relations Officer with the Correctional Services system in SA.
Sharron has served on the SNAICC national executive since 1998 and was elected Deputy Chairperson – Child Welfare in May 2011. In November 2012, Sharron was elected interim Chairperson of SNAICC. Sharron’s strengths are building strong relationships with government and industry on behalf of the community, based on respect and a strong commitment to protecting the rights of the Aboriginal community.
