Educators, leaders and community members from across Australia are invited to register for the 2026 Queensland First Nations Catholic Education Conference – Heart on Country, taking place from August 12-14 next year in the Toowoomba region.
This three-day event will explore how culture, faith and learning can be woven together to create inclusive, empowering educational environments for First Nations students.
With a strong focus on holistic education, the conference will highlight the interconnectedness of identity, spirituality and academic growth.
This is the first time the Toowoomba region will host the Queensland First Nations Catholic Education Conference, marking a significant milestone for the region.
The experience begins with a cultural immersion at the sacred Bunya Mountains, Booburrgan Ngmmunge, a site of deep significance for the Jarowair people and First Nations communities across Southeast Queensland.
This opening day will offer rich opportunities for reflection, connection and learning in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring settings.
The following two days will be held in the heart of Toowoomba, featuring keynote speaker Noel Pearson, renowned lawyer, advocate and founder of the Cape York Partnership and Good to Great Schools Australia.
Pat Coughlan, Executive Director, Toowoomba Catholic Schools, said hosting this important conference is a proud moment for the region and a meaningful opportunity to bring educators together in support of First Nations students.
“Heart on Country is more than a conference – it’s a call to listen, to learn and to lead with heart,” Dr Coughlan said.
“By weaving culture, faith and learning, we can create educational environments where First Nations students flourish.”
“I encourage educators across Catholic education to register and be part of this meaningful journey.”
Tawana Carmody, First Nations Education Officer at Toowoomba Catholic Schools, is looking forward to starting the conference on sacred ground.
“Booburrgan Ngmmunge – the Bunya Mountains – is a place of deep cultural significance and connection.”
“Heart on Country invites us to walk together, to reflect and to honour the stories and spirit that continue to guide First Nations education,” Ms Carmody said.
Dulamai Whiteman, a young First Nations artist, has created an artwork to represent the themes of the conference and the breadth of Country in the Toowoomba Diocese.
“Creating this original artwork was a way to express how culture, faith and learning all work together and how we are all connected through Country,” Mr Whiteman said. “I hope it inspires other young people to embrace who they are and where they come from.”
FULL STORY
Toowoomba is hosting Queensland’s First Nations Catholic Education Conference (Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office)
