In August 2025, Melbourne will host a unique event bringing together people from education, community services, and mental health.
The Lead the Way Conference, led by The MacKillop Institute, provides a space for sharing ideas and exploring new ways to create environments that are safe, supportive, and trauma-aware. It's about learning from each other and thinking differently about how we care for and work with others in schools, communities, and beyond.
Held at the centrally located Rydges Hotel, Melbourne on Exhibition Street, the conference will feature renowned keynote speakers, including Dr Ross Greene, Clinical Psychologist and New York Times Bestselling Author; Meena Singh, Victorian Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People; Professor Pasi Sahlberg, Educational Leadership expert, and a diverse program of over 70 presenters, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and evidence-based presentations. Attendees will delve into topics such as cross-sector collaboration, workforce wellbeing, child safety and practical approaches to creating inclusive communities.
Designed for school leaders, community service managers, mental health professionals, policymakers, and researchers, this event offers valuable insights and networking opportunities for those committed to driving systemic change in wellbeing and leadership.
I'm incredibly excited about the rare opportunity this conference presents for educators, mental health professionals, and community service leaders to come together as equal partners to reimagine how we create safe, supportive environments for children, young people, and the people who care for them. The diversity of voices, depth of expertise, and commitment to cross-sector learning make this a standout event.
In addition to our keynote speakers, the event will also feature break-out discussions and workshops that bring the theory to life. With a recognition that we face similar challenges across sectors, participants are encouraged to find new strategies and explore evidence-based approaches through case studies, conversations, and collaboration.
