Conference Speakers | MacKillop Institute

Speakers

Meet our Thought Leaders, Speakers & Panellists Shaping the Future of Safety and Wellbeing

The Lead the Way Conference 2025 features a distinguished line-up of thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners from across education, community services, mental health, and child safety.

Our speakers will share evidence-based insights, cutting-edge strategies, and real-world best practices to help create safer, more trauma-informed, and resilient communities.

Why This Matters

This Conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with renowned global leaders in trauma-informed education, mental health, and child safety. Through expert-led sessions, attendees will gain first-hand insights into cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to enhancing wellbeing and resilience in schools, community organisations, and workplaces.

The conference provides practical, evidence-based strategiesthat professionals can immediately apply to their work, fostering collaboration across sectors to create holistic and sustainable change.

By bringing together professionals from education, mental health, and child protection, the conference promotes multidisciplinary perspectives that enhance problem-solving and cross-sector learning. Real-world case studies will showcase how policy changes, research, and innovative practices are already transforming outcomes in education, workplace wellbeing, and child protection.

Panel Discussions & Industry Insights

In addition to keynote sessions, attendees will have access to expert-led panel discussions that delve into practical challenges and solutions across key sectors. These sessions will feature leading professionals sharing insights on student wellbeing, workforce resilience, and system-wide reform.

School & Education Leaders: Strategies for enhancing student wellbeing, strengthening teacher resilience, and fostering leadership transformation.
Mental Health Experts: Evidence-based approaches to workplace wellbeing, trauma-informed care, and burnout prevention.
Child Safety & Protection Specialists: Policy insights and safeguarding frameworks to strengthen child protection systems and improve organisational safety.

These discussions will allow attendees to engage with sector leaders, exchange ideas, and gain practical strategies to drive meaningful and lasting change in their respective fields.

Keynote Speakers

Speakers

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Speaker details will be updated as session dates and times are confirmed

Speaker	Name	Biography
	Dr Robyn Miller AM Chief Executive Officer MacKillop Family Services	Robyn is the Chief Executive Officer of MacKillop Family Services. She is passionate about social justice and the rights of children and families. As a social worker and family therapist, Robyn has over thirty years' experience in the child and welfare sector. Robyn is committed to training and supportive supervision for colleagues to provide best practice to the children and families we serve. When not traveling to MacKillop programs all over Australia, Robyn delights in her own five children and three beautiful grandchildren.
	Meena Singh Acting Principal Commissioner and Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) Victoria	Meena Singh, is a Yorta Yorta and Indian woman, born and living on the land of the Kulin Nations. Meena started her legal career with Victoria Legal Aid, where she practised in human rights and criminal law, and was also their inaugural Associate Director, Aboriginal Services. She has led legal services and programs at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the Human Rights Law Centre, as well as consulting in training and organisational development across many organisations. She has a passion for centering the voices of people with lived experience and service design that promotes inclusion, connection and ultimately achieve social justice and equitable outcomes.
	Joe Ball Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities Victoria	Joe Ball was appointed as the new Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities in September 2024 for a three-year term. Commissioner Ball (he/him) is a proud transgender man. The Commissioner advocates for the rights, safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities. He is a longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate and former CEO of Switchboard Victoria, with a 25-year career in disability, housing and homelessness, and social services. During his tenure with Switchboard, Joe lead the establishment of the statewide LGBTIQA+ Family Violence and Mental Health helpline Rainbow Door. Throughout his expansive career, Joe has drawn upon the strength and guidance of LGBTIQA+ history and most importantly, the work of activists who have paved the way, the courageous voices with lived experience and the wisdom of LGBTIQA+ elders. Commissioner Ball is also a member of the Expert Advisory Group for the federal government’s 10-Year LGBTIQ+ Health and Wellbeing Plan and previously participated in several leading social service advisory committees and boards. This includes the Victorian Family Violence peak body Safe and Equal, the community advisory committee for 1800RESPECT, the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Taskforce, the Victorian Family Violence Reform Advisory Group, and the National Suicide Prevention Governance Committee. In 2020, Joe was honoured as an award recipient in the 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Leaders in Australia.
	Professor Pasi Sahlberg Professor of Educational Leadership University of Melbourne	Pasi Sahlberg is a renowned Finnish educator, researcher, and author, recognised for his contributions to global education reform. With a career spanning teaching, teacher education, policymaking, and academia, he has influenced education systems worldwide. He has served in key roles, including Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank (Washington, DC), Lead Education Specialist at the European Training Foundation (Italy), and Director General at Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture (CIMO). Additionally, he was a Visiting Professor of Practice at Harvard University. Pasi is currently Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Melbourne, where he continues to advocate for evidence-based education policies.
	Professor Leah Bromfield Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection University of South Australia	Professor Leah Bromfield is a leading authority in child protection and a distinguished academic, currently serving as Chair of Child Protection and Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection at the University of South Australia. Recognised for her groundbreaking contributions to child safety reform, she was named 2025 South Australian Australian of the Year. She also holds several influential advisory roles, including Chair of the SA Child Protection Expert Group, Chair of the Tas Uplifting Care Independent Expert Group, and Co-Chair of the National Advisory Group for the National Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse.
	Dr Ross Greene Clinical Psychologist Founder of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions	Dr. Ross Greene is the originator of the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, a groundbreaking approach to supporting children with behavioural challenges. He spent over 20 years on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and is now the founding director of Lives in the Balance, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing free, web-based resources on the CPS model to educators, parents, and clinicians worldwide. A highly sought-after speaker and consultant, Dr. Greene has advised schools, mental health organisations, and policymakers across the globe. His work has been widely featured in major media outlets, including The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, National Public Radio (NPR), The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and The Boston Globe.
	Professor Anne Graham AO Director of the Centre for Children and Young People Southern Cross University	Professor Anne Graham AO is the Founding Director of the Centre for Children and Young People (CCYP) and a conjoint Professor at the University of New South Wales. With a background as both a primary school teacher and sociologist, she has dedicated over 20 years to teacher education, shaping research and policy that improve the lives of children and young people. Under her leadership, CCYP has positioned Southern Cross University as a key player in regional, national, and international research on children's rights, social and emotional wellbeing, and ethical research involving young people. Her work has directly influenced policy and practice in education, child protection, and community services.

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Presenters and Panellists

Engage in insightful discussions, practical presentations and workshops from professionals leading research, policy, and implementation in trauma-informed education, child safety, mental health, and organisational change.

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Name	Biography	Topic
Jocelyn Bignold AM Chief Executive Officer McAuley Community Services for Women	Jocelyn Bignold AM has been the CEO of McAuley Community Services for Women since 2008, leading innovative support programs for women and children experiencing family violence and homelessness. She has over 25 years of experience in community services, policy development, and advocacy, working extensively with government and non-government organisations to improve policy and service systems. A recognised leader in her field, Jocelyn was an expert witness before the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2020 for her contributions to social welfare and improving the lives of vulnerable women and children.	Embedding Safety and Dignity: A Systems Approach to Supporting Women and Children Experiencing Violence and Homelessness
Krushnadevsinh (Kano) Ravalji CEO, Third Culture Australia Youth Commissioner, Victorian Multicultural Commission	Krushnadevsinh (Kano) Ravalji is the founder of Third Culture Australia and Youth Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission. As a passionate advocate for D&I, Kano works to empower young people and multicultural communities nationwide. Through keynotes, school programs, and policy-driven initiatives, he amplifies youth voices and fosters inclusive leadership. Kano recently hosted Australia’s first entirely youth-led conference, bringing together over 120 professionals to explore authentic youth engagement and wellbeing. His dedication to equity has earned him accolades such as the VicHealth Future Changemaker Award and Wyndham City’s Young Citizen of the Year. A regular voice on national radio and media, Kano shares insights on best practices, identity, and systemic change. Committed to supporting young people’s mental well-being by equipping young people and sector workers alike with the tools to navigate challenges, build resilience, and advocate for their needs in education, policy, and beyond.	Belonging, Cultural Identity & Mental Wellbeing: A Roadmap for Young People
David Burroughs Founder Australian Psychological Services	Dave Burroughs is Founder of Australian Psychological Services and Chief Mental Health Officer for Westpac Group. With a 20-year international career as a consultant psychologist working across multiple industries, Dave is a recognised expert in Psychological Health & Safety and supports many leading government, national and international organisations in adopting strategic and practical approaches to psychosocial risk management and developing mentally healthy workplaces. Dave has a commitment to evidence-based practice, a reputation for tackling complex people matters and a passion for innovation and challenging convention.	Psychosocial Safety at Work: How Organisations Can Assist or Hinder Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health
Fiona McCallum General Manager MacKillop Seasons	Fiona brings extensive leadership experience across the fields of human resources, health, and education, having worked in both corporate and not-for-profit sectors. With formal qualifications in nursing and management, she is passionate about promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals across the lifespan. Fiona is dedicated to creating and sharing knowledge that empowers children, young people, and adults to thrive and reach their full potential.	Improving Wellbeing and Building Hope: Supporting Students through Natural Disasters with Stormbirds
Deb Tsorbaris CEO Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare	Deb Tsorbaris serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, the leading body representing child and family services in Victoria. With a career spanning over three decades, Deb brings extensive leadership experience from both the not-for-profit and public sectors, including roles in youth work, disability, homelessness, drug and alcohol services, and employment support. Before joining the Centre, she held senior executive positions within the Victorian Government. Deb is a dedicated advocate for children, young people, and families, particularly those facing vulnerability and disadvantage. She plays a significant role in shaping policy at both state and national levels and is recognised for her commitment to cross-sector collaboration in addressing systemic and long-term needs. Deb co-chairs the Roadmap Implementation Ministerial Advisory Group and its steering group, and is also a member of the Victorian Children’s Council, contributing her expertise to critical reform and strategic initiatives.	COMING SOON
Rabbi Zalman Kastel AM Founder Together for Humanity	Rabbi Kastel AM grew up in the ultra-orthodox Hasidic tradition in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where his worldview was shaped by his community’s traditions. His perspective shifted in 2001 through encounters with Christians and Muslims, inspiring a lifelong commitment to interfaith cooperation and promoting positive experiences of diversity for young Australians. Now based in Sydney, he continues to serve as a Hasidic Rabbi, teaching Bible study at Chabad House North Shore. Ordained after studies in the UK, Australia, and the US, he also holds a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of New England. In 2020, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to interfaith and intercultural understanding.	Building Bridges in Fractured Spaces: Intercultural Understanding as a Foundation for Safe and Inclusive Communities
Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown Associate Dean Diversity and Inclusion University of Melbourne	Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown is the Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education. With more than 25 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership across diverse contexts, Lisa has a longstanding commitment to promoting the inclusion of students with disability. She is internationally regarded for her expertise in school attendance and serves on the Executive Board of the International Network for School Attendance. Her research spans both the education and health sectors, and she leads the Faculty’s Disability Research Collaboration, guiding initiatives such as In2School—designed to support students with chronic absenteeism—and Pathways2Participation, which applies Multi-tiered Systems of Support to improve attendance outcomes. Lisa is actively engaged in global partnerships that focus on advancing inclusive education in regions such as India and Latin America. Her research is particularly concerned with how students with mental health challenges and disabilities experience exclusion in educational environments, and she is driven by a passion to address and transform these systemic barriers.	COMING SOON
Jahin Tanvir Chief Executive Officer Australian School of Entrepreneurship	Jahin Tanvir is the CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE), Australia’s largest innovation provider, and a 3-time TEDx speaker. Recognised as a 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian (2022) at just 21, he is a board director and a leading advocate for young people, diversity, and inclusion. A finalist for 2022 Young Australian of the Year and recipient of the 2021 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year for Community Service, Jahin serves as a Board Director at the Adolescent Health Association of Australia, a UNICEF Young Ambassador, and a Movember Ambassador. At 21, he founded Breathe., an EdTech social enterprise providing public speaking education to marginalised young people. In just six months, it reached over 16,000 individuals before being acquired by ASE Group in November 2022, where Jahin was appointed CEO.	Equipping Young People for the Future: Wellbeing, Inclusion and Opportunity through Entrepreneurial Education
Dr Phil Lambert PSM Adjunct Professor University of Sydney & Nanjing Normal University	Dr Phil Lambert PSM is an internationally acclaimed education expert. He has extensive experience in education as a principal; inspector; Regional Director (Sydney) and General Manager of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority where he led the development of Australia’s first national curriculum. Phil is Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney and supports education reform efforts globally as expert advisor and researcher for the OECD, UNESCO and the World Bank. He has been engaged by education ministries in several countries including Japan, The Netherlands, Qatar, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Kuwait, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Lithuania and Vietnam to guide and support their respective reforms. He is a Director on the board of Brazil’s Instituto Reuna and an International Ambassador for the United Kingdom’s National College. Phil contributes to the community in various ways. He is Chair (previously CEO) of Together For Humanity, the Attorney General’s appointee on the NSW Children’s Court Advisory Committee, the Minister of Education’s independent appointee on the Non-Government School Not-For-Profit statutory advisory committee and was recently appointed as a member of the NSW Parliament’s Education Advisory Group.	Contemporary Leadership for the Human Professions: Safe Harbours or Turbulent Seas?
Associate Professor Tim Moore Associate Professor Deputy Director - Institute of Child Protection Studies Australian Catholic University (ACU)	Associate Professor Tim Moore serves as Deputy Director at the Institute of Child Protection Studies and is widely regarded as an international expert in child and youth research and advocacy for children's rights. With over 20 years of experience, his work has addressed a broad range of critical issues including homelessness, youth justice, child protection, residential out-of-home care, young carers, and strategies for preventing child sexual abuse. Tim has contributed expert advice to numerous major inquiries and Commissions, most notably the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and has played a pivotal role in shaping initiatives at local, national, and international levels aimed at improving outcomes for children, young people, and their families. At the Institute, Tim leads the development and delivery of research and practice that meaningfully includes the voices and perspectives of children and young people. His work focuses on making services and systems more responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the rights and lived experiences of those they serve.	COMING SOON
Annette Schneider Chief Executive Officer Together for Huamnity	Annette brings more than two decades of experience in educational leadership, both in Australia and internationally. She began her professional journey in the classroom as a teacher before moving into leadership and values-driven education roles with organisations such as the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, UNICEF, the Council of Europe Youth Directorate, and Amnesty International. After many years working in Europe, Annette returned to Australia where she taught in a range of school settings across Sydney, eventually joining the team at Together For Humanity. She holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural Education and a double Bachelor’s degree in Education and Arts (International Studies). Having lived and worked in diverse communities across the globe—and drawing on her own multicultural heritage—Annette brings rich lived experience to her commitment to intercultural understanding and inclusive education. At home, she is kept grounded and inspired by her three children, each of whom reminds her daily of the importance of striving for a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are treated with dignity and respect.	Chair for Panel: Cultivating Cultural Responsiveness: Supporting Belonging and Inclusion for Young People
Esmai Manahan National Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service Development	Esmai is a proud Yorta Yorta woman, shaped by a politically active family committed to driving positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Drawing on her background in trauma and family therapy, Esmai leads cultural safety, self-determination, and reconciliation efforts at MacKillop Family Services. Her role includes advocating for the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and families—particularly those involved in child protection and out-of-home care. Esmai also oversees the development and implementation of MacKillop’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring meaningful and sustainable progress towards reconciliation. With extensive experience across both the Aboriginal community sector and the State Government, she brings a depth of cultural knowledge and leadership to her work. Esmai is inspired by the strength, resilience, and legacy of her ancestors, which continues to guide her advocacy and commitment to creating safe, culturally responsive systems for future generations.	Culturally Humble Collaborations Panel Discussion
Louise Hall National and International Partnerships Lead MacKillop Seasons	Louise’s enthusiasm for the transformative power of group work has shaped her professional journey and led her to her current role. With a foundation in social work and early childhood education, she has worked across both statutory and not-for-profit sectors, specialising in family wellbeing and support services. Louise finds fulfilment in cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders and expanding the impact of community-based initiatives. Outside of work, she embraces the dynamic experience of raising teenagers, finding joy in the growth and change that family life brings.	Building Capacity to Support the Grief Experiences of Children & Young People Living in Out-Of-Home Care
Smeeta Singh National Program Director Power to Kids and Power to Kids in Schools	With an MA in Education Policy, Smeeta is passionate about social justice in education and the impact of intergenerational outcomes on student transitions, engagement and achievement. Nearing 20 years in the education sector, Smeeta has worked across a variety of roles that focus on empowering young people through education, including school improvement, teacher training and child wellbeing. Through senior leadership roles at AVID Australia, The Smith Family and The Orange Door, Smeeta has led the rollout of trauma-informed practice and systems-based change across school, family violence and community services sectors. She brings a deep understanding of place-based implementation within national and state contexts, and experience harnessing the voice of communities and young people to inform meaningful change.	Challenging Ourselves to Have Challenging Conversations with Children and Young People About Sexual Safety
Dr John Molineux Senior Lecturer Deakin Business School Deakin University	Dr John Molineux is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management at Deakin Business School, where he has been based since 2012 following a distinguished career spanning over three decades in human resource management (HRM) across various industry sectors. He currently teaches postgraduate courses in HRM and leadership and maintains a strong focus on applied, industry-engaged research. His primary research interests include human performance, wellbeing, strategic HRM, organisational change, and action research. John has led several industry-funded research projects in recent years, particularly those examining the intersection of workforce wellbeing and organisational outcomes. He has successfully supervised six PhD candidates and one Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidate to completion and is currently supervising another doctoral student. Before entering academia, John held senior HR positions, including HR Director and Strategist, in multiple organisations.	COMING SOON
Allison Wainwright Chief Executive Officer Family Life	Allison has over 20 years of social work experience across government and non-profit sectors, holding senior leadership roles in community change, family violence, and child and family services in Australia and internationally. She specialises in trauma-informed interventions and family-sensitive practice, designing programs in crisis services, residential care, child protection, and community-based models. Her international work includes leading collective impact and primary prevention initiatives, particularly in HIV/AIDS prevention, family violence, and sexual health. From 2005 to 2011, Allison served as State Director for Integrated Services for Women and Children in South Africa, driving government reforms to support victims of crime and violence.	Healing Organisational Systems: From Trauma-Affected to Trauma-Informed Systems
Dr Gemma McKibbin Senior Research Fellow - Social Work University of Melbourne	Dr. Gemma McKibbin is a Research Fellow in the Department of Social Work at the University of Melbourne, working with Prof. Cathy Humphreys in the Violence Against Women and Children Research Team. With a background in gender studies and experience in the women’s sector, her PhD research focused on preventing harmful sexual behaviour among children and young people. A scholar with the Safer Families Centre for Research Excellence, Dr. McKibbin is the Chief Investigator on action research projects in partnership with MacKillop Family Services and Jesuit Social Services. She recently led a co-designed sexual abuse prevention program for children in residential and home-based care.	Responding to Harm, Building Safety:
Dr Beau Hu National School Partnerships Manager Together for Humanity	Dr. Beau Hu is the National School Partnerships Manager at TFH, where he leads the Intercultural Understanding Partnership Program, supporting schools in addressing cross-cultural challenges. Passionate about equipping young people and educators with essential skills, he brings extensive experience in education program management, research, and language teaching. Before joining TFH, Beau was the Education Programs Coordinator at the Asia Education Foundation, University of Melbourne. He authored the Environment Scan of Intercultural Understanding (2020-2022) for South Australia’s Department of Education and led research for Victoria’s Sister School Partnerships review.	Panel: Cultivating Cultural Responsiveness: Supporting Belonging and Inclusion for Young People
Justin Roberts National Program Director ReLATE (Reframing Teaching & Learning Environments)	Justin is a nationally recognised leader in inclusive education, drawing on more than 15 years of experience as a teacher and educational leader in both mainstream and specialist school settings. His early career in mainstream education fuelled a deep commitment to creating learning environments that respond to the diverse needs of all students. He has held senior leadership roles, including Principal and Deputy Executive Principal, and has consistently championed approaches that prioritise student wellbeing and equitable access to education. In 2024, Justin was named one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators in recognition of his significant contributions to the field.	Safe and Well Schools: Practical Insights from 3000 Educators on Reducing Burnout, Increasing Wellbeing and Enhancing Engagement
Dr Trixie James Lecturer, School of Access Education CQUniversity	Dr Trixie James is a lecturer and researcher in the STEPS enabling program at CQUniversity, where she is deeply committed to fostering positive educational experiences for adult learners. Her work centres on supporting students who often return to study after extended absences and may carry the burden of past negative educational experiences. With a strong belief in the transformative power of education, Dr James employs innovative, student-centred approaches that help learners rebuild confidence, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop strategies for academic success. Dr James completed her PhD at the University of Tasmania and has since led numerous research projects focused on the engagement and success of under-represented adult learners in tertiary education. Her areas of expertise include student engagement, quality teaching practices, social innovation, generative AI, and positive psychology.	Let's Be Positive Together Empowering Equity Students Through Positive Psychology
Keeva Mostyn Seasons for Life Lead MacKillop Seasons	Keeva brings a rich background in both Creative Arts and Social Work, with professional experience spanning the health, community, and education sectors. Since 2010, her work has been dedicated to the education field, where she has collaborated with primary and secondary schools across all sectors. Keeva is deeply passionate about supporting children and young people, as well as the adults who care for and work alongside them. Her approach encompasses both individual support and system-level initiatives, reflecting a commitment to fostering inclusive, responsive, and holistic educational environments.	Building Emotional and Grief Literacy: Supporting Whole-of-School Communities Following a Suicide or Other Loss Event
Professor Myfanwy Maple Professor of Social Work University of New England	Professor Myfanwy Maple is Professor of Social Work in the School of Health at the University of New England and Director of the Manna Institute, a Commonwealth-funded regional mental health research centre. For over 20 years, she has led impactful research on trauma, loss, and suicide, with a focus on vulnerability, resilience, and postvention. Her work includes developing and evaluating interventions to reduce adverse outcomes following suicide exposure, particularly among young people experiencing trauma and social disengagement through the Social Work in Schools project. Professor Maple is committed to including lived experience in policy, practice, and research. She serves as Deputy Chair of the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund Advisory Committee and is a Director on the Board of batyr.	COMING SOON
Simangaliso Nyoni National Multicultural Practice Lead MacKillop Family Services	Simangaliso is a Social Worker and Counsellor with over 16 years of experience, currently serving as a Cultural Practice Lead at the national level. Specialising in multicultural communities, she works to embed culturally responsive best practices across services and policies. Previously, she was Principal Practitioner and Cultural Advisor Coordinator at MacKillop Family Services and a Counsellor at Deakin University. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Counselling from La Trobe University and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at Monash University. A passionate advocate for decolonising social work and counselling, Simangaliso co-authored a chapter in Intersecting Stories: Narrative Therapy Reflections on Gender, Culture and Justice.	Panel: Cultivating Cultural Responsiveness: Supporting Belonging and Inclusion for Young People Session: Cultural Care Plans
Kathy Karatasas CEO & Founder CulturalWorks	For more than 40 years, Kathy Karatasas (Totidis) has been a tireless advocate for improving outcomes for children by ensuring they remain safe and connected to family, community, and culture. With qualifications in Social Work and Management, her career spans frontline service delivery and leadership roles. As a second-generation migrant raised in a Greek Orthodox household and having lived overseas, Kathy brings deep insight into the experiences of children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her personal journey—including raising four children following the early death of their father and supporting a family member in kinship care—has strengthened her belief in the vital role of family and cultural identity in a child’s development. Kathy has championed the rights of over 46,000 children in out-of-home care across Australia, particularly the more than 40% who are First Nations children and up to 30% from multicultural backgrounds.	Intentional Curious Cultural Conversations
Dr Tracy Castelino Founder ShantiWorks	Dr Tracy Castelino has been working in the field of violence against women for more than 30 years. This has included direct service and management roles with women and children’s services and perpertator intervention services. She continues to work with women and children who have been subjected to violence in their homes and provides supervision to domestic violence and men’s family violence teams. She values partnerships and collective responses to systemic and social injustices and offers development and facilitation of community coordinated responses. She is skilled in working with the local politics and taking care of people and process to bring forward meaningful outcomes.	COMING SOON
Josh Darby Project Lead - Whanaungatanga Fire and Emergency New Zealand	Josh Darby is a Senior Firefighter and Project Lead of the Whanaungatanga Programme. With over 20 years of frontline experience, he brings a unique blend of operational, research, and lived experience to his presentations. A peer supporter and health researcher, Josh received the 2017 Firefighters Scholarship for his research examining suicide and psychological injury in Fire and Emergency. In 2021, he secured Movember funding to develop and evaluate a mental ill-health and suicide prevention programme. His work on this programme earned him the Mental Health Champion of the Year award at the New Zealand Health and Safety Awards.	The Whanaungatanga Programme: A New Approach to Mental Ill Health Prevention in Emergency Workforces
Kate Martin Head of Practice Quality and Impact Endeavour Foundation	Kate is a Project Manager at The MacKillop Institute with over 20 years’ experience across child protection, disability, domestic and family violence, and youth services. Formerly the Strategic Manager of Programs and Operations with Churches of Christ Care Children, Youth and Family Services (CYF), Kate provided statewide practice leadership across out-of-home care, early childhood, family support, and transition to independence services. She led the successful implementation and re-certification of The Sanctuary Model within CYF. Kate holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, along with a Graduate Diploma in Developmental Trauma. She is an experienced facilitator in professional development, with expertise in team dynamics, emotionally intelligent leadership, and constructive conflict management.	COMING SOON
Dr Nikki Jamieson Strategic Advisor - Suicide Prevention, Lived Experience and Moral Injury Department of Defence & Founder of Moral Injury Australia	Dr Nikki Jamieson is an Author, Suicidologist, Social Worker and Researcher & has undertaken pioneering research on moral injury in Australia following the suicide loss of her son in 2014. Published nationally and internationally on moral injury Nikki also delivers keynotes and workshops and written two books and micro-education app on moral injury for first responders and their families. Nikki has worked in several government departments in suicide prevention including Health and the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Department of Defence. Nikki continues to advocate for suicide prevention and engaging lived experience.	Moral Injury: A New Dimension to Trauma
Cameron Burgess Program Director Sanctuary	Cameron Burgess brings over two decades of leadership experience across the Community Services, International Development, Social Enterprise, and Child Protection sectors. He holds formal qualifications in Social Work (Honours), Business Management, and Leadership. From 2012 to 2017, Cameron founded and led Mission Australia’s Strengthening Communities initiative, delivering impactful community development projects in public housing estates and remote Aboriginal communities nationwide. This innovative work was recognised as a finalist in the national Collaboration for Impact awards. Cameron has also worked extensively across Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and has served as Chair of the Board for an international non-government organisation.	The Invisible Toll: Combatting Vicarious Trauma in Human-Centred Workforces
Alison Parolo Principal Baldivis Secondary College	Speaker bio coming soon.	COMING SOON
Emma Esposito School Social Worker Coburn Primary School	Speaker bio coming soon.	We Belong: The Practical Implementation of Collaborative Practice in Schools
Kathleen McInnes Student Wellbeing Case Manager Coburn Primary School	Speaker bio coming soon.	We Belong: The Practical Implementation of Collaborative Practice in Schools
Cleo Westhorpe Founder PIVOT	With nearly two decades in education, Cleo is a passionate leader, educator, and innovator in inclusive learning and professional development. As co-founder of Pivot Professional Learning and The Inclusive School, Cleo is committed to amplifying student voice and using evidence-based insights to build inclusive, responsive, and high-impact learning environments. Her experience spans classroom teaching, educational consultancy, and the design of data-informed tools that support teacher growth and student engagement. Through Pivot, Cleo helps schools harness student feedback to drive meaningful change. The platform transforms classroom data into actionable insights, supporting continuous professional learning and ensuring every student’s voice is heard.	COMING SOON
Alex Dalton Peer Researcher Orygen	Alex Dalton is a 19-year-old peer researcher at the Orygen Foundation and a second-year Bachelor of Arts student at the University of Melbourne. Passionate about youth mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Alex actively contributes to a range of community programs and initiatives that elevate young voices and lived experience in policy and service delivery. They have recently spoken at events hosted by Orygen and their local city council, sharing insights shaped by both personal experience and peer engagement. Alex is an emerging public speaker committed to raising awareness and fostering inclusive, youth-informed dialogue on mental health and identity. With a strong interest in social impact, Alex is available to speak at engagements hosted by non-profits, NGOs, government bodies, and service providers, subject to availability and arrangement. Their work reflects a commitment to advocacy, connection, and authentic representation of diverse young people in conversations that shape systems and services.	COMING SOON
Matthew Spicer Director - Clinical Training Services The Centre for Positive Behaviour Support (CPBS)	Matthew has over 20 years of experience working across government and non-government services as a practitioner, clinical manager and consultant. His work across health, education and community service sectors has included leadership and service development as well as training and supervision of staff. Matthew's values of compassion, social justice and effective practice are evident through his work with people impacted by trauma, people living with disability, their families and staff members. Matthew has worked as a leader implementing sector wide training initiatives and leading change management processes for services implementing trauma-informed practice. He has presented at conferences in the areas of staff and systemic responses that support both client and staff wellbeing whilst supporting people with complex needs.	Coming Soon
Douglas Russell Senior Research Officer Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU	Douglas is a qualified primary school teacher with 15 years of experience teaching in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Dubai. Throughout his career, he has worked with children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, bringing a strong understanding of inclusive and adaptive teaching practices. In addition to classroom teaching, Douglas has worked as a behaviour therapist supporting children with developmental disabilities, further deepening his knowledge of child development and individualised support needs. Most recently, he has lectured in higher education, focusing on developmental psychology in both teaching and research contexts.	Coming Soon
KA McKercherFounder Beyond Sticky Notes	KA (they/them) is the founder of Beyond Sticky Notes and author of the acclaimed book by the same name. Based on unceded Aboriginal land, KA is an internationally recognised leader in co-design and facilitation. With over 13 years of experience in public health, community health, and social care, they specialise in helping organisations and communities collaborate more meaningfully and equitably. Their work spans teaching design and co-design, mentoring practitioners and leaders, developing co-design frameworks, and co-facilitating both in-person and virtual processes. KA is particularly known for creating accessible, practical tools and resources that support inclusive practice. They intentionally bring care, empathy, and cultural humility into their work, particularly when engaging with individuals and communities who experience trauma, oppression, or minority stress. KA’s practice is grounded in the belief that design processes must centre lived experience and aim to make challenging spaces safer and more compassionate.	Coming Soon
Gavin Blake Founder Visual Scribe	For more than 20 years, Gavin Blake has been transforming complex ideas into powerful visuals through his work as a graphic facilitator. As the founder and principal scribe of gavinblake.com.au, he has partnered with major corporations, government bodies, and TEDx events to visually capture and communicate key messages, strategies, and insights in real time. His engaging illustrations have enhanced the impact of discussions across diverse settings—from corporate boardrooms to community yarning circles. Gavin has visually documented over 80 TEDx events across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally, making him a leading figure in the field of visual scribing. In addition to his live scribing work, he has also taken the stage at TEDx events to share his expertise and passion for this unique art form.	Visual Scribe Gavin will provide his artistic direction, illustration and scribe skills across the two days of the conference, capturing key themes, discussions and insights to be presented visually.