Catholic Identity and Mission 

Reflection on the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference Cairns Convention Centre | 20–22 August 2025 Theme: Hope, Anchored in Faith 

Attending the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns was a deeply enriching experience. With over 1,500 Catholic educators, leaders, clergy, parents, and members of the broader Church gathered, the atmosphere was one of shared purpose and hopeful vision. 

The theme, Hope, Anchored in Faith, resonated throughout the three days, guiding conversations and reflections on the strategic direction of Catholic education. The conference focused on three key pillars—Faith, Excellence, and Access—and offered a rich tapestry of presentations, workshops, and keynote addresses that explored Catholic identity, mission and formation; learning and teaching; leadership and governance; parent and parish engagement; resourcing and infrastructure; advocacy and marketing; and more. 

Notable speakers such as Sr Nathalie Becquart xmcj, Prof Dylan Wiliam, Dr Steve Constantino, Dr Simon Breakspear, and Dr Jordana Hunter provided thought-provoking insights that challenged and inspired. Their contributions helped deepen our understanding of how Catholic education can remain faithful to its mission while responding to contemporary challenges. 

The conference branding, featuring Tenacious Dreaming by local First Nations artist Susan Reys, beautifully reflected the spirit and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Far North Queensland, grounding our discussions in the richness of Country and community. 

While I didn’t have the opportunity to explore Cairns itself, the time spent in reflection and dialogue with colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand was invaluable. I left the conference renewed in my commitment to building a school community that is truly anchored in faith and hope. Importantly, I was inspired to consider how we can more deeply engage our parents and parish to strengthen our shared mission and identity.