Bright Futures National Symposium

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation is proud to present a two-day national symposium on preventing problematic harmful sexual behaviours (PHSB) using contextual prevention approaches. From the heart of our cities to remote areas – contextual prevention recognises that a child is kept safe within connection, relationship and community. Professor Carlene Firmin, who developed ‘Contextual Safeguarding’ as a framework to address extrafamilial harm experienced by young people across the UK, will be our international keynote speaker. The contextual safeguarding approach provides a child protection and wider safeguarding response to contexts beyond families in which abuse has occurred, including environments where children spend their time such as school, neighbourhoods and the internet.

Over two days, child safe organisations, community leaders and professionals in the children’s education and care sectors, will exchange ideas on promising practice in the prevention of PHSB, with more presenters to be announced over the coming months. The symposium will showcase community-led initiatives with an emphasis on innovative research and projects that are centred on contexts and environments. The growing evidence-base coming out of the many diverse places and spaces from across Australia will be platformed with a focus on implementation and evaluation - acknowledging that what works in one context may not translate to another.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sunshine Coast, please join us on 7 – 8 August 2025 at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s first-ever national symposium, co-hosted with the Sexual Violence Research Prevention Unit (SVRPU; University of the Sunshine Coast) and supported by an expert advisory group of sector leaders including the University of Wollongong, the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Yamurrah, Restorative Yarns, National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse and National Office for Child Safety.

Ticket inclusion:

Tickets are sold as a Symposium package only and includes:

• Day 1 symposium, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
• Day 1 dinner, including 2 course meal (beverages not included)
• Day 2 symposium, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

The ticket includes a networking dinner for attendees following day 1 to allow time to connect with colleagues. The dinner cost is incorporated into the overall ticket package. Please advise if you will not be attending the dinner at time of purchase - this will not result in a reduction of the ticket price as it is included in the 2 day package. 

Agenda details:

Stay tuned for the detailed agenda coming soon...

Day 1 - Thursday 7 August 2025

8.30am - Arrival and registration

9am - Symposium commences

5pm - Symposium concludes

Day 1 Dinner - Thursday 7 August 2025

6pm - Dinner commences

10pm - Dinner concludes

Day 2 - Friday 8 August 2025

8.30am - Arrival and registration

9am - Symposium commences

4pm - Symposium concludes

Keynote Presenters:

Professor Carlene Firmin MBE 

Dr Carlene Firmin is Professor of Social Work at Durham University, and professorial convener of their Sociology Department’s research group on Communities and Social Justice.

Stay tuned for the release of more presenters coming soon...

Accommodation details:

We recommend staying onsite at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort for your convenience. Attendees can visit the resort website www.novotelsunshinecoastresort.com.au enter the promotional code to receive 15% off the best available rate at the time of booking. If you need assistance with a booking you can contact the reservations office on 1800 072 277 or via H1644@accor.com

Please note that accommodation is not included in the symposium ticket prices and must be purchased directly from the resort. Accommodation at the resort is subject to availability.

Contact us:

For enquiries, please contact the Bright Futures Daniel Morcombe Foundation team at brightfutures@danielmorcombe.com.au or call 1300 326 435.