Success Works was proud to be represented at the 2026 Reintegration Puzzle Conference, Australia’s largest and most significant annual gathering of people with lived expertise of the justice system, community and public sector practitioners, First Nations leaders, researchers, advocates and academics committed to improving justice and reintegration outcomes.
Held under this year’s theme, “We Know The Way,” the conference recognised the extraordinary expertise already held across communities and challenged participants to move beyond identifying the harms of the justice system towards practical, sustainable solutions that create meaningful change. It was a powerful reminder that the answers already exist within communities, and that lasting reform is built by listening to those with lived expertise and working together to create practical pathways forward.
Across two days, delegates heard from leading Australian and international speakers, explored innovative approaches to justice reform, justice reinvestment and reintegration, and participated in conversations centred on culture, place, hope, healing and storytelling. The conference fostered a unique environment where collaboration, innovation and shared learning took centre stage.
Representing Success Works, Employment & Training Program Coordinator Natascha Consigli presented “A Vision for a Nationwide Diversity and Inclusion Approach to Employment for People with a Criminal Record.” Drawing on both her lived experience and professional expertise, Natascha challenged delegates to reimagine employment through a diversity and inclusion lens, asking an important question: What if having a criminal record was recognised as another dimension of diversity that deserves equitable and inclusive employment practices?
Her presentation explored a national vision that moves beyond reducing barriers to employment and instead creates workplaces where people with a criminal record are valued for their skills, potential and contribution. She also highlighted the importance of balancing community safety with opportunities for reintegration, advocating for fair, evidence-informed employment practices that support both employers and job seekers.
As an emerging national advocate for employment inclusion and justice reform, Natascha shared the work of Success Works and reinforced the importance of lived expertise in shaping policy, influencing systems and designing solutions that create genuine opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after involvement with the justice system. Her presentation was warmly received and generated meaningful discussion about practical pathways for reform.
The conference reinforced that sustainable change cannot be achieved by one organisation or sector alone. It requires collaboration between people with lived expertise, community organisations, researchers, government, employers and policymakers, all working towards a shared vision of stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.
For Success Works, attending the Reintegration Puzzle Conference was more than an opportunity to present. It was an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, learn from leaders across Australia and overseas, contribute to national conversations and continue advocating for a future where a person’s past does not permanently define their future.
The conference concluded with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. Guided by the theme “We Know The Way,” Success Works returns energised to continue creating pathways to employment, belonging, and opportunity, while championing the belief that lived experience, when supported by the right frameworks, education and opportunity, becomes lived expertise capable of transforming systems and changing lives.
Comments are closed