2025 Keynote and Invited Speakers
Dan Aubin
Director, Daring Humans
For the past seven years, Dan was a lecturer at Charles Sturt University in the School of Communication and Creative Industries and worked as the discipline leader of the innovative Theatre/Media program. Dan has a background as an international acrobat, physical theatre performer, director and educator. He developed his foundations at the Olympic Training Centre as a Canadian national gymnast and coach. From 2006-2010 he was the Artistic Director and CEO of the South Australian Circus Centre, home of Cirkidz.
He now shares his passion and innovative pedagogies as a speaker and consultant for universities, companies and communities. His mission is simple: To dare himself, and those he works with, to think differently as we strive towards growth in business, education, art and life.
Kylie Captain
Founding Director, Dream Big Education Wellbeing & Consulting
Kylie Captain is a proud Gamilaroi woman, best-selling author, and highly respected educator with over two decades of experience in education and community services. She has made a lasting impact through her expertise in delivering transformative professional development and workshops across Australia.
As President of the Aboriginal Studies Association and Founder of Dream Big Education Wellbeing & Consulting, Kylie leads innovative initiatives that build on leadership, mindset, cultural competency, and Aboriginal educational excellence.
A 2024 finalist for the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award, Kylie recently launched her third book at the iconic Sydney Opera House, further cementing her influence as a leader in education. Her unwavering commitment to driving positive change stems from both her lived experience and professional expertise. By empowering educators, students, and communities, Kylie strives to make a meaningful difference—one student, one school, and one organisation at a time.
Leading Aboriginal Education with Passion and Purpose
Join Kylie Captain for an inspiring and thought-provoking session that will challenge and uplift your approach to leadership, student engagement, and cultural empowerment in education. Kylie will share practical strategies and real-world examples that demonstrate how high expectations can create meaningful change for all learners. This session will explore how educators can lead with cultural integrity, build inclusive learning environments, and create strong relationships that support student success.
Expect to walk away with actionable insights on embedding culturally responsive practices, strengthening relationships, and creating a school culture where every student is inspired to achieve their full potential. Whether you are a teacher, school leader, or education professional, this session will empower you to embrace the future with optimism and a renewed commitment to making a difference.
Bryan Jeffrey
Director, MOAT Mental Health Services
Bryan Jeffrey is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, and since 1995 has been employed in a range of senior clinical positions in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health in Scotland, and latterly in Melbourne, Australia.
Throughout his career, Bryan saw gaps in mental health literacy, in people who were hungry for knowledge, and decided to focus the attention of MOAT: Mental Health Services on meeting these needs.
Ranging from delivering keynote addresses at national conferences, to providing workshops for small groups of staff and carers – Bryan’s passion is in mental health training.
How the Brain Responds to Stress - Explosive Behaviour and De-escalation
Join Bryan Jeffrey as he shares a very simple framework to clarify the links between stress, escalation, explosive behaviour, and de-escalation. This framework has been informed by Bruce Perry’s trauma-related research and learnings, and can be implemented with great effect in any teaching space, any home, or even in your staff room.
- What effect does stress have on staff and students' ability to remain cognitive and focused?
- What are some of the skills that we can learn and teach, to stay calm in a crisis?
- How should we communicate with people who are escalating?
- Can we really help people to de-escalate when they have lost control?
- Why does multi-sensory de-escalation work?
- How does a person's trauma history affect their ability to regulate?
These questions and more will be explored, with an opportunity for delegates to ask questions following the presentation.
More Keynote Speakers to be announced soon!
KEY DATES
Early Bird Registration Available
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Early Bird Registration Closes
Friday, 30 May 2025
Standard Registration Available
Saturday, 31 May 2025
Standard Registration Closes
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
CONFERENCE CONVENOR
The Australian Association of Special Education (AASE) is a broad-based non-categorical association concerned with all who have special education needs.
Host State - AASE Victorian Chapter
CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT
GEMS Event Management Australia
30 615 654 629
Contact us
For all registration and accommodation inquiries call
02 9744 5252 or email: registration@gemsevents.com.au
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