Save the Date: Lead the Way Conference 2026
Building Safer, Healthier and More Resilient Communities, Schools and Sectors
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Lead the Way Conference is returning in 2026. Join 500 leaders and professionals from education, community services, and government to collectively explore innovative strategies for strengthening mental health, wellbeing, and safety.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, cutting-edge research, practical case studies, and interactive workshops. It's an essential event for anyone committed to creating lasting positive change in schools, community services, and care-focused organisations.
This unique conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with peers, share best practices, and develop actionable strategies that will enhance the wellbeing of students, professionals, and communities across all sectors.
Key Dates:
🔹 Conference Dates: Wednesday 2nd – Thursday 3rd September 2026
🔹 Location: Melbourne, VIC (The Rydges Hotel, Exhibition St)
🔹 Registrations Open: Early 2026 (Stay tuned for updates!)
Call for Abstracts
We invite submissions that showcase innovative approaches to strengthening safety, wellbeing, relationships, and emotional intelligence for children, young people, adults, and communities.
We welcome research, practice, leadership, policy, and lived experience presentations aligned to one of three streams:
1. Understand (why this matters)
1. Lead (how we respond),
1. Act (what works in practice)
Your insights matter, join the conversation and drive meaningful change.
Why Attend Lead the Way 2026?
The Lead the Way Conference continues to be a premier event, offering unparalleled opportunities to learn, engage, and connect with professionals dedicated to making a difference. Whether you're in education, community services, or government, you’ll gain valuable insights to transform workplace culture, leadership, and wellbeing.
This conference provides a platform for:
🔹 Inspiring Keynotes: Hear from leading voices on trauma-informed practice, cultural change, and collaborative approaches to wellbeing, tailored for the 2026 landscape.
🔹 Evidence-Based Strategies: Gain practical, research-backed tools to create safe and supportive environments for the future.
🔹 Real-World Case Studies: Learn from innovative approaches and successful cultural transformations implemented across various sectors.
🔹 Cross-Sector Collaboration: Network with professionals from diverse fields to exchange ideas and foster partnerships that drive collective impact.
🔹 Interactive Learning: Participate in engaging workshops designed to equip you with actionable strategies and frameworks for immediate application.
Conference Theme: To be announced!
We believe that addressing complex challenges in education, social services, and mental health requires a unified approach. This event will empower participants to forge cross-sector partnerships and implement integrated strategies that improve outcomes for children, young people, and professionals who care for them.
Who Should Attend?
Lead the Way Conference 2026 is designed for a broad audience committed to safety, wellbeing, and collaboration, including:
🔹 School principals, leaders, wellbeing coordinators, and educators from primary and secondary settings
🔹 CEOs, leaders, and managers in community services and mental health organisations
🔹 Child protection specialists and policymakers
🔹 Government and sector leaders focused on safety and inclusion initiatives
🔹 Researchers and academics contributing to evidence-based practice and innovation
Interested in Sponsoring 2026?
Express your interest now to receive early bird notifications and exclusive updates.
Sponsor or Exhibit: If you're interested in partnering with us or showcasing your organisation at the 2026 conference, please email: institute@mackillop.org.au or phone: 1300 092 588 to discuss sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.
Join us at Lead the Way Conference 2026 as we continue to work together to shape the future of safe, trauma-informed, and inclusive communities.
