The 2025 Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) National Conference, taking place from 26 to 29 August in Brisbane, is shaping up to be one of the most significant and inspiring events on this year’s professional learning calendar for primary school leaders across Australia. With the theme ‘Leading Well. Together’, the conference is a valuable opportunity for educators from Government, Catholic, and Independent sectors to unite, collaborate, and reflect on the future of education in Australia.
This year's program is built to support and challenge leaders at every stage of their professional journey. It begins with an exclusive full-day masterclass on Monday 26 August, led by globally respected education expert Professor Dylan Wiliam. Titled ‘What Leaders Need to Know to Lead Well Together’, the session dives into practical strategies that help school leaders drive improvement through formative assessment and teacher leadership. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, Professor Wiliam’s insights will be directly applicable in schools. Importantly, the masterclass is open to all – whether or not you're attending the full conference – making it an accessible and valuable learning experience for broader leadership teams.
A carefully curated lineup of keynote speakers
The program officially kicks off from 27 to 29 August and features a carefully curated lineup of keynote speakers and workshops designed to inform, inspire, and provoke reflection. Among the headline speakers is Libby Trickett, Olympic gold medallist and passionate mental health advocate, who will share her compelling story from the 2008 Olympics, highlighting the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and seeking support in both professional and personal journeys.
Delegates will also hear from Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s most trusted parenting and education experts, whose work around emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive relationships is grounded in real-life, school-based context. His keynote, ‘Autonomy & Purpose in Leadership’, will delve into fostering intrinsic motivation and purposeful leadership in educational settings.
Also taking the stage is Ben Sacco, an innovative school leader known for his bold approach to culture, engagement, and transformation. His session, ‘The Flower Grows from the Ground Up: collectively shaping an education for tomorrow’, promises to energise school leaders looking to drive authentic change in their own communities.
A special highlight of the program will be a panel conversation featuring Christine Finnegan, CEO of the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers, and Denise Bowden, CEO of the Yothu Yindi Foundation. This discussion will explore leadership through the lens of inclusion, identity, and cultural empowerment – offering delegates perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom.
Dr Cam McDonald, VP of Education for Learn360 and ShaeWellness, will present ‘Harnessing Individual Strength to Team Success’, focusing on personalised approaches to learning and wellbeing, supporting primary school principals to embrace precision health and learning for future-focused leadership.
Dr Gemma Munro, an uplifting and award-winning speaker, facilitator, and writer, will deliver a keynote on ‘Peaceful Peak Performance’, offering insights into achieving high performance with wellbeing.
Kirstin Ferguson, internationally acclaimed leadership expert, author, columnist, and keynote speaker, will present ‘Leading with Impact: Mastering the Art of Modern Leadership’, providing strategies for effective and impactful leadership in contemporary educational settings.
The conference will conclude with a powerful keynote from Gill Hicks, artist, published author, musician, and award-winning director/producer, who is considered to be one of the most thought-provoking, powerful, and life-affirming speakers in Australia and the UK.
Personalise your learning journey
Delegates will also have the opportunity to personalise their learning journey with workshops tailored to key areas of interest, including tools to build a thriving school culture and how to lead yourself and others through change. These smaller, interactive sessions are designed to be practical and engaging, giving leaders tools they can take back and apply immediately within their school contexts.
Adding to the depth of the experience are optional school tours, which allow participants to visit leading local schools and see different teaching and leadership practices in action. Additional sector-specific networking events throughout the conference ensure that attendees can connect meaningfully with peers from similar school systems and roles, helping to foster professional collaboration that can continue well beyond the event.
The enthusiasm for the 2025 APPA Conference has been outstanding, with exhibition space already completely sold out. A wide array of high-profile sponsors have come on board, demonstrating strong industry support for the work being done by primary school leaders across the country. The bustling exhibition hall will be an excellent place to explore the latest education products, services, and innovations, and to engage directly with companies and organisations invested in supporting schools.
At its heart, the APPA National Conference is about more than just professional development –it’s about community. In a profession where leaders often juggle immense responsibility in isolation, this event creates space for connection, shared learning, and collective inspiration.
Registrations are open now, with early bird rates available until 27 June 2025. Whether you’re a veteran principal, a newly appointed leader, or an educator aspiring to lead, the 2025 APPA National Conference offers unmatched opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.
Visit appaconference.com.au to view the full program and secure your place.
