More than 1,450 delegates from across Australia and overseas gathered in Cairns from 20 to 22 August for the Australian Catholic Education Conference 2025. This triennial event explored the future of Catholic education through three core themes: faith, excellence, and access.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 1,450+ educators, leaders, and students joined the national event.
- Focus on faith, diversity, equity, and student voice.
- Jason Clare MP praised teachers’ role in shaping the nation’s future.
- International experts shared strategies on equity, family engagement, and curriculum reform.
- Next conference will be held in Sydney, 2028.
Opening Keynote: Faith and Diversity
The conference opened with a keynote from Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, a global leader in synodality and youth ministry. She described Catholic schools as “networks of relationships” and urged educators to create spaces of dialogue between faith and culture, moving away from individualism and competition.
A Celebration of Catholic Education
The conference Mass was led by Bishop Joe Caddy, alongside Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP. Over 1,100 students participated, including a 400-voice choir, showcasing the vibrancy of Catholic education.
Bishop Caddy reminded delegates:
“As we form minds, we should also be forming hearts, respecting human dignity and building a more just and peaceful future.”
Day Two Highlights: Policy & Practice
A key session featured Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and Education Minister Jason Clare MP, moderated by Jacinta Collins (NCEC Executive Director).
Mr Clare praised teachers, saying:
“What you are doing as teachers for the next generations of Australians will live on forever.”
Archbishop Fisher emphasised hope as a guiding principle, noting its role in achieving faith, access, and excellence.
Equity, Families, and Student Voices
International experts added fresh insights:
- Prof Dylan Wiliam (UCL, UK) argued for equity through adaptive learning and mastery.
- Dr Steve Constantino (USA) stressed family engagement as a process, not an event.
On the final day, students took centre stage, calling for more focus on relationships, personalised learning, and technology (including AI) in classrooms.
Reflections and Takeaways
Delegates left with a renewed sense of hope and direction. Dr Edward Simons (MACS) said the conference was a chance to:
“Check in with the national conversation on Catholic education … and bring lessons of optimism back to Melbourne classrooms.”
The next Australian Catholic Education Conference will be held in Sydney in 2028, coinciding with the 54th International Eucharistic Congress.
📌 FAQs
Q: How often is the Australian Catholic Education Conference held?
It is held every three years. The next one will take place in Sydney, 2028.
Q: How many people attended the 2025 Catholic Education Conference?
More than 1,450 delegates, including educators, students, and international experts.
Q: What were the main themes of the 2025 conference?
The three themes were faith, excellence, and access.
Q: Who were some keynote speakers?
Sr Nathalie Becquart, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Jason Clare MP, Prof Dylan Wiliam, Dr Steve Constantino, and Dr Simon Breakspear.
