aes26 International Evaluation Conference: Full Schedule

This is the draft aes26 program, subject to change. To register for workshops and the conference, go to: https://www.aes26.aes.asn.au/

11:00am ACST

Two Worlds Evaluation: Shifting power back to community and embedding Indigenous Data Sovereignty in practice

Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am ACST

Rooms 1+2

Authors: Jess Moniodis (North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service), Mona Roberts (North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service)
This session will examine how NAAFLS is embedding Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance principles into program evaluation. Our evaluation applies Indigenous-led qualitative methodologies that are explicitly aligned with nationally recognised victim-survivor principles. These methods prioritise safety, choice, voice, control, dignity, healing, and accountability across stages of the evaluation.

Guided by a two-worlds approach, and place-based victim-survivor led solutions, we recognise that well-intentioned initiatives can sometimes unintentionally create negative impacts rather than support community-defined outcomes.

NAAFLS aims to address this by co-creating an evaluation approach that places First Nations perspectives on safety and wellbeing at the forefront, while aligning with nationally recognised victim-survivor and organisational principles. We will explore how evaluation has helped restore ethics and integrity in a complex setting to support collective learning across stakeholders and shift power back to our communities. Our approach prioritises women’s voices, lived experience, cultural knowledge, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives to ensure evaluation is grounded in the lived realities of those most affected.

Informed by a two-worlds approach and Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036, this work centres victim-survivors, Elders, community members, service providers, and experienced professionals in defining success, shaping accountability, and guiding learning and improvement. This presentation will demonstrate NAAFLS practical application of a two-way lens - sharing our approach and reflections in translating Indigenous Data Sovereignty from principle into practice. It will also discuss lessons learned in embedding best-practice principles, supporting place-based understanding, and strengthening sustainable, community-led pathways for support.

Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own practice, share their experiences and challenges, and discuss practical ways to embed Indigenous Data Sovereignty into evaluation practices.

Speakers

Jess Moniodis

North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service

Mona Roberts

North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service

Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am ACST
Rooms 1+2 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT, Australia

Ethics and integrity

Format Short paper
Audience Level Foundational, Intermediate
Industry Community and social services, Not for profit Philanthropy
ID 230

aes26 International Evaluation Conference

11:00am ACST

Jess Moniodis

Mona Roberts

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