Billabongs not Silos Showcase 2026

Celebrating Indigenous Excellence in Health, Education and Community

La Trobe Rural Health School, the School of Education and the Indigenous Strategy and Education Unit invite you to join us for the 2026 Billabongs not Silos Showcase, a flagship event highlighting strength-based approaches that support the wellbeing, education and success of First Nations children, young people, families and communities.

Like a billabong itself, this initiative is built on the understanding that health, education, culture and community are never separate, but part of one connected, living system. Billabongs not Silos provides a space to share ideas, celebrate excellence, build relationships and explore practical approaches that create meaningful change.

📍 Venue: Ironbark Centre, La Trobe University Bendigo Campus
📅 Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026
🕙 Time: 10.30am - 2.40pm

Why Attend?

This Showcase is designed for educators, health professionals, researchers, community leaders, students, policy makers and anyone committed to improving outcomes for First Nations communities.

By attending, you will:

Hear from leading practitioners who are making a real difference in the fields of health, education and community wellbeing.
Learn about innovative, strengths-based approaches that place culture, community and self-determination at the centre.
Explore the connections between health, education and social and emotional wellbeing.
Gain practical ideas to take back to your workplace, service, school or organisation.
Connect with colleagues from across sectors and build relationships that support collaboration.
Participate in an interactive workshop designed to move beyond discussion and into action.
Celebrate Indigenous leadership, excellence and community-driven solutions.

Whether you work in health, education, community services or government, the Showcase offers an opportunity to learn from others, challenge assumptions and contribute to conversations that strengthen outcomes for First Nations peoples.

Program

Time	Activity
10.30am	Arrival, tea and coffee
10.40am	Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country
10.50am	Introduction to Billabongs not Silos Showcase
11.00am	Presenter 1 - TBC
11.20am	Presenter 2 - TBC
11.40am	Presenter 3 - TBC
12.00pm	Networking Lunch
1.00pm	Interactive Workshop
2.30pm	Closing reflections and thank you
2.40pm	Close

A New Format for 2026

This year, Billabongs not Silos evolves into a symposium-style experience designed to create more opportunities for learning, discussion and practical application.

The morning session will feature presentations from three expert speakers, each sharing their experiences, insights and examples of practice that are creating positive change within communities.

Following a collaborative networking lunch, attendees will come together for an interactive workshop, providing the opportunity to explore key themes in greater depth, share experiences and consider how the ideas presented can be applied within their own settings.

This format reflects the core philosophy of Billabongs not Silos: bringing people together across disciplines, sectors and communities to strengthen relationships, learn from one another and create collective impact.

Who Should Attend?

This event is relevant to:

First Nations community organisations
Teachers, educators and school leaders
Health and allied health professionals
University and TAFE staff
Researchers and students
Government and policy professionals
Community development practitioners
Anyone interested in Indigenous health, education and wellbeing

Join the Conversation

Billabongs not Silos is more than a conference. It is a space where connections are formed, ideas are shared and Indigenous excellence is celebrated.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bendigo for a day of learning, reflection and collaboration.

🗺️ View the Bendigo Campus map: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/bendigo

Contact the host of Indigenous Excellence: Billabongs not Silos - Showcase 2026