ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. We honour their stories, traditions, spirituality and living cultures, acknowledging their unique contribution to the life of this country. CSNSW acknowledges Aboriginal families and communities as the first and continuing educators of their children and young people. In referring to Aboriginal people, this website and materials refer inclusively to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

2024 Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference

Join us for the triennial 2024 Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference this October in the heart of NSW’s New England Region, Tamworth.

Hosted by Armidale Catholic Schools, the conference will provide a unique opportunity for educators to advance their professional knowledge and skills, improve educational outcomes, and champion reconciliation among families and communities based on their improved understanding of culture.

Attendees will explore the implications of NSW Curriculum Reform’s explicit inclusion of Aboriginal Histories across all syllabuses. The conference will also provide an opportunity to experience the rich cultural significance of Aboriginal connection to land and the role it has in the spiritual, educational, cultural and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples.

Throughout the 3-day event, presentations, workshops and on country experiences are designed to develop educators’ intercultural skills and knowledge. They are intended to build understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through:

  • the awareness of history
  • the learning of intercultural and cross-cultural skills
  • a deepened awareness of what supports the creation of inclusive, intercultural classrooms.

It is an opportunity to play an active role in the reconciliation process by strengthening existing networks by sharing, collaborating, and celebrating colleagues’ achievements.

This conference provides a special time for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples across the 11 Dioceses and RI/MPJP schools in NSW to connect and come together.

Date & Time

Registration: Monday 21st October, 3:00-5:00 pm
Day 1: Tuesday 22nd October, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Day 2: Wednesday 23rd October, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm,
Gala Dinner: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Day 3: Thursday 24th October, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Venue

Registration, Day 2 & Day 3:
Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC)

Day 1:
National Heritage Site Myall Creek Memorial Site ( to depart on buses from TRECC)

Registrations

Our proud sponsors

Sponsorship Prospectus

We are now taking sponsorship applications, click here to download the sponsorship prospectus.

Call for abstracts

We are currently accepting abstracts for those wishing to take part. All workshops will be 55 minutes and need to align with one of the below conference streams/themes. If you are eager to participate in this unique conference and play an active role in the reconciliation process by strengthening existing networks by sharing, collaborating, and celebrating, please fill out the Abstract Form below.

Latest news

Speakers

Please note there has been a change to the keynote speaker program.

Anita Heiss

Dr Anita Heiss MC

Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland, and an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the GO Foundation

Dr Anita Heiss AM (Wiradyuri Nation) is an award-winning author of over 20 books. She is an international speaker with a background in Australian First Nations literature calling her audiences to action on issues that she is passionate about. Anita’s books for young readers include Who Am?, Our Race for Reconciliation and Koori Princess Her play Tiddas premiered as part of the 2022 Brisbane Festival, and the Sydney Festival in 2024. Anita’s most recent release is Dirrayawadha (Rise Up) about the Wiradyuri War of 1824. Anita runs, eats chocolate and is proud to be a creative disruptor.

Ann Milne

Dr Ann Milne

MNZM, PhD, Ann Milne Education

Dr Ann Milne is a Pākehā educator who led the Kia Aroha College community’s almost 30-year journey to develop a critically conscious, culturally sustaining learning approach centred on students’ cultural identities. That learning is described in her doctoral research, and in her book, Coloring in the White Spaces: Reclaiming Cultural Identity in Whitestream Schools, which was published in 2016.
Ann’s services to education were recognised in 2020 when she was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Ann is also the recipient of several national research awards and scholarships, including the New Zealand Principals’ Federation’s prestigious “Service with Distinction” Award in 2015 for “outstanding service to education in New Zealand.” Since retiring from her principal’s role in 2016, Ann has established Ann Milne Education and Ann Milne Online to share her long leadership experience in this area.

Dr Keri Milne-Ihimaera

DMDA (Doctor of Maori Development and Advancement), Keri Mihi Consulting

Dr Keri Milne-Ihimaera (Ngāi Tahu) runs her own consultancy business (Keri Mihi Consulting) where she works with groups and organisations who are committed to improving outcomes for Māori. She has two decades of experiences in roles as a school principal, General Manager, and Executive Director and currently advises the NZ Education Institute (NZEI) on their provision for Māori and works with the NZNO (Nurses Union) leadership. She serves as a board member for the Well South Primary Health Network, and is a member of the Academic Board of Ako Mātātupu/Teach First NZ.
Keri lives within her tribal boundary in Bluff, Southland – and is a Trustee on her tribal boards (Te Rūnaka o Awarua and Awarua Whānau Services). She is a wife, mum, and nanny to seven mokopuna (grandchildren). Keri is relentless in her focus on improving outcomes for Māori and ensuring mokopuna are able to live as Māori and achieve as Māori, determining their own direction, within their modern-day context. She believes this won’t occur by making subtle, safe, and conservative changes.

Nathan Towney

Nathan Towney

Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, University of Newcastle

Nathan Towney is a proud Wiradjuri man from Wellington, NSW and is Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership at the University of Newcastle. Prior to this appointment, Nathan spent over 20 years in the NSW Department of Education in a variety of roles, including his final appointment as the Principal of Newcastle High School. Nathan is a visible, active and strategic leader who champions people to be the best they can be. Most recently, Nathan has pulled a team together to develop the ‘Reimagining Evaluation: A Culturally Responsive Evaluation Framework for the NSW Department of Education’. Nathan has a passion for educational leadership and the characteristics of leaders that create environments where people want to be.

What’s included in your ticket

Included in your ticket price will be as follows:

  • 3 days of professional learning.
  • access to 2 on Country experiences.
  • opportunity to experience an invaluable journey about the story of Myall Creek at the heritage-listed Myall Creek Memorial Site.
  • transportation to and from Myall Creek Memorial Site on Day 1 (Tuesday 22nd of October), departing and returning to TRECC.
  • invitation to the Gala Dinner on Day 2 (Wednesday 23rd of October).
  • catering and refreshments across the conference.
  • access to Catholic Schools NSW conference app.
  • personalised lanyard.
  • the opportunity to strengthen your understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in a Catholic environment.

Why gather at Myall Creek?

The first day of the conference will take place at the Myall Creek Massacre site. The site is of both cultural and historic significance and the immersion supports the following state and national Aboriginal education priorities.

NESA Reform Priority 5.3:

  • A curriculum that specifies what every student should know and understand about Aboriginal cultures and histories and incorporate this into Human Society and its Environment.

AITSL Building a Culturally Responsive Australian Teacher Workforce final report:

  • Institutional action at the school, system, sector and national level, supporting teachers to enhance and enrich their practice and to maximise student outcomes by developing their intercultural responsiveness.

In order to be fully prepared to walk the country and be immersed in the story of Myall Creek, we recommend visiting the Friends of Myall Creek Memorial (FMCM) website to learn both the story of the Myall Creek massacre and the initiative taken in 1998 that led to the creation of the Myall Creek Memorial as an act of reconciliation and healing. This memorial not only honours the lives lost but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging past injustices and fostering understanding and respect between cultures. Engaging with this history is a vital step in the ongoing journey towards reconciliation, emphasising the need for education that promotes empathy, dialogue, and collective healing.

The Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference has spoken at length regarding the importance we must place on reconciliation with the community, reminding us that the journey to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is not easy, but the Catholic Church remains hopeful of healing. 

 “As we journey together, we must continue to heal from the past while also looking toward to the future. We need to find effective ways to ensure the common good is shared by all people of this nation, especially our First Nations People.” Bishop Gauci – Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference.

Conference Themes

1. Songlines -Past and Present (Teaching & Learning)

Songlines are intrinsic links across Country encompassing traditional and modern cultural knowledge,stories, medicine, food and technology, astronomy, language, customs and teachings. This concurrent theme focuses on teaching and learning concepts in a plethora of formats from cultural learning, the NSW Reformed syllabuses, teaching strategies and advice, evidence-based research practices and innovative student engagement programs and pathways to a hope filled future. 

2. Walking Country Together -Reconciliation (School & Community)

This concurrent theme focuses on the important role of reconciliation and shapes the way we move forward as a school, community and nation through educational immersions, reflection and most importantly walking together to build a deeper understanding of Truth Telling with an open heart.

3. Strong Culture, Strong Spirit –Wellbeing (Empowerment & Healing Journey) 

This concurrent theme focuses on the important role of wellbeing, empowerment, belonging and healing programs and how they intertwine with cultural practices and knowledge to ensure our students, staff and community are Strong in Culture and Strong in Spirit in a culturally safe way.

4. Aboriginal Spirituality 

This concurrent theme focuses on the continual relationship and responsibility to care for our place and all things in our place. It transcends through Country in many facets of landscapes, stories, songs, language and relationships to give strength to one’s identity and direction to walk in two worlds in all its sacredness.

NESA Accreditation

Completing the CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference 2024 Spirit on Country: Learning Together, Then, Now and Always will contribute to 8 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of Aboriginal Education Aboriginal and Supporting Aboriginal Students addressing standard descriptor 2.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Message Stick

The Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Conference Message Stick is making a journey across the Armidale Catholic Schools Diocese starting at St Mary’s Catholic Church Walgett for Mass to share the message of the conference Spirit on Country: Learning Together, then, now & always with our parish community.

Accommodation

Whilst Tamworth does have a variety of accommodation options, be sure to book as early as possible for your most favourable option. Below are a few options for accommodation; for more selection, please look at Booking.com.

Option 1: Location close to the TRECC
CH Apartments Ringers Road, Tamworth – 02 57129700
Golden Guitar Motor Inn – Ringers Rd, Tamworth – 67622999
City Lights Caravan – 612-628 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth – 67657664
Studio 367 Guest House – 367 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth – 0400 364 430

Option 2: Budget
Tamworth City Motel – 350-356 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth – 67659258
Motel 359-359 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth
Stockmans Motel – 2-24 Spains Lane, Kingswood – 67658525
EconoLodge Savannah Park – 559-597 Burgmanns Lane, Tamworth – 67657922

Option 3: Premium
Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges – 248 Armidale Road, Tamworth
Quality Inn Ashby House – 83-85 Ebsworth St, Tamworth – 67620033
CH Boutique Hotel – 52 Brisbane St, Tamworth – 02 57129700
Best Western Sanctuary Inn – 293 Marius St, Tamworth – 67662903
Best Western All Settlers Motor Inn – 191 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth – 67621566

Getting to Tamworth

There are multiple options when deciding how to make your way to Tamworth, NSW.

Drive – It is approximately a 5-hour journey from Sydney, 4 hours from Newcastle and 6 hours from Wollongong.
Fly – There are regular flight services to and from Sydney through Qantas. The flight time is approximately 1 hour.
Train – The Armidale XPLORER train runs daily between Sydney and Tamworth.

Accommodation discount

The All Settlers Best Western in Tamworth is offering hotel corporate rates to all Spirit on Country Conference attendees. To access these rates please mention that you are a Spirit on Country attendee when booking over the phone.

Best Western All Settlers Motor Inn – 191 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth – 67621566

The Econo Lodge Gateway welcomes all visitors to Tamworth for the 2024 Spirit of Country Conference. Fully licensed bar and kitchen and well appointed rooms, we are located 5 mins from the TRECC. Use link below or call (02) 6765 7022 to book discounted rates.

2024 Sponsors

ACU logo

An ACU education is grounded in the Catholic understanding of faith and reason working together in the pursuit of knowledge, promotion of humandignity, and advancement of the common good.

We aim to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, develop their own search for meaning and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.

Opportunities for personal and professional growth are critical to ACU. This is a university of service – so much so that it is built into the curricula. All ACU courses offer work placements, internships or volunteering opportunities.

High-impact research – with social, cultural and economic benefits – is core to our institution. Our research and enterprise activities develop innovative solutions to issues impacting human dignity and the common good. Through ethically informed research we deliver positive change across ACU, industry, community and government.
We foster academic collaboration and engage with local and international partners to enable the exchange of knowledge and skills and develop dynamic educational and research initiatives. We build healthy social partnerships, assisting communities in actively shaping initiatives that directly impact them.

ACU is a university for everyone. Like all Catholic institutions, the university is inclusive and supportive of everyone, every day – regardless of their faith, tradition or circumstance.

ACU is a young university making a significant impact. Ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide* and in the top 10 Catholic universities**, we’re also a leader in employability with 95 per cent of our graduates employed***. The university has seven campuses around Australia, a campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus – ACU Online.

* Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. Percentage calculated as ACU’s world rank as a proportion of the total number of universities in the world: International Handbook of Universities 2019, Palgrave MacMillan.
** Based on International Federation of Catholic Universities members ranked on Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
*** Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal 2023, overall employment for domestic undergraduate students

Woods furniture

At Woods, we firmly believe in safeguarding our planet and securing a brighter future for our children through sustainable practices.

Our commitment to environmental preservation is an integral part of our company culture, and we are constantly striving to reduce our environmental impact by adopting renewable energy sources, harvesting rainwater, partnering with like-minded suppliers, and implementing recycling and waste reduction practices.

In addition to our commitment to sustainability, we also profoundly respect Australia’s First Peoples and have incorporated Indigenous artwork into our product range. By including Indigenous artwork in our school furniture, we add a unique cultural dimension and provide an opportunity to educate children about the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.

Woods has, and always will, prioritise people above everything else. Whether it’s our dedicated staff, valued customers, children benefiting from our furniture, trusted suppliers, or the broader community, their well-being and satisfaction are at the forefront of our focus.

Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, ethical operations, and unwavering integrity is at the core of everything. We firmly believe that businesses have a responsibility not only to deliver quality products and services but also to contribute positively to the communities and environments in which they operate.

We take great pride in our position as Australia’s leading designer and manufacturer of premium school furniture. We invite you to join us in our commitment to safeguarding our planet and nurturing the next generation.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

Nick Delic
Director

At Interface, our vision for reconciliation is for all Australians to value, celebrate and learn from the history and cultural significance of the land and the Traditional Custodians of it. We understand our role in contributing to the development of a healthy natural environment and productive communities – and in doing this we will contribute to a sustainable future for all.

Interface has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, and as part of that philosophy, holds the belief that business organisations wield the power to influence change for good.

In 2019 we took the first steps on our Reconciliation Action Plan. As part of that plan, we journeyed to, and connected with, schools in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia.

Learn more about our plan below.

UniSuper is one of Australia’s largest super funds, helping to shape retirement savings for our members for over 40 years. We have more than 647,000 members* from around Australia. With over $139 billion* in funds under management, we’re passionate about helping shape the future of our members.

UniSuper is the place for brilliant thinkers and passionate people to come together, sharing in a wealth of wisdom and collective know-how. So, whether you’re in the know, or seeking to grow, with UniSuper you’re part of a collective, working together for a better tomorrow.

Look forward to a retirement that doesn’t cost the earth with Money magazine’s Best Pension Fund 2024 and Best Growth Super Product 2024. Look Forward. Think Great.

The University of New England (UNE) is located in Armidale on the New England Tablelands. It was formed in 1938 as the New England University College, a College of the University of Sydney. UNE became fully independent in 1954, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. UNE pioneered teaching to external students by correspondence, making UNE Australia’s most experienced provider of distance and online education. UNE’s focus is on our student’s future, providing them with a personal and flexible approach to learning. We offer more than 200 courses at undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and higher degree research levels with options to study online or on campus. UNE offers a stimulating learning environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students offering a resource centre, Oorala, to provide ongoing support and advice to our indigenous students.

IEU: Independent Education Union


The Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch represents more than 32,000 teachers, principals and professional, administrative and operational staff in non-government schools, early childhood centres and post-secondary colleges. We are committed to fostering excellence in education, advocating for fair salaries and working conditions, professional development, and a just, thriving learning environment for all. Our mission is to empower and support our members, who shape the future of education.

Teacher’s Health Insurance

 

2024 is a very special year for Teachers Health as we celebrate 70 years supporting the health and wellbeing of our members. Set up as the health fund for teachers by teachers, Teachers Health now covers over 400,000 lives and has the privilege of being the only health fund in Australia dedicated to caring for the education community.

While many things have changed since 1954, one thing remains the same. Our members are at the heart of everything we do and we’re proud to support their health and wellbeing in everyday ways and when it matters most.

Teachers Health is honoured to support the 2024 Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference and believes in the transformative power of education to bridge gaps and build strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Find out what we can do for you at teachershealth.com.au or call us on 1300 727 538.

The Friends of Myall Creek raise awareness of the Myall Creek Massacre, to understand better the truth of our shared history.
Friends of Myall Creek embraces all of us in the journey of reconciliation between Aboriginal and other Australians.
There is an elected national committee, half Aboriginal, half other, where the Aboriginal voice has the final word.There are also Friends of Myall Creek groups in Sydney and Armidale, open to all (why not start your own – see below).
Though only one of the many massacres of the Frontier Wars, Myall Creek was the only time those responsible were charged and hung, the court records irrefutable evidence of not just this massacre but also how commonplace massacres were.
Its unique place in our history was acknowledged by the building of a Myall Creek Memorial at the site, unveiled on 10th June 2000.
Phase two consisting of a cultural space with an amphitheatre, Aboriginal garden and upgraded facilties was completed in 2021.
Phase three, the world class educational and cultural centre, has DA approval and is awaiting funding.
The Federal and NSW State Governments have added the site to their National Heritage Lists. Myall creek is an accredited charity, and an audited body with tax deductible status.
A commemoration is held annually at the site each June long weekend.
Why not join us?

Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council

The Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council’s vision is to represent its members and the wider Aboriginal community in its aim to protect their heritage, preserve their culture and foster their best interests.

We successfully accomplish this by creating our own opportunities and building pride, self-esteem, respect and financial stewardship for present and future generations whilst using the assets of land, people and culture.

A non-profit organisation based in the New South Wales town of Moree. We strive to provide members of our local Aboriginal Community with quality Medical Care and Support Programs.

Priceline Pharmacy Tamworth is committed to providing Expert Advice and Exceptional Service to all our valued Customers!

Any questions?

We’re happy to help with any questions you might have. Please get in touch using the button below.

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