Thanks to our 2026 sponsors and supporters
Platinum Sponsors
Name Badge Sponsor
Occupational and Speech Therapists develop students’ individual strengths and build their social and emotional competencies.
The school combines education and wellbeing support with a teacher, educational intervention specialist and youth worker in every classroom. This is the place where wellbeing for learning, and learning for wellbeing, work collaboratively for significant impact.
Our Healing Oriented approach to education or HOPE, is built upon a foundation of safety, trust, agency and supportive relationships. HOPE takes a holistic view of a young person’s needs and development, recognising the interconnectedness of all parts of the person’s life and hence the need for a multi-disciplinary and coordinated approach.
This is where wellbeing for learning and learning for wellbeing intersect and work collaboratively together for impact.
HOPE is an opportunity to reimagine education and the critical relationship between learning and wellbeing for young people. It is a way of being for staff and students; it guides our educational and wellbeing approaches and highlights the importance of connection, collaboration and relationships.
HOPE reflects an evidence informed approach to supporting young people to re-engage in education. The intentional design of multi-disciplinary teams, learning spaces and curriculum, signal to young people that they have value, and they can embrace the future with optimism. When we address the barriers to accessing education within a supportive, therapeutic framework, student outcomes across all domains are positively impacted. This in turn can change the life trajectories of the young people engaged at Hester Hornbrook (and indeed in any other educational setting), their families and the broader community.
Developed in Australia, BSEM consists of five modules and over 100 practical strategies that correspond with the child-development capacities that each student must build to be ‘ready to learn’ in any context. We focus first on building student capacity to engage and then nurturing their willingness to participate in learning. Throughout our training, we provide a robust toolkit of strategies that:
- a) Teachers can practice and implement with students; and
- b) School leaders can use to ensure a consistent approach to implementation, teacher feedback and support.
Schools have adopted the Model because:
- It is beneficial for all students, not just the ones with chronic stress.
- It consists of practical strategies that provide a consistent approach for a whole school.
- It is easy for teachers and support staff to implement and adapt for their context.
- It can enhance or validate existing classroom management and pedagogical practice.
- It consists of practical strategies that improve teacher awareness of self-care.
Queensland Kids Partnership is working to transform systems, so all young Queenslanders can thrive.
The wellbeing of babies, kids and young people is shaped by who and what surrounds them – their carers, communities, homes, health supports, education, culture and environment. When their environment is strong and connected, kids can thrive, but right now some young Queenslanders don’t have that.
Queensland Kids Partnership is changing this. Since late 2020, we’ve been bringing together people, communities, decision-makers, change-makers and workplaces from across Queensland to improve connectedness, learning, and support in communities, workforces and organisations.
Together, we can create a powerful movement to reshape the environment so that every baby, child and young person is thriving, every family is supported and connected, every community resourced and taking collective responsibility for raising thriving Queenslanders.
Exhibitors
Occupational and Speech Therapists develop students’ individual strengths and build their social and emotional competencies.
The school combines education and wellbeing support with a teacher, educational intervention specialist and youth worker in every classroom. This is the place where wellbeing for learning, and learning for wellbeing, work collaboratively for significant impact.
Our Healing Oriented approach to education or HOPE, is built upon a foundation of safety, trust, agency and supportive relationships. HOPE takes a holistic view of a young person’s needs and development, recognising the interconnectedness of all parts of the person’s life and hence the need for a multi-disciplinary and coordinated approach.
This is where wellbeing for learning and learning for wellbeing intersect and work collaboratively together for impact.
HOPE is an opportunity to reimagine education and the critical relationship between learning and wellbeing for young people. It is a way of being for staff and students; it guides our educational and wellbeing approaches and highlights the importance of connection, collaboration and relationships.
HOPE reflects an evidence informed approach to supporting young people to re-engage in education. The intentional design of multi-disciplinary teams, learning spaces and curriculum, signal to young people that they have value, and they can embrace the future with optimism. When we address the barriers to accessing education within a supportive, therapeutic framework, student outcomes across all domains are positively impacted. This in turn can change the life trajectories of the young people engaged at Hester Hornbrook (and indeed in any other educational setting), their families and the broader community.
Developed in Australia, BSEM consists of five modules and over 100 practical strategies that correspond with the child-development capacities that each student must build to be ‘ready to learn’ in any context. We focus first on building student capacity to engage and then nurturing their willingness to participate in learning. Throughout our training, we provide a robust toolkit of strategies that:
- a) Teachers can practice and implement with students; and
- b) School leaders can use to ensure a consistent approach to implementation, teacher feedback and support.
Schools have adopted the Model because:
- It is beneficial for all students, not just the ones with chronic stress.
- It consists of practical strategies that provide a consistent approach for a whole school.
- It is easy for teachers and support staff to implement and adapt for their context.
- It can enhance or validate existing classroom management and pedagogical practice.
- It consists of practical strategies that improve teacher awareness of self-care.
Connected Self was founded on the belief that everyone has the right to good mental health and meaningful connection. Since 2007, we have grown into a dedicated community of practitioners committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives. Our work is grounded in connection — to self, others, community, and environment — as the foundation for growth, wellbeing, and change.
We specialise in delivering tailored, trauma informed training and support to education services. Our work helps educators, leaders, and support staff understand the impact of trauma and respond with compassion, safety, and attunement. Training options include whole staff professional learning, small group sessions, reflective practice, leadership development, and implementation team support. This flexibility allows us to meet each school community where they are and build capability in ways that are meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with their unique context.
Alongside our training and consultancy services, we also provide therapeutic services, individual therapy, and school programs that support children, young people, and adults to build resilience, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop healthy relationships.
At Connected Self, we recognise that connection is at the heart of healing. We work alongside schools and education communities to strengthen capacity, resilience, and confidence in supporting the wellbeing of students and staff. Our programs foster deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and more inclusive learning cultures where everyone feels valued and supported.
With a genuine passion for people and connection, we are committed to helping education services create lasting, positive change — one relationship, one insight, and one community at a time.
The MacKillop Institute, part of MacKillop Family Services, delivers evidence-informed programs that promote organisational and school wellbeing and strengthen child safety practices. Our work supports leaders, educators and care professionals to create environments where children and young people can thrive, while enhancing the capacity and wellbeing of the staff who care for them.
MacKillop Family Services, established in 1997, is guided by a commitment to social justice and a vision of safe, nurturing communities for all children and families. With a 170-year legacy and more than 2,500 staff across 53 sites nationally, MacKillop provides high-quality services in family support, out-of-home care, disability and education, including operating specialist schools and outreach programs. Our work is underpinned by a strong focus on preventing harm and promoting healing.
Founded in 2019, The MacKillop Institute draws on decades of frontline experience and academic partnerships to deliver trauma-informed professional learning, training and consultancy services. Our programs are grounded in real-world practice and robust evidence, ensuring sustainable and impactful approaches that foster safety, healing and wellbeing.
Modern Teaching Aids (MTA): Your Trusted Partner in Teaching and Learning
With 70 years of experience supporting educators, Modern Teaching Aids (MTA) is proud to support the Trauma Aware Education event.
For seven decades, MTA has worked alongside educators and specialists across Australia, building trusted relationships through understanding, reliability, and service. We focus on meeting their real needs by providing a broad range of quality teaching and learning resources.
Our collection of more than 24,000 products supports different learning styles and helps create safe, inclusive learning environments where children and educators can thrive.
We value human connection and the sharing of best practice. Visit the MTA team to explore our latest resources and learn how we can support trauma aware practice in your centre and help make a positive difference in every child’s world.
Modern Teaching Aids (MTA): Your Trusted Partner in Teaching and Learning
With 70 years of experience supporting educators, Modern Teaching Aids (MTA) is proud to support the Trauma Aware Education event.
For seven decades, MTA has worked alongside educators and specialists across Australia, building trusted relationships through understanding, reliability, and service. We focus on meeting their real needs by providing a broad range of quality teaching and learning resources.
Our collection of more than 24,000 products supports different learning styles and helps create safe, inclusive learning environments where children and educators can thrive.
We value human connection and the sharing of best practice. Visit the MTA team to explore our latest resources and learn how we can support trauma aware practice in your centre and help make a positive difference in every child’s world.
Switch4Schools is an Australian digital wellbeing application designed to support schools to build emotionally capable students and sustain educator wellbeing. Used across primary, secondary and alternative education settings, the platform helps schools move beyond awareness toward practical emotional competence that can be applied in everyday classroom and staffroom situations.
Switch4Schools enables students to recognise and communicate emotions, regulate impulses, and develop emotional language that supports learning and behaviour. For educators, the platform provides insights and tools that support cognitive empathy and effective decision making under pressure, reducing emotional overload and burnout while maintaining care and connection.
A key strength of the platform is its fully resourced lesson plans and assessment tools. These comprehensively map to national and state based social and emotional learning curriculum requirements, giving schools confidence that wellbeing learning is aligned with mandated frameworks. Teachers are provided with ready to use resources that support whole class instruction, small group work, and individual behaviour support, reducing preparation time and increasing consistency of practice.
Built on contemporary psychology and neuroscience, the application translates complex emotional concepts into developmentally appropriate and practical digital experiences. Daily emotional check ins, structured reflection, lesson content, and assessment resources work together to support student growth and educator practice.
Switch4Schools is grounded in trauma aware principles that value safety, predictability, and relationships, while also promoting student agency, emotional capability, and sustainable educator wellbeing. By embedding EI into daily school routines, Switch4Schools supports calmer classrooms, healthier staff, and learning environments where both students and educators can thrive.
Switch4Schools is an Australian digital wellbeing application designed to support schools to build emotionally capable students and sustain educator wellbeing. Used across primary, secondary and alternative education settings, the platform helps schools move beyond awareness toward practical emotional competence that can be applied in everyday classroom and staffroom situations.
Switch4Schools enables students to recognise and communicate emotions, regulate impulses, and develop emotional language that supports learning and behaviour. For educators, the platform provides insights and tools that support cognitive empathy and effective decision making under pressure, reducing emotional overload and burnout while maintaining care and connection.
A key strength of the platform is its fully resourced lesson plans and assessment tools. These comprehensively map to national and state based social and emotional learning curriculum requirements, giving schools confidence that wellbeing learning is aligned with mandated frameworks. Teachers are provided with ready to use resources that support whole class instruction, small group work, and individual behaviour support, reducing preparation time and increasing consistency of practice.
Built on contemporary psychology and neuroscience, the application translates complex emotional concepts into developmentally appropriate and practical digital experiences. Daily emotional check ins, structured reflection, lesson content, and assessment resources work together to support student growth and educator practice.
Switch4Schools is grounded in trauma aware principles that value safety, predictability, and relationships, while also promoting student agency, emotional capability, and sustainable educator wellbeing. By embedding EI into daily school routines, Switch4Schools supports calmer classrooms, healthier staff, and learning environments where both students and educators can thrive.
Supporters of the Trauma-Aware Education Conference
Gold
Today our mission continues through care, prevention and advocacy – from supporting children experiencing family violence to online bullying and fighting for the rights of young people everywhere. After 25 years, our fight continues. The challenges facing children and young people may have changed, but our mission has not.
Silver
YSchools were stablished in 2010 to provide a real opportunity for all young people to achieve their full potential irrelevant of circumstance.
We are founded on the principle that all students can achieve a pathway to success, with the right support. We use strengths-based, trauma-aware approaches to support students who have difficulty engaging in mainstream education. Y Schools provide adjusted educational programs and vocational training in an alternative learning environment, coupled with a high degree of wrap-around wellbeing support. Students participate in programs dedicated to enhancing practical and personal skills, at a pace that encourages school attendance, engagement, confidence and self-determination.
The development of the whole person is of utmost importance and we are guided in developing this through the Y’s philosophy of valuing a person’s Mind, Body and Spirit. Our mission is to positively engage young people in education and lifelong learning in an inclusive environment, empowering them to become well-rounded, confident and healthy human beings. The demand for our schools has grown exponentially since inception due to an increasing need and proven ability to achieve a positive impact with students and their families and we now operate 11 campuses across Queensland’s south east corner and Bundaberg. We continue to grow, evolve and adapt to remain effective in catering for the changing needs of young people in an agile landscape of the unique communities where we are located.
Bronze sponsor
The Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) is a coalition and intermediary of from Queensland and beyond, hosted by ARACY – the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth. TQKP’s purpose is to ‘catalyse systems to change the odds for Queensland children and young people to thrive’.
To achieve this, TQKP:
- brings people, organisations and sectors together
- uses what we know and learn
- supports leaders and catalysts, and
- facilitates collaborative action, innovation and development.
Through a portfolio of interconnected initiatives, together with many partners and collaborators across sectors and throughout the state of Queensland, our intent is to build better connections, capabilities, and capacities in the key areas of:
- concerted leadership
- smarter investment
- stronger workforces
- enabled caregivers and communities
- integrated and developmental delivery and
- putting data, evidence and experience to work.
This means an ecosystem better stewarded and equipped (developmentally focused, trauma-informed, neuro-capable and healing-oriented) and working well together to:
- reduce the experience and consequences of inequity and adversity, and
- improve opportunities, capabilities and outcomes so all Queensland kids have a great start and journey in life.
For more about TQKP’s current initiatives, visit: www.tqkp.org.au/tqkp-work-program
Bronze sponsor
Dinner sponsor
Little Stars Foundation is a not for profit organisation based in South East Queensland which provides supports to children living in foster, kinship and residential care. The support provided includes educational support grants, provision of school bags and items needed for school, suitcases with essential items for children entering foster, kinship and residential care and a community engagement program where children are able to attend special community events with their carers such as trips to the zoo, football and theatre events and the like. Little Stars Foundation also runs workshops and provides training courses to support children in care and those who support them including teachers, carers and providers who work with these children.
Name badge sponsor
The Queensland Teachers’ Union has been the true professional and industrial voice of Queensland’s teachers and school leaders in state schools and TAFE throughout Queensland for more than 132 years.
Book Stall Sponsor
Australasia’s Leading Provider of Mental Health Training & Resources for the Education, Health & Social Service Sectors.
App banner sponsor
