The BCC International Conference is bringing the child, youth and family sector together in June 2025.
Image: Two adults and three children sit together outside on the grass. They are all smiling.
A new event is set to take the stage at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre this June, with the launch of the Building Caring Communities International Conference. This will be a dynamic gathering focused on transforming the lives of children and families through evidence, research, and compassionate practice.
Bringing together a global roster of thought leaders, practitioners, people with lived experience, policymakers, and advocates, this first-of-its-kind conference promises to be more than just another professional development event—it’s a movement. With a mission to create communities where every child can thrive, the three-day program aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact in the child, youth and family sector.
Lived experience is a powerful lens through which to understand and navigate the world. In the out-of-home care sector, lived experience refers to the insights, knowledge, and understanding that individuals gain through their direct experiences with the foster care system.
‘Building Caring Communities’ International Conference
| When | Tuesday, 10 June, 5:00pm - Thursday, 12 June, 5:30pm |
| Where | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Meanjin (Brisbane) |
Join us in Brisbane for the Building Caring Communities International Conference — where evidence, research, and lived experience come together to create a world where every child can thrive.
Why attend?
Building Caring Communities will unite global experts, practitioners, and advocates. Hear from world-renowned keynote speakers including:
Dr. Junlei Li (Harvard University), a global leader in human development and early childhood education
Dr. Emma Goodall (SA Dept. of Premier and Cabinet), advocate for inclusive practices for neurodivergent children
Brenda Matthews, Indigenous educator and co-founder of Learning Circle Australia
Martha J. Holden (Cornell University), expert in trauma-informed care
And many more from Australia, the U.S., Spain, and the U.K.
Image: A photo of children on a playground. Text overlay reads: Building Caring Communities 2025. 10-12 June, 2025 Meanjin (Brisbane), Brisbane Convention Centre. Bringing evidence, research and practice together to create a community where every child can thrive.
Attendees will engage in keynote sessions, panels, hands-on workshops, and networking events. The opening night (June 10) will kick off with a welcome reception designed to foster connections and cross-sector collaboration.
You can read each of the speakers full bios here.
Themes and Goals
The conference will explore:
Translating research into culturally relevant practice
Strengthening systems of care for children and families
Elevating lived experience as a source of expertise
Creating actionable pathways for change across services and policy
Whether you’re a frontline worker, academic, policymaker, or someone with lived experience, the Building Caring Communities Conference is your opportunity to contribute to shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for children.
The ‘Building Caring Communities’ International Conference aims to bring together a diverse group of practitioners, people with lived experience, researchers, policymakers, and advocates who are committed to promoting evidence informed practices and improve client outcomes in the child and family sector.
This two-day program facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing on best practices in the child and family sector.
June 10, 2025
Evening Welcome Reception and Networking at the Sky Room and Sky Lobby. Experience a Traditional Welcome to Country Nunukul Yuggera Community Welcome to the Conference.
June 11-12, 2025 The conference will have keynote speakers, workshops, cross agency panels and opportunities for networking.
You can download the Building Caring Communities Conference program here.
Be Part of the Change
Hosted in the heart of Meanjin (Brisbane), this international event is proudly brought to you by Life Without Barriers, Allambi Care, United Care, and the Residential Child Care Project (RCCP).
Register your interest today and become part of a vibrant community working to ensure every child not only survives—but thrives.
Visit buildingcaringcommunities2025.org to learn more and reserve your spot.
For more information, email bccc@abercrombiemanagement.com.au
