Signature Leadership Days
Our flagship Leadership Days continue to bring experienced school leaders together to deepen practice, challenge thinking, and strengthen the work already happening in Queensland’s public schools. In 2026, each event builds on the expertise within our community and is anchored by a bold, future-focused theme designed to extend and elevate the leadership capabilities.
2026 Themes
This year’s Leadership Days are centred around:
Monday 16 March 2026
Relational Leadership Under Pressure- How trust, culture and moral courage shape leadership in complex systems.
27 July 2026
Leading with Courage, Connection & Clarity- Explore how courageous, connected leadership builds trust, strengthens culture, and brings clarity to complexity. Learn strategies to lead with purpose, conviction, and calm in times of challenge and change.
02 November 2026
Performance Through People- Investigate how high-performing teams are grown, supported, and inspired. Strengthen the leadership capabilities that empower people, elevate practice, and unlock a culture where everyone thrives.
Key Take-aways for 2026
- Collaborative Processes: Engage students, staff, and the broader community in shaping and connecting with your school’s vision. Foster a collaborative environment that aligns your school’s ambitions for learning with actionable outcomes.
- Tools for Strategic Leadership: Access proven tools to effectively lead your school’s continuous improvement agenda. Transforming your vision into actionable strategies that drive positive change and measurable results.
- Professional Learning Guidance: Receive expert insights to maintain focus and sustain momentum on your leadership improvement priorities. Stay ahead with professional development tailored to the ever‑changing demands of school leadership.
Thought Leaders for 2026
Peter Baines
Humanitarian leader and founder of Hands Across the Water, leading with compassion and integrity in crisis-affected and high-risk contexts.
Trent Dalton
Award-winning Australian journalist and bestselling author of 'Boy Swallows Universe', renowned for his deeply human storytelling that explores resilience, kindness and the power of hope.
Shane Fitzsimmons
Former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW and national resilience leader, widely respected for calm, values-based leadership during crisis.
Astrid Jorgensen OAM
Founder of Pub Choir, demonstrating how joy, belonging and psychological safety unlock extraordinary collective performance.
Dr Gemma Munro
Performance psychologist and leadership coach who brings clarity, courage and practical strategies to help people and teams perform at their best.
Holly Ransom
Globally recognised leadership expert, CEO, and board director, known for her work on courageous leadership, influence, and leading through uncertainty.
Garry Ridge
(virtual)
Former long‑time CEO of WD‑40 Company, sharing how trust, learning and values create cultures where people and performance thrive.
Cameron Schwab
Veteran AFL executive and leadership thinker with decades of experience leading high-performance organisations in unforgiving environments.
Adam Voight
Nationally respected education leader and founder of Real Schools, renowned for strengthening culture through trust, relationships and clarity of purpose.
Milo Wilkinson
Leadership coach and author specialising in decision-making, clarity of purpose, and navigating complexity in high-pressure environments.2026 Key Dates for Executive and Senior Leadership Teams
TERM 1: Monday 16 March, 8.45 am to 2.45 pm
TERM 3: Monday 27 July, 8.15 am to 2.30 pm
TERM 4: Monday 02 November, 8.45 am to 2.45 pm
VENUE
- Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank, Queensland
ACCOMMODATION
- Special accommodation rates are available at:
Rydges South Bank Brisbane
9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane
10% off the best available rate via booking link
