The ALS and Just Reinvest NSW Summit brought communities and allies together to co-design a roadmap for community-led justice reinvestment, grounded in Aboriginal authority, self-determination, and shared accountability for systems change.
The ALS and Just Reinvest NSW Summit was held to build a shared understanding of what community-led justice reinvestment requires in practice. Over three days, the summit brought together community representatives, the Aboriginal Legal Service, Just Reinvest NSW, government, philanthropy, academia and other partners. Grounded in relationships, language and lived experience, it created space for communities and allies to set a collective direction for systems change in the justice space.
Key objectives included building connection and trust, clarifying shared language, and exploring the broader conditions shaping justice outcomes, such as racism, poverty, trauma, health, education, housing, out-of-home care and policing. Participants sought to understand the changes needed across the Social Determinants of Justice, clarify stakeholder roles and commitments, and develop a practical roadmap for community-led reinvestment. Making sure communities kept the authority to lead was central to the discussions.
The summit used a staged, culturally grounded approach. Day 1 began with reflective activities, including the “Red Thread” exercise, Terms of Art, and a future-casting activity, which built connection, established a common language, and encouraged participants to envision future possibilities. Day 2 turned these foundations into action through Theory of Change and Horizon Map activities, mapping the impacts, outcomes, activities and inputs needed for change. Day 3 brought allies into the process through a World Café, a Spheres of Influence activity and a refined Horizon Map. A closing yarning circle reaffirmed the strength of grassroots Aboriginal leadership.
The outcomes included a clear shared position, that communities hold the cultural authority, lived experience and legitimacy to lead, and partners must use their influence, resources and decision-making power to support community-defined priorities. The refined Horizon Map set out a staged pathway, with immediate foundations, a three-to-five-year focus on shifting systems and resourcing, and long-term structural transformation over the next ten years. Participants called for long-term investment over short-term programs and for data that serves self-determination. The summit strengthened relationships, clarified shared language and produced a roadmap for collective action, laying a strong foundation for maintaining the coalition and bringing missing stakeholders into the work ahead.
Example output and outcomes developed for this project
Example output and outcomes developed for this project
