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We are looking forward to welcoming you to our fifth conference in which we will gather to share practice, knowledge, and wisdom about how to transform the lives of those who have experienced childhood trauma. Our focus on connection and healing in this conference recognises the profound impact of connection and relationship to self, others, place, community, and Country in healing process.
In this conference we again have a strong focus on First Nations voices and wisdom, alongside those with lived experience, researchers, and practitioners. In addition, we will also have a spotlight on neurodivergence and trauma as well as harmful sexual behaviour and trauma.
We are excited to announce a new program structure for the conference that includes a wider range of opportunities to come together to share and learn from others. You will have the chance to hear from international and national leaders in the field of trauma treatment, participate in interactive and advanced masterclasses and workshops, hear from those with lived experience, practitioners, and researchers as they come together to explore contemporary thinking in symposium discussions, and have the chance to network and showcase your own practice.
The conference is a unique place for sharing best practice approaches, emerging ideas, and critical considerations in the field of childhood trauma.
We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne in 2025.
Janise Mitchell
CEO, Australian Childhood Foundation
Conference Convenor
We are pleased to share that the following speakers will be presenting
The fifth Childhood Trauma Conference will explore transformative approaches to healing trauma, through connection, collaboration, and community. Delegates in attendance will embark on a journey of growth through engaging with reflexive praxis. Through workshops, advanced masterclasses, keynote presentations and more, together we will delve into the complexities of childhood trauma and its profound impacts, finding pathways to transforming lives through integrating insights, techniques, and best practices. Fostering a deeper understanding of how to facilitate healing through our work, the theme Transforming trauma: connection and healing will reinforce that healing is not a solitary process, but a collective journey, built within communities, with compassion and love. Join the over 12,000 past delegates who have attended previous iterations of the Conference, and develop your knowledge and practice in 2025.
A first in 2025, workshops are sessions focussed on the practical application of theory. In these sessions you’ll be focussed on what this all means for the people you work with in the day-to-day, and practising skills you can use, making a difference for children and young people.
These sessions are pitched for those who are already familiar with trauma theory and knowledge. Arrive expecting further learning and a chance to extend your knowledge and practice.
All week long we will host concurrent presentations from the full speaker lineup of international and Australian trauma experts. Choose who you want to see and create a tailored learning experience that meets your specific needs and interests.
The middle day of the Conference brings the opportunity for you to submit an abstract and present your own work to your peers from around the globe. Be part of the conference as a speaker and showcase the way you are making a difference.
Five Symposiums will be offered across the week featuring speakers with lived experience and expertise in each of the following topics Neurodivergence and Trauma, Women in the field, Lived Experience, First Nations and Out-of-Home Care. Join these Symposiums for a meeting rich in conversation and learning from curated speakers.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings of conference, we will be running concurrent somatic and body-oriented activities for delegates to connect and join. From trauma-informed yoga sessions to our walking groups there will be more information available soon.
Half-day sessions spent with world leading thinkers, researchers and practitioners. Gain insights and hands on practical skills for your work with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Meet and make new connections at network events on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Enjoy refreshments in a social setting to connect with colleagues from Australia and around the world.
We are an inclusive, safe and respectful organisation which celebrates diversity and actively supports the inclusion of children, young people and adults from LGBTIQ+ communities, people with disabilities, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with diverse religious beliefs or affiliations.
