Social Program

The Social Program is integral to the Conference experience offering the opportunity to network and catch up with friends, colleagues and make new connections.

A Golf Day will be held on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at the Royal Hobart Golf Club. The Conference will then officially open with the Welcome Reception on Tuesday 20 October 2026 and will conclude with the Gala Dinner on Friday 23 October 2026. Throughout the week the below additional functions will be offered, ensuring you get to see and experience the best that Hobart has to offer.

Looking for something to do in your own time? Check out this list of recommended restaurants, bars and pubs suggested by the local Organising Committee.

While in Hobart we encourage you to prioritise your wellness; see here for some suggested activities.

Social function tickets are subject to availability at the time of registering. Due to capacity limitations, additional guest tickets are not able to be purchased however through the online registration process you can place yourself on the waitlist for these in case they become available closer to the Conference. Delegates will be advised in approximately August 2026 if they are successful in securing a waitlisted guest ticket.

*Social function information is subject to change without notice.

TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER

Golf Day

Location: Royal Hobart Golf Club
Time: Guests are welcome at the Golf Club from 1130hrs, with tee times commencing at 1222hrs.
Tickets: $160 per person including green fees and drinks and canapes after the round.

Further information on the golf day - including how to register - can be found on this page of the Family Law Section website.

Proudly sponsored by:

Welcome Reception

Location: MAC 02
Time: 1800-2100
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: Included in fulltime Member and Non-Member, and fulltime Early Career Lawyer Member and Non-Member, registrations. Tickets for other registration categories are $145 inc GST.

Every landscape begins with a single seed of thought. Join us on the Hobart waterfront as we open the 21st National Family Law Conference and begin a shared journey through the conference theme, Landscapes of Thought.

Sowing the Seeds of Thought invites delegates to write an intention for the conference on arrival, sharing a thought, aspiration or idea to add to our intention tree. Set amongst native botanicals, natural textures, warm earthy tones and candlelight, the space will foster a collective landscape of thought and inspiration.

Enjoy Tasmanian-inspired canapés and food stations, refreshments and live entertainment as we gather, reconnect and sow the seeds for the days ahead.

Proudly sponsored by:

WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER

Early Career Lawyers' Lunch - Career Bites: Building Reputation, Skills and Impact

Location: Harbour View Room 1, Hobart Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 1230-1330
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: Included in all Early Career Lawyer registrations.*

Career Bites is a fast-paced and informal lunch session designed specifically for early career family lawyers.

Leading practitioners and a Judge will deliver short, high-impact reflections drawn from their own career journeys, focusing on the choices, experiences and lessons that shaped their development.

The rapid-fire insights will provide the starting point for facilitated table conversations, followed by an open and practical discussion between attendees and speakers.

The emphasis is on candid, useful advice rather than formal presentations: what speakers wish they had known earlier, what accelerated their development, and what early career lawyers can do now to build their skills, reputation and impact.

Supported by the Patrons of the Early Career Lawyers’ Program, this session offers rare access to experienced leaders and genuine opportunities for connection and mentoring.

Visit the Conference program to view more including the presenters and chair in the session.

*This function is open to those registered under an Early Career Lawyer rate only.

Proudly sponsored by Patrons of the Early Career Lawyers' program

Early Career Lawyers' Workshop: Interim Hearings Workshop – From Preparation to Persuasion

Location: Harbour View Room 1, Hobart Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 1445-1545 (held as Concurrent 3D)
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: Included in all Early Career Lawyer registrations.*

This interactive and dynamic workshop style session will provide an opportunity for early career lawyers to practice their advocacy skills in interim defended hearings. As the esteemed panel, the Hon. Peter Tree, KC and Teresa Farmer, SC, weave through two factual scenarios on both parenting and financial issues, the discussion and coaching will focus on what you need to know about the principles, evidentiary issues and practical considerations behind an interim appearance and hearing, equipping lawyers with the tools to develop and deliver clear, persuasive submissions.

Visit the Conference program to view more including the presenters and chair in the session.

*This function is open to those registered under an Early Career Lawyer rate only. This workshop will be held as part of the program.

Proudly sponsored by Patrons of the Early Career Lawyers' program

Happy Hour

Location: Exhibition, Hobart Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 1715-1815
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: Included in fulltime registrations and Wednesday day registrations. Tickets for other registration categories are $35 inc GST.

Relax and unwind with refreshments in the Exhibition after a day of thought provoking sessions.

Proudly sponsored by:

Early Career Lawyers' Function

Location: Rooftop Terrace, The Telegraph Hotel
Time: 1830-2130
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: Included in all Early Career Lawyer registrations.*

Start your Conference experience by joining fellow Early Career Lawyers for an exclusive evening on the Rooftop Terrace at the Telegraph Hotel, Hobart. This relaxed and social function is the perfect opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build valuable networks with peers you’ll be seeing throughout the Conference. Come along, enjoy the stunning city views, and begin the Conference with new connections and conversations that will last well beyond the event.

*This function is open to those registered under an Early Career Lawyer rate only.

Proudly sponsored by:

THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER

The Chair's Lunch

Location: Hobart Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 1215-1345
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: $130 inc GST.

Join us for the Chair's Lunch, featuring Emma Mason, who is a mother, lawyer, and social media reform advocate. Drawing on her own journey, Emma will share what led her to fight for change beyond the courtroom, and why she believes lawyers have a unique responsibility to shape safer, stronger communities. It's a personal and powerful reminder of how the work we do can ripple far beyond individual cases – from family law right through to the international stage. The session will be chaired by Jason Walker, Chair of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.

Proudly sponsored by:

Happy Hour

Location: Exhibition, Hobart Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 1730-1830
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: Included in fulltime registrations and Thursday day registrations. Tickets for other registration categories are $35 inc GST.

Relax and unwind with refreshments in the Exhibition after a day of thought provoking sessions.

This function is still available for sponsorship - enquire now!
familylaw2026@wsm.com.au

Out of Towners' Function - SOLD OUT

Location: MR1 (Mona Ferry 1) - departing from Brooke Street Pier
Time: 1830-2130
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: $230 inc GST

Hop aboard the Mona's iconic MR1 Ferry for an unforgettable Hobart experience! Out-of-town delegates will love exploring the ferry’s eclectic furnishings, bold artwork and quirky design details. Against the stunning backdrop of the River Derwent, this one-of-a-kind function is the perfect chance to relax, connect, and dive straight into Hobart’s quirky, creative spirit. Don’t miss out on this truly unique experience!

Proudly sponsored by:

LGBTQIA+ Function

Location: Altar Bar (upstairs)
Time: 1830-2130
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: $125 inc GST

Celebrate diversity and connection at the LGBTQIA+ Function, held at Hobart’s vibrant Altar Bar. This inclusive evening provides a welcoming space for delegates within the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to come together, share experiences, and build meaningful connections. Join us for an inspiring night of networking and camaraderie as part of the 21st National Family Law Conference.

Proudly sponsored by:

FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER

Gala Dinner - SOLD OUT

Location: Princes Wharf 1
Time: 1830-late
Dress Code: Drawing inspiration from Hobart's harbour after dark, this year's Gala Dinner invites guests to embrace the richness of Tasmania by night. Black tie attire forms the foundation of the evening, with deep forest greens, midnight navy, sumptuous velvets and subtle shimmer offering a nod to the beauty of the island, from the moonlit harbour and rugged coastlines to twilight forests and starlit southern skies. We invite guests to interpret the theme through colour, texture and accessories while maintaining the elegance of a black tie affair.
Tickets: Included in fulltime Member and Non-Member, and fulltime Early Career Lawyer Member and Non-Member, registrations. Tickets for other registration categories are $270 inc GST.

Join us as we bring the Conference to a memorable close with the Gala Dinner at Princes Wharf 1.

Attendees will enjoy a sumptuous menu showcasing Tasmania’s finest local produce, complemented by premium beverages and entertainment that's not to be missed. Secure your place at this unforgettable evening of fine dining, networking, and celebration.

Proudly sponsored by:

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS