2025 Triennial Conference: Frequently Asked Questions
With the Triennial Conference fast approaching, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that cover key details about the program, venue, logistics, and more.
We look forward to welcoming you all for a meaningful and memorable gathering.
The Triennial Conference will be held at Australian Catholic University’s North Sydney Campus, and the accommodation and conference dinner will be held at Mary Mackillop Place. The program commences at the Ryan Auditorium in the James Carroll Building
(Level 3, Building 502), 40 Edward Street, North Sydney. Workshops will be in adjacent breakout rooms. On Saturday afternoon, attendees will walk to Mary MacKillop Place for a celebration of the Eucharist in the MacKillop Place chapel.
Doors will open at 8:00am on Saturday morning for registration and coffee & tea. The official program will commence at 9:00am with the Welcome and Opening Liturgy in the Ryan Auditorium. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early on Saturday to allow time for registration and to settle in before the program begins.
On Sunday, the final breakout session will begin at 8:30am at ACU.
The conference will conclude at 1:00pm on Sunday, following our closing ritual.
The theme of the Triennial Conference is “Ever Ancient, Ever New”, drawn from St Augustine’s reflection on the timeless beauty of God. Rooted in the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition, it invites us to reflect on education as a sacred journey – honouring the wisdom of the past while embracing the challenges and hope of the present and future. This theme calls us to live out values of stewardship, justice and compassion in our relationships with others, the Earth, and all creation.
To register for the Triennial Conference, please complete the following form:
Final registrations close on 27 June.
Special arrangements have been made for GSE schools and special guests. Friends of GSE and Network schools are encouraged to book one of the several hotels within walking distance of the venue.
GSE NB: Accommodation at Mary MacKillop Place has been reserved for those who indicated interest. This matter has now been closed, with no further requests for accommodation being accepted. If you previously indicated interest in staying there during registration, you will receive further details via email in the coming weeks. For those still seeking accommodation, several hotels are within walking distance of the venue that we recommend.
If you are no longer able to attend the Triennial Conference, please notify us as soon as possible by emailing admin@goodsameducation.org.au. For any last-minute cancellations, we kindly ask that you contact Helen Campbell directly to ensure your withdrawal is noted and any necessary arrangements can be made.
Towards the end of June, a full program including the workshops will be released.
Registrations for the three breakout workshops will open on 20 June and close on 18 July. There will be five breakout streams that participants can choose from, with one workshop from each offered during each session. These streams are:
– Our Story
– Integral Ecology
– Reconciliation
– Neighbour
– Education
– Governance
Some sessions will be recorded, either in audio or audio/video format. These recordings will be made available after the conference, depending on speaker permissions and session content.
Travel between ACU and Mary MacKillop Place will be by foot, with participants walking together and guided by GSE organisers. For attendees with mobility concerns, a car with limited seating will be available to assist with transport. Please advise us in advance if you require this support.
There is limited parking on the ACU campus at 40 Edward Street. Some street parking in North Sydney is free on weekends. Please read signs carefully to identify metered times.
Participants are encouraged to use public transport where possible.
Throughout the conference, attendees will be provided with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea each day, as well as refreshments upon arrival on Saturday morning. Following the Mass on Saturday evening, drinks will be available at the Glen Roy Green. In addition, there will be two optional dinner events, one open for all participants, and a special Good Samaritan Schools Network Dinner. If you are interested in attending Saturday night dinner, please ensure you indicate your expression of interest through the conference registration form.
Yes, ACU’s James Carroll Building (Building 502), is wheelchair accessible. The building features an access ramp from the upper-level parking area and an internal lift providing access to all floors. Accessible toilets are available on all levels of the building.
A Help Desk will be available throughout the conference. Whether you have a question, need assistance or require directions, the team will be there to support you.
