With visionary, innovative Queensland educators, Jan led the Social Justice Strategy 1993-4, a practical framework for gender-equitable schools inclusive of students historically marginalised by disability, poverty and isolation. Reforms took root in many schools and hopefully flourish still. When Government policy shifted to measuring performance, Jan shifted to consultancy, supporting visionary school leaders, training statewide in child protection for the Children’s Commission, volunteering, being a gran and singing jazz. ‘What we wish Catrin and her peers had learned about...

If you’re curious about how to broach the topic with children or want to hear an expert weigh in on the subject, give the podcast a listen now. For more information about the Raising Wildings podcast or the Wildling Forest School, click here to visit their website. Raising Wildlings is a podcast about parenting, alternative education and stepping into the wilderness, however that looks, with your family. This podcast episode contains references to child sexual and physical abuse, grooming and predatory behaviour. If this episode triggers anything for you please reach out to a loved one who...

She is currently an admin/ research assistant for the Mater Health Project and features in a video helping make health services user-friendly for people with disabilities. As well as featuring in the video, she proofreads written documents to ensure that they make sense to people with intellectual disabilities. Catrin represented Australia in the Special Olympics swim teams in Dubai in 2019, winning both Gold and Bronze medals. She loves pop songs and movies and longs for the love and ‘happy ever after’ romance they promise. Catrin has Down Syndrome and has twice presented to DSAQ...

Since launching her petition for ‘Consent to be Included in Australian Schools’ Sex Education Earlier’ in February, Chanel has received over 40,000 signatures and 20,000 testimonials. Finally it seems the Government is noticing, with Victoria making consent education mandatory and Parliament in NSW debating her proposed reforms after a separate petition by Chanel received 20,000 signatures. This call to reform sexual education in Australian schools is not an entirely new notion for schools and educators, however according to a spokesperson from the Department of Education, Skills and...

Hayley started her career working in a clinical mental health setting supporting adolescents with mental health concerns before joining a national Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy focusing on early intervention and building the resilience of young people. This led Hayley to the Education sector where she has worked since 2002, with much of her work focusing on embedding support for student wellbeing into the everyday work of schools. Hayley has experience working across a range of health and wellbeing policy areas impacting children, young people and their families and recognises the...

A sexologist working in private practice helping both individuals and couples through a range of sexual concerns, she also works at YLab as a First Nations associate working on projects concerning equality, equity and First Nations futures. Lauren is a recently graduated sexologist holding a membership with the Society of Australian Sexologists. Lauren has a real passion for sexuality education as well as helping individuals or couples through a multitude of sexual difficulties and experiences. She believes that sex should be able to be discussed openly and that everyone deserves to have a...

Introducing: Colleen Mitrow During Colleen’s teaching career, she found that the children with the greatest needs were often those alienated in and excluded from the education system. Colleen was the founding Principal of Southside Education and Hymba Yumba Community Hub. In consultation with the school communities, the Searchlight Education model was developed where both the personal and education needs of students could be met – where Caring and Learning go hand in hand. Each student, regardless of background, is welcomed into the school community and treated with...

In a recent article featured in The Guardian, “Teaching Consent to Toddlers”, Deanne Carson explains, “I’m happy we’re starting to have this conversation” and how important it is to empower children with the tools they need in order to flourish in today’s society. Deanne Carson has never been one to shy away from the challenging and often controversial topics regarding children and prefers to offer education and factual evidence to tackle these ‘taboo’ topics. Speaking at the Flourish Conference in July, Deanne will share with attendees her experience and insight into consent education,...

Introducing: Shona Innes Shona Innes is a Clinical and Forensic psychologist who has worked for over 25 years helping children, teens and grownups (young and old). Shona has accumulated significant knowledge, experience and skill for interacting with some of the trickiest individuals in some of the most trying of circumstances as well as for assisting with life’s day to day hassles. Other psychologists seek out time with Shona to assist them with tricky cases and to take care of themselves in the process of helping others. Starting out as a toilet training assistant in a special school...