What a joy it was to welcome so many VDC News readers and attendees at this year’s sold out National Teaching and Learning Conference – focussing in our 21st year on “Healthy Workplaces. Thriving Teachers. Positive Outcomes.”
So many conference delegates have commented on how much they learned from their peers (leading educators in the sector) this year and therefore our conference summary is coming to you in three related parts this year:
- a summary of lessons from our keynote presenters
- lessons from leading VET educators and experts, and
- insights from our research and practical workshop presentations.
Our keynote presenters shared a range of inspiring, practical insights:
Rev Noddy Sharma opened the conference by arguing that culture is created through the small choices, habits and interactions people experience every day, rather than through organisational slogans. At a time when efficiency and technology can reduce ordinary human contact, he challenged VET leaders to protect the relationships that create trust, belonging and motivation. His message for educators was that organisations can embrace AI and change without losing sight of empathy, purpose and the human connections on which inspiring learning cultures depend.
Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski explored ‘popcorn brain’ – where constant digital stimulation means there is a growing effort needed for us (and our students) to simply focus on one thing. She explained how attention, motivation and anxiety affect learning, and how social media and AI can reinforce habits of rapid switching and immediate reward. Importantly, her message was not that technology is inherently the problem, but that learners and educators need to use it intentionally. Delegates were given practical ideas for strengthening focus, building healthier habits, reducing stress and helping learners regain agency over their attention. If you are not familiar with Dr Landowski’s work – her ‘Brain Hack’ TEDTalk is one of the most popular in recent years.
Mel Neil’s keynote on a flourishing workplace emphasised that psychological safety is created in everyday practice: in how colleagues listen, speak, challenge ideas, respond to mistakes and make room for others to contribute. She argued that wellbeing is not a quick fix or solely an individual’s responsibility – but rather that organisations need to create the conditions in which people can realise their potential over time. Her session also positioned emotional intelligence as an important organisational and risk-management capability, and not just a useful interpersonal skill.
Closing keynote speaker Daniel Joinbee, a proud Gunggandji man and founder of Gunggandji Aerospace, showed what co-designed, flexible career pathways (and a Mum who has worked in the TAFE sector) can achieve. Drawing on the Raising Horizons program, which introduces First Nations students in remote Far North Queensland communities to aerospace opportunities, and a new partnership in South Australia he demonstrated the importance of beginning with learners’ aspirations, communities and cultures. His presentation encouraged VET providers to build pathways with learners, to ‘lift the ceiling’ and to use partnerships and emerging industries to broaden young people’s sense of what is possible. He also paid tribute to what he had learned from his own mother who had worked in TAFE for a long period of time – and was in the audience for his presentation!
And finally, although technically the panel of WorldSkills Australia representatives was not a keynote session, it brought the voice of students to the heart of the conference (as it does each year). Attendees heard from Skillaroos João Marcos Boulomytis Correa, Charlotte Follett and Rajeev Jawaji who reflected on competing, learning and growing as they prepare to represent Australia internationally at WorldSkills in Shanghai in September. Their stories showed the confidence that is developed through WorldSkills, and strongly reinforced the critical role of their teachers and mentors in helping them achieve their dreams. Truly inspirational.
“What a great two days. The keynote speakers were outstanding, the workshops were practical and the conversations with colleagues were invaluable.“
“Great to have genuine student voice featured at the conference. Hearing directly from learners about the impact of VET was a real highlight.“
2026 Delegates
VDC would like to thank this year’s Conference Sponsor
