Bright Futures National Symposium
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From neighbourhoods to devices: Contextual prevention in action
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation and Sexual Violence Research Prevention Unit (SVRPU; University of the Sunshine Coast) are proud to present a two-day symposium dedicated to enhancing child safety through the lens of contextual prevention.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sunshine Coast, this event features UK-based Professor Carlene Firmin, a leading expert who developed Contextual Safeguarding in 2015, alongside a lineup of distinguished speakers. Following an interactive format, over the two days attendees can expect to hear from a range of key-note speakers, panel discussions, Q&As and more.
Thursday 7 August – Friday 8 August 2025
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Sunshine Coast Convention Centre – Minyama Room
270 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters QLD 4564, Australia
Contextual prevention focuses on reducing problematic and harmful sexual behaviours (PHSB) by addressing the broader environments and circumstances where these behaviours occur. These include settings like schools, childcare, health services, public spaces and online. The symposium will showcase community-led initiatives with an emphasis on innovative research and projects that are centred on contexts and environments.
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
Keynote International Speaker
Professor Carlene Firmin MBE
Dr Carlene Firmin is a Professor of Social Work at Durham University, and professional convener of their Sociology Department’s research group on Communities and Social Justice.
More speakers to be announced soon
EVENT INFORMATION
TICKET INCLUSION:
Early Bird Offer: $250 per person
(includes a two day conference ticket and dinner invitation)
Tickets are sold as a Symposium package only and includes:
- Day 1 symposium (8.30am-5pm), including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
- Day 1 dinner (6pm-10pm), including 2 course meal (beverages not included)
- Day 2 symposium (8.30am-4pm), including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
The ticket includes a networking dinner for attendees following day 1 to allow time to connect with colleagues. The dinner cost is incorporated into the overall ticket package. Please advise if you will not be attending the dinner at time of purchase – this will not result in a reduction of the ticket price as it is included in the 2 day package.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS:
We recommend staying onsite at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort for your convenience.
Attendees can visit the resort website and enter the promotional code, provided with your ticket purchase, to receive 15% off the best available rate at the time of booking.
If you need assistance with a booking you can contact the reservations office on 1800 072 277 or via H1644@accor.com
Please note that accommodation is not included in the symposium ticket prices and must be purchased directly from the resort. Accommodation at the resort is subject to availability.
OUR THEME
From neighbourhoods to devices: Contextual prevention in action
Over two days, child safe organisations, community leaders and professionals in the children’s education and care sector will exhange ideas on promising practice in the prevention of PHSB.
Contextual prevention targets external factors to create safer spaces for children, such as improving social conditions, enforcing regulatory controls, and designing safer environments. This approach broadens the focus from individuals to the wider social and community systems that impact behaviour and development.
We hope you can join us for our first national child safety symposium!
For any queries please contact the Bright Futures team on 1300 326 435 or brightfutures@danielmorcombe.com.au
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