The MacKillop Institute

Upcoming Webinar – Don’t Miss This! We’re proud to present: In Conversation with John Cardamone – Creating Safe, Connected Spaces Join us for a powerful and heartfelt discussion with John Cardamone, Disclosure Response Specialist, Body Safety Educator, and speaker with lived experience. John shares a courageous story of connection and hope, highlighting the importance of belonging and brave conversations. Lisa Leening, National Power to Kids in Schools Practice Specialist, and Shannon Tyrer, Power to Kids Practice Specialist, from The MacKillop Institute will be joining the conversation to share insights and practical strategies that support trauma-informed practice and promote youth wellbeing. This webinar is ideal for educators, practitioners, and anyone passionate about creating safe environments for young people. 👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gMkJmxCR #PowerToKids #SafeSpaces #TraumaInformed #YouthVoice #Webinar #JohnCardamone #BraveConversations The MacKillop Institute MacKillop Family Services

Free Professional Learning Event Safe to Learn: The Neuroscience of Connection, Co-Regulation, and Wellbeing 📅 Monday 17 November 2025 | 🕐 1:00–3:00 PM AEDT 📍 South Melbourne + Online | 🖥️ Hybrid Format Presented by The MacKillop Institute, supported by Compass Education Join us for a special professional learning event designed to strengthen trauma-informed practice and support educator wellbeing. Hear from Professor Judith Howard, national leader in Trauma-Aware Education QUT (Queensland University of Technology), and Justin Roberts, National Program Director and one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators at The MacKillop Institute.

Are you a professional supporting individuals impacted by trauma? This interactive workshop is for you. We recognise that those in helping roles often face their own emotional challenges. This training blends evidence-based theory with practical tools to strengthen wellbeing and resilience. Participants will gain: A deeper understanding of vicarious trauma and its early warning signs Actionable strategies to reduce its impact Tools to build psychological and emotional resilience Insights from the Sanctuary Model—a renowned framework for creating safe, trauma-informed workplaces 📅 Date: Tuesday, 7 October 2025 🕙 Time: 10 am – 4 pm 📍 Location: 237 Cecil Street, South Melbourne 💰 Cost: $349 AUD per person (group discounts available) Register here: https://lnkd.in/g4EUiBrW Prioritise your wellbeing while making a difference for others. #WorkplaceWellbeing #VicariousTrauma #CompassionFatigue #BurnoutPrevention #TheMacKillopInstitute @MacKillopFamilyServices

You may have seen it: the student who has gone quiet, become short-tempered, or stopped coming to school. Recognising that something has changed is an important first step. Knowing how to respond, what to say, and when to involve others can make a real difference. MHEALTH Headstart is a one-day online workshop for Queensland state school staff. It supports teachers, school leaders, wellbeing and support staff to build confidence in responding to students who may be experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns. The workshop provides practical guidance, clear pathways for action, and strategies staff can use in everyday school settings, including: • How to recognise early signs of anxiety, depression and trauma-related stress • A clear framework: Recognise, Respond, Refer, Reflect • Communication and listening skills to support students to open up • Culturally responsive and inclusive approaches Online. One day. No cost. Register with your departmental email here: https://lnkd.in/eTVNsscX #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealthLiteracy #QldTeachers #TeacherPD #SchoolWellbeing

Melbourne & Online | September 2 & 3rd , 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. This year join over 1000+ professionals from schools, education settings, community services, child and family services and government to collectively explore how we create environments that strengthen child, youth and staff safety and wellbeing. The Lead the Way Conference is for professionals working across education settings, schools, child, family, and community services - for those in any setting who support children and young people. This conference is all about how we can share knowledge and practice across sectors to strengthening safety and wellbeing for children and young people and the adults who support them. The 2026 theme, Enduring Wisdom, Emerging Futures, recognises that our work is becoming increasingly complex while remaining fundamentally accountable for child and young person safety, workforce wellbeing, and meaningful outcomes. The theme is grounded in a clear premise: sustainable progress towards improved child and staff safety and wellbeing outcomes depends on being precise about what we know works, deliberate in how we lead, and disciplined in how we translate knowledge into action.Enduring wisdom, in this context, is about drawing on research, evidence, evaluation, accumulated practice knowledge, and the lived experience of our children, young people, families, and communities.

Melbourne & Online | September 2 & 3rd , 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. This year join over 1000+ professionals from schools, education settings, community services, child and family services and government to collectively explore how we create environments that strengthen child, youth and staff safety and wellbeing. The Lead the Way Conference is for professionals working across education settings, schools, child, family, and community services - for those in any setting who support children and young people. This conference is all about how we can share knowledge and practice across sectors to strengthening safety and wellbeing for children and young people and the adults who support them. The 2026 theme, Enduring Wisdom, Emerging Futures, recognises that our work is becoming increasingly complex while remaining fundamentally accountable for child and young person safety, workforce wellbeing, and meaningful outcomes. The theme is grounded in a clear premise: sustainable progress towards improved child and staff safety and wellbeing outcomes depends on being precise about what we know works, deliberate in how we lead, and disciplined in how we translate knowledge into action.Enduring wisdom, in this context, is about drawing on research, evidence, evaluation, accumulated practice knowledge, and the lived experience of our children, young people, families, and communities.