A Collaborative Space for Insight and Action
This in-person event will be a space to deepen understanding, build practical strategies, and strengthen partnerships between sectors. Our aim is to draw on a diversity of voices to improve our understanding of the current landscape of boyhood so we can support those who make a difference in the lives of boys every day.
At the end of the conference, each attendee will receive a certificate detailing the sessions they attended and the hours of education and training they received.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points are crucial for maintaining and enhancing your professional skills and knowledge. By attending our conference, you not only gain valuable insights and expertise but also earn CPD points that are essential for your career development. The certificate you receive serves as tangible proof of your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
8:30 am
Registration on level 2 of the Advanced Engineering Building (Map)
8:45 am
Welcome to Country & Buran Mundo Kunnar Malara (Didgeridoo solo) by Yerongpan Aboriginal Corporation
9:00 am
Opening Remarks
Presented by The Hon Ged Kearney MP
(Assistant Minister for Social Services & Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence)
"From Crisis to Conversation: Why this workshop? Why now?"
9:20 am
Guest Speaker
Professor Amanda Keddie (Deakin University)
Professor of Education at Deakin University specializing in gender, masculinities, social justice, and the impact of digital environments on young men’s identities. Drawing on her research on social justice in schooling and young men’s online experiences, Amanda will explore what it means to teach for gender justice with boys, with a particular focus on how education can play a vital role in understanding and addressing gender-based violence in school contexts.
9:50 am
Expert Panel Session - Masculinity, Mental Health & Wellbeing
Exploring how constructions of masculinity shape boys’ and men’s mental health and well-being, and identifying ways to create healthier, more supportive approaches.
Panelists:
- Mr. Brendan Flanagan (Ambrose Treacy College)
- Ms. Louise Cosgrove (University of Queensland)
- Professor Murray Drummond (Flinders University)
- Ms. Laurenn Neuendorf (Brisbane Catholic Education)
- Ethan Brigstock (St. Leo’s College Student Representative)
Panel Discussant: Dr. Mel Opozda (Flinders University)
10:50 am
Enjoy a catered morning tea in the Atrium
11:10 am
Expert Panel Session - Educative Possibilities for Boys & Young Men
Considering how well-being differs across diverse masculinities and exploring educational approaches that promote inclusive and healthier expressions of masculinity.
Panelists:
- Dr. Jo Kingsman (QUT)
- Ms. Lisa Holohan (University of Queensland)
- Dr. Stephen Gough (Edmund Rice)
- Mr. Terry Gallagher (Director – Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, QLD Department of Education)
- Dr. Katrina Cummins (Brisbane Catholic Education)
Panel Discussant: Dr. Rohann Irving (Flinders Queensland)
12:15 pm
Enjoy a catered lunch in the Atrium
1:15 pm
Expert Panel Session - Safeguarding in the Digital & non-Digital Worlds
Examining risks, protective factors, and strategies for safeguarding boys’ and young men’s well-being in both online and offline contexts.
Panelists:
- Dr. Krista Fisher (Movember)
- Mr. Ed McMurchy (Queensland Police Service)
- Associate Professor Elizabeth Edwards (University of Queensland)
- Mr. Ged Moriarty (The Man Cave)
- Tom Molloy (St. Leo’s College Student Representative)
Panel Discussant: Dr. Mair Underwood (University of Queensland)
2:15 pm
Guest Speaker
Professor John Oliffe (The University of British Columbia)
Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Men’s Health Promotion at UBC, leading the Men's Health Research Program which investigates how masculinities shape men’s health behaviours, including mental health, smoking, and illness management. He will explore how masculine norms influence help‑seeking and well‑being among boys and young men, and showcase gender‑sensitive interventions—especially around depression, suicide, smoking cessation, and prostate cancer care.
2:45 pm
Enjoy a catered afternoon tea in the Atrium
3:00 pm
Guest Speaker
Professor Laura Scholes (Australian Catholic University)
Professor of Gender and Literacy in the Digital Age at the Institute of Learning Sciences and Teacher Education at ACU, researching how gender shapes literacy and reading practices in digital contexts, with a focus on boys, masculinities, and critical digital reading. She will discuss how literacy engagement intersects with gender identity in the digital age, emphasizing how fostering reading pleasure and digital critical thinking can support boys’ well‑being and academic inclusion.
3:30 pm
Guest Speaker & Closing Remarks
Professor James A. Smith (Flinders University)
Matthew Flinders Professor of Health & Social Equity at Flinders University, with over 20 years’ applied research in rural, remote, and Indigenous contexts focused on health equity, men’s health, and policy-informed health promotion. He will emphasize systemic and structural determinants of boys’ and young men’s well-being—particularly in marginalized and rural communities—and highlight equity-oriented strategies for safeguarding their health and futures.
4:00 pm
Wine, Cheese, Canapés & Networking
Enjoy an opportunity to connect with fellow educators, researchers, policy-makers, and community leaders, sharing insights and building collaborations sparked by the day’s discussions.