Invisible Sentences: The True Cost of Incarceration for Families, Communities and Government

Join us for an evening of powerful storytelling, lived experience, conversation and connection. EVENT DETAILS: 📅 Thursday 26 November 2026 📍 Belgiorno Room, ACO on the Pier, Dawes Point 🕠 Doors Open: 5:30pm 🕣 Event Concludes: 8:30pm Throughout the evening, attendees will hear stories, insights and reflections that explore the often-unseen impact of incarceration on families and communities. We are honoured to welcome Dr Sophie Russell, whose doctoral research examined the impact of incarceration on families. Sophie will share insights from her research and discuss how imprisonment can affect family relationships, wellbeing, caregiving responsibilities and the lives of those who remain in the community. We are also privileged to be joined by Professor Ruth McCausland from UNSW, whose work on the Social Determinants of Justice explores the social, economic and systemic factors that shape people's interactions with the justice system. Ruth will help frame the evening's conversations by reflecting on the broader impacts of incarceration and the experiences of families affected by the criminal legal system. Attendees will also hear from a lived experience panel featuring family members and community voices who will share personal stories about the realities of supporting loved ones impacted by incarceration. We are delighted to welcome Nancy Bates as our special guest performer. An acclaimed Aboriginal singer-songwriter and advocate, Nancy's work is renowned for its powerful storytelling and celebration of culture, community and resilience. WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE NIGHT: Doors open from 5:30pm with refreshments, opportunities to connect with others and time to explore displays showcasing the creativity, resilience and experiences of people affected by incarceration. The evening will feature guest speakers, lived experience storytelling, a panel discussion, a silent auction featuring works from CRC's Paper Chained program, music, reflection and opportunities for meaningful conversation and connection. Event concludes at 8:30pm. Whether you work within the justice sector, support affected families, have lived experience, or simply want to better understand the broader impacts of incarceration, Invisible Sentences offers an opportunity to listen, reflect and engage in an important conversation. Together, we can help make the invisible visible.