What’s Happening?
The Queensland First Nations Catholic Education Conference, Heart on Country, brought educators and community members to the Toowoomba region. The event examined how culture, faith and learning can work together in education for First Nations students.
Delegates began with cultural immersion at Booburrgan Ngmmunge, the Bunya Mountains, before the conference continued in Toowoomba. There, keynote presentations, workshops and networking centred on respectful schools and stronger educational outcomes.
Why It Matters
The conference asked delegates to consider educational equity and how schools create opportunities for every learner. Lawyer and advocate Noel Pearson played a central part in that discussion.
Mr Pearson founded Cape York Partnership and Good to Great Schools Australia. His address drew on decades of work in Indigenous education, leadership and social reform. Mr Pearson said schools must respond to the knowledge, cultures and perspectives that First Nations students bring.
“We need to be responsive to First Nations students and recognise the unique cultures, histories and perspectives they bring to our schools,” Mr Pearson said. “Our schools must be respectful and inclusive environments that not only support First Nations students but also help all young people understand and appreciate the history of this blessed country.”
Reflecting on the gathering, Mr Pearson said its work could strengthen educational outcomes.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of a conference like this, which plays an important role in strengthening educational outcomes for First Nations students,” Mr Pearson said.
Local Impact
For Toowoomba, hosting the conference for the first time marked a significant regional milestone. It also brought education leaders together to discuss support for First Nations students.
Toowoomba Catholic Schools Executive Director Dr Pat Coughlan described the gathering as a proud moment and an important local opportunity.
“Heart on Country was more than a conference. It was 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.”
By the Numbers
- More than 250 educators, school leaders and community members attended from across Australia and New Zealand.
- The conference ran for three days, from 12 to 14 August 2026, across the Toowoomba region.
- Two days of keynote presentations, workshops and networking followed the opening cultural immersion on Country.
Zoom In
At the centre of the opening was Booburrgan Ngmmunge, the Bunya Mountains, sacred Country for the Jarowair people. The area also holds deep significance for First Nations communities across South East Queensland.
Within the mountain landscape, delegates had space for reflection, connection and cultural learning on Country. Toowoomba Catholic Schools First Nations Education Officer Tawana Carmody said beginning there gave the conference a meaningful foundation.
“Booburrgan Ngmmunge, the Bunya Mountains, is a place of deep cultural connection, storytelling and belonging,” Ms Carmody said.
She said the setting encouraged delegates to consider how First Nations knowledge continues to guide education.
“Heart on Country invited us to walk together in respect, to reflect on the wisdom of First Nations peoples and to honour the stories, traditions and spirit that continue to guide First Nations education today. It was a privilege to welcome delegates to the Toowoomba region for what proved to be a truly enriching and inspiring experience.”
Zoom Out
Following the cultural immersion, the conference moved to Toowoomba for presentations, workshops and networking. Across the program, speakers connected First Nations histories and perspectives with faith, learning, leadership and school inclusion.
The discussions also considered how schools can respect culture while creating opportunities for all students. This included helping young people understand and appreciate Australia’s history.
What To Look For Next?
Delegates returned to their schools and communities with new insights, stronger connections and renewed commitment. The conference’s ideas may now inform teaching, leadership and engagement with First Nations students and communities.
That continuing work can keep culture, faith and learning central to First Nations education.
