At the heart of “Building Freedom Together” is the belief that lasting change happens when we unite — survivors, advocates, communities, and systems — to rebuild a world free from exploitation. Freedom is not a single moment or a distant goal; it is a collective journey, building piece by piece through shared stories, courageous leadership, and compassionate action.
This Forum honours the strength and resilience of people with lived experience, recognising their voices as essential to shaping solutions that are just, inclusive, and transformative. Together, we commit to listening deeply, acting boldly, and building a bigger picture of freedom — one that restores dignity, fosters healing, and creates space for all to thrive.
The NSW Anti-slavery Forum, held twice a year, is a signature event convened by the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner to foster an anti-slavery community of purpose.
The fourth edition of the NSW Anti-slavery Forum will be held in Wollongong, in-person, on 5 & 6 November 2025. This two-day Forum will bring together a rich tapestry of voices, from government, business, human rights, lived experience leadership, academia, advocacy, frontline services, sustainable procurement, and industrial relations, to explore how we can collectively advance the mission to end modern slavery in NSW.
Anti-slavery Forum Snapshot
Full agenda program and speaker lineup - coming soon.
Tuesday
4
November
Travel & Check-In
We recommend arriving on the Tuesday to settle in and be ready for a prompt start on Wednesday.
Wednesday & Thursday
5 - 6
November
Building Freedom Together
Over two engaging days, experts and advocates from across the anti-slavery community will explore practical, collaborative solutions to the everyday challenges of preventing modern slavery and supporting survivors. With a strong focus on innovation and partnership, the Forum will inform, empower and activate professionals, decision-makers, researchers, and people with lived experience to drive meaningful progress for the anti-slavery movement in New South Wales and beyond.
Wednesday
5
November
Commissioners’ Commendations and Community Celebration Dinner
An opportunity to connect and celebrate the community that is building freedom together, and to honour leaders of those efforts.
Friday
7
November
Check-out & Departure
We recommend departing on the morning of 7 November. There will be no events scheduled on this day.
The Anti-slavery Forum starts in
Express your interest
The fourth edition of the Anti-slavery Forum, Building Freedom Together.
Lived Experience participation supports
The NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner encourages participation in the Forum by people with lived experience of modern slavery. Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner has developed specific supports to ensure this participation is both safe and meaningful. Through this initiative, we have created an environment that supports trauma-informed and empathetic interactions between all participants.
FAQs
For the 2025 Anti-slavery Forum, Building Freedom Together, 5 & 6 November.
1. Is there an option to attend virtually?
The upcoming Forum on 5 & 6 November is an in-person-only event, supporting safe engagement for people with lived experience. No virtual option is available. Selected sessions will be recorded and available online after the event. Please follow us on YouTube to watch these session recordings after the Forum.
An online Forum will be held next year. Please follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on the next Forum announcement.
2. Will accommodation be provided?
Accommodation is available at the venue, but this is not included with the ticket and must be paid for separately. Different arrangements will apply for attendees who identify as people with lived experience.
3. Where will the NSW Anti-slavery Forum take place?
The upcoming Forum will be held in Wollongong, NSW. Venue details, including the full address, will be confirmed and shared with attendees. Only registered ticket holders will be admitted.
4. What is the registration fee for the NSW Anti-slavery Forum?
The Forum is free to attend, but tickets are limited and issued via an Expression of Interest. Due to venue capacity, only confirmed ticket holders may attend.
5. How do I apply for a ticket?
To attend, you must complete the Expression of Interest form found here: www.antislaveryforum.org
Once submitted, you will be automatically placed on a waitlist. If your application is successful, we will send a confirmation email with your ticket from our Office.
6. Can I attend only one day of the event?
The 2025 in-person Forum has been developed as a two-day event. All attendees are encouraged to attend both days to get the most out of the forum.
7. I have registered my interest and was placed on the waitlist immediately. How can I confirm if I have been added to the attendee list?
Due to limited capacity, not all applicants will receive a ticket to attend. Tickets will be allocated with a focus on including diverse perspectives and encouraging sector representation.
If you haven’t received a ticket, you are still on the waitlist. Please be patient – we will notify you if a place becomes available.
8. Will the NSW Anti-slavery Forum be recorded, and can I watch the recording after the event?
Yes. Selected sessions will be professionally recorded and published on our YouTube channel after the event.
Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn to stay updated on when recordings are released.
9. Is there parking available?
Paid parking will be available at the venue.
10. How many people will attend the Anti-slavery Forum?
There is capacity for a couple of hundred attendees on each day of the Forum.
11. Who will be in the audience?
Speakers and attendees at the Forum include representatives from government, community organisations, employees, employers, small businesses, research and academia and service providers.
12. Who will be speaking at the event?
A diverse range of speakers will be featured across the two days. The full program will be published on the website once confirmed.
Speakers include voices from government, community, business, civil society, and lived experience.
13. Will food be provided?
Lunch, dinner and refreshments will be included on both days, including a Community Celebration Dinner on Thurs 6 November.
14. I require accessibility support – who can I contact?
We are committed to ensuring the Forum is accessible to all. If you have any access or inclusion needs, please let us know when registering or contact us at [email protected] so we can assist.
15. I can't attend anymore – can I give my ticket to someone else?
No. Tickets are not transferable. If you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reallocate your place to someone on the waitlist.
16. Can I attend if I have lived experience of modern slavery?
Yes. We strongly encourage people with lived experience to attend and share their perspectives. We aim to create a safe, inclusive and respectful environment. There is an opportunity to indicate if you are a person with lived experience via the Expression of Interest form, if you choose to. If you would like to discuss your attendance or support needs confidentially, please contact us at [email protected]
17. Will there be media present?
Some sessions may be recorded, but no media will be in attendance.
If you are attending and wish not to appear in photos or recordings, please let our team know when you arrive.
18. Can I volunteer at the event?
We are not currently seeking volunteers for this Forum, but we appreciate your interest. Please stay connected via our newsletter and LinkedIn for future opportunities.
19. Will there be support available for people impacted by the content?
Yes. We recognise that discussions on modern slavery can be distressing, particularly for those with lived experience. Support staff and wellbeing spaces will be available throughout the Forum.
We encourage attendees to take breaks as needed and seek support from our team, or specialist support provided, if required.
20. Will presentation materials be available after the event?
Where possible, presentations and speaker slides will be made available to attendees after the Forum. We will notify you by email or via our website when materials are uploaded.
21. When will the program be available
We will be announcing the program over coming months. Stay connected via https://antislaveryforum.org/ the OASC’s LinkedIn or our newsletter for updates.
22. Is there travel support available?
People with lived experience may be able to access travel support if they are successful in attaining a ticket.
23. Can I come to the Anti-slavery Forum if I live overseas?
You are welcome to Express Interest to attend the Forum if you live outside Australia. We are unfortunately not able to assist you with travel arrangements, visas, or expenses. If you are granted registration to attend the Forum, you will need to make your own travel arrangements, organise your own visa, and cover your own expenses.
24. How do I report modern slavery?
If you, or someone you know, wants to report modern slavery:
In an emergency: call Triple Zero (000) If you have immediate concerns for your safety or the safety of another person.
1800 FREEDOM: Call 1800 FREEDOM (1800 3733366) or [email protected] for confidential support and assistance from the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner.
For more reporting information see the OASC reporting information here.
We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first peoples and traditional custodians of Australia and the oldest continuing culture in human history, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We acknowledge that First Nations communities in New South Wales have survived practices that today we call modern slavery and continue to live with its legacies.