Indigenous Excellence: Billabongs not Silos - Showcase 2026

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 the 2026 Billabongs not Silos Showcase, a strengths-based symposium celebrating Indigenous excellence and exploring the connections between health, education, culture and community.

Like a billabong itself, Billabongs not Silos is built on the understanding that these areas do not exist separately. They are part of one connected, living system. The Showcase brings people together across sectors to share practice, build relationships and explore practical approaches that support First Nations children, young people, families and communities.

📅 Tuesday 10 November 2026
🕙 10.30am–2.40pm
📍 Ironbark Centre, La Trobe University Bendigo Campus

Hear from three practitioners working across education, youth and community health

For teachers, educators and school leaders
Dennis Mitchell, Principal, Ranfurly Primary School
Hear from Dennis about his experience leading work at Ranfurly Primary School and consider the role education can play in creating connection, belonging and opportunity.

For people working with and supporting young people
Simon Briggs, Youth Engagement Lead, Bendigo District Aboriginal Cooperative
Simon’s work includes leading a youth homework club and supporting young people with learning, engagement, connection, aspiration and pathways for the future.

For health and community workers
Kate O’Callaghan, Community Nurse, Bendigo District Aboriginal Cooperative
Explore what it means to put culture, connection and community at the centre of health and wellbeing, with relevance across clinical care, community health, prevention, health promotion, education and service delivery.

While each presenter brings a different perspective, the Showcase is designed to bring these perspectives together. Whether you work in health, education, youth, community services, research, government or policy, the day is an opportunity to consider what becomes possible when we work beyond traditional professional and organisational silos.

What to expect

The morning will feature presentations from Dennis, Simon and Kate, sharing experiences and examples from their work.

Following a networking lunch, participants will come together for an interactive workshop to explore the themes raised during the morning, share experiences and consider how these ideas can be applied in their own setting.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• hear from practitioners working across education, youth engagement and community health

• explore strengths-based approaches centred on culture, community and connection

• consider the links between health, education and social and emotional wellbeing

• gain practical ideas to take back to your workplace, service, school or organisation

• connect with people working across different sectors

• participate in an interactive afternoon workshop

• celebrate Indigenous leadership, excellence and community-driven approaches.

Program

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.

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