On August 19 – 21 2026, leaders, practitioners, and advocates from across Australia will gather in Adelaide for a national conversation that matters.
The Safe. Seen. Strong. Safeguarding Conference is more than an event, it is a deliberate step toward shaping communities where safeguarding is not simply a requirement, but a lived reality.
We are bringing together those who carry responsibility for safeguarding across churches, agencies, and organisations associated with the church, people committed to strengthening governance, deepening practice, and transforming culture.
At the heart of this gathering is a shared conviction:
that every person should be safe,
every story should be seen,
and every community can grow stronger.
Why this conference matters
Across Australia, organisations connected to the life of Churches continue to navigate the ongoing work of safeguarding reform, cultural change, and institutional accountability.
This conference creates space to:
- learn from leading voices in safeguarding, law, theology, and practice
- engage honestly with the challenges we face
- share wisdom across denominations and sectors
- and strengthen our collective capacity to lead safe communities into the future
What to expect
Through keynote presentations, panel conversations, and practical workshops, the conference will explore:
- Building cultures of safeguarding within faith communities
- Survivor-informed and trauma-aware leadership
- Governance, accountability, and institutional responsibility
- Safeguarding within culturally diverse contexts
- Prevention, systems, and best-practice frameworks
This will be a space that is both thoughtful and practical, grounded in real experience and focused on real change.
Who should be part of this?
This conference is designed for those who carry leadership, responsibility, or deep interest in safeguarding, including:
- Church and denominational leaders and board members
- Safeguarding and professional standards personnel
- Ministry leaders and chaplains
- Researchers, policy leaders, and practitioners
- Anyone committed to strengthening safe and healthy communities
An invitation
We are gathering a diverse and high calibre group of speakers, including legal experts, safeguarding practitioners, policy leaders, and theologians to help shape this important conversation.
Whether you are contributing as a speaker or participating as an attendee, your voice matters in this space. This is an opportunity to be part of a national movement toward communities that are not only compliant but deeply safe, seen, and strong.
For any further enquiries please contact the Conference team on SGC@sa.uca.org.au
