Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns has been partnering with Traditional Owners and Elders of the region to create Spirituality and In and On Country experiences as part of their work on Truth-telling, Healing and Reconciliation. You are invited to join one of these experiences pre or post conference to deepen your understanding of First Nations Ways, connection to country and your role in truth-telling.

Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.

The experiences include:

• Encounter In Country Kaurareg (five day immersion in Torres Strait)

• Seasons of Creation Laudato Si’ Retreat Day Kuku Yalanji Country at Mossman Gorge (one day)

• Encounter Gunggandji on Fitzroy Island (one day)

• Encounter Gimuy on Country Experience in Cairns (one day)

If you’re looking for additional local activities to participate in during your stay in Cairns, take a look at our Local Tours Discounts page.

If you would like to add an experience booking to your existing conference registration, please contact ConferenceNational by email 2025acec@conferencenational.com.au

ENCOUNTER IN COUNTRY KAURAREG (5 nights)

DATES
Thursday 14 - Tuesday 19 August 2025 (pre-conference)
Registration closes 23 June 2025

OR
Saturday 23 - Thursday 28 August 2025 (post-conference)
Registration closes 2 July 2025

Timings - 9.00am start with flight leaving 1.20pm on the first day and return to Cairns on the final day at 12.35pm (subject to flight changes).

This experience over 3 phases: preparation, in-country and re-entry

COST
$3,500 + $20 non-refundable booking fee
All transfers, food and activities included
Minimum 10 participants, Maximum 15 participants

This extended experience of listening and learning of the ways of First People of the Torres Strait is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Come and learn in country about the Kaurareg Nation, the stories of the Zenadth Kes and our role in truth-telling, healing and reconciliation.  We will sit at the feet of Traditional owners, Elders and collaborators from Christian and government organisations. Dialogue will happen on country, on sea and under star-lit skies. Come and see with us! 

Testimonials

“The Encounter Kaurareg was the most significant and moving professional experience I have been part of in over 42 years as an educator and a principal. It opened my eyes to the possibilities we have to further build positive, open and life-giving relationships with the First Nations People. This is particularly the case for our young people who have much wisdom in this space and deep generosity of spirit. I believe this Encounter opportunity is invaluable in developing deeper understanding and great insight into the history, culture and lived reality of the First Nations Peoples of these lands.” - Frank Pitt, Past Principal St Mary Star of the Sea College Wollongong and Governing Council Member of Good Samaritan Education (2023 participant)

“An experience of a lifetime to connect spiritually, intellectually and dialogically to develop a richer understanding of the culture, spirituality, history, challenges and strengths of the Torres Straits communities. The learning obtained on this Encounter will stay with me forever and certainly reaffirmed why we need Reconciliation Plans, more truth telling and better connections to our students and families. The elders all reaffirmed the importance of education and this clarifies the challenge that we need to work as an educational community to improve our pedagogical approaches to ensure we are meeting the needs of all our students. I was so impressed with this trip that I will work on the budget to ensure I can send a few staff annually on this experience. This has been a highlight of my career. It also helped me connect more spiritually and clarified the need for recontextualisation.” - Narelle Hunt, Principal Mt St Bernard College, Herberton (2023 participant)

“The invitation from the Cairns Diocese to ‘come and see’, Encounter In-Country Kaurareg started as a whisper, it was curiosity and an opportunity to learn more and connect with people and place. But, after a week of learning, and listening and being in Country there are now winds of wisdom, the words of the Elders echoing loudly and calling me back to learn more and do more.” - Belinda Connolly Senior Manager - Learning, Teaching and Curriculum - Education: Strategy, Policy and Innovation Learning Services Brisbane Catholic Education (2024 participant)

SEASONS OF CREATIONS LAUDATO SI’ RETREAT DAY KUKU YALANJI COUNTRY AT MOSSMAN GORGE

DATES
Tuesday 19 August 2025 (pre-conference)
7:30am - 4:45pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience.
Registration closes 22 July 2025

OR
Monday 25 August 2025 (post-conference)
7:30am - 4:45pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience.
Registration closes 29 July 2025

COST
$295 + $20 non-refundable booking fee
All transfers, food and activities included
Minimum 20 participants, Maximum 40 participants

Take a drive along the coast where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef to sit in the sacred space of Kuku Yalanji country at Mossman Gorge. Here we will experience Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul), where stories and legends from a long time ago are shared by a Kuku Yalanji guide. We will then reflect on this experience through a Laudato Si’ lens and consider our role in Truth-telling, healing and reconciliation. 

Testimonials

“My understanding of the Kuku Yalangi Peoples was enriched. The Dreamtime Walk was so enlightening, particularly learning about the bush medicines. The Scripture and dreamtime experience remind me of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the earth and all its inhabitants.”

“[The guide] shared cultural information in an organic manner, which was more meaningful…the time spent in the rainforest and by the creek was very nourishing.”

“I thought deeply about the First Peoples of Mossman, their connection with/to Country and what this really means.”

“The day was beautiful and I especially loved the walk with the guide; the First Nations knowings and wisdom really reminded me of how important it is to stop and connect with nature.”

“Rejuvenated, inspired, connected, nourished...”

ENCOUNTER GUNGGANDJI ON FITZROY ISLAND

DATES
Tuesday 19 August 2025 (pre-conference)
7:30am - 4:45pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience.
Registration closes 21 May 2025

OR
Monday 25 August 2025 (post-conference)
7:30am - 4:45pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience.
Registration closes 27 May 2025

COST
$295 + $20 non-refundable booking fee
All transfers, food and activities included
Minimum 20 participants, Maximum 60 participants

Experience creation in dialogue with the lands, seas and skies of the Gungandi people. This day of reflection and contemplation invites participants to fully immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Great Barrier Reef through a Laudato Si’ lens. 

Testimonials 

“Filled with hope and richer from the communal experience of formation.”

“This was a beautiful day, full of connection and deep listening. The land was beautiful. Perfect day of renewal and reflection.”

“It was an amazing experience like no other I've attended - it offered diverse perspectives, and the group grew closer as the day went on.”

“I became more conscious of the issues discussed and how we can help - whether it is individually or drive change by collaborating with others to make a difference.”

“I was able to connect the Catholic Identity to my teaching more.”

ENCOUNTER GIMUY ON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

DATES
Tuesday 19 August 2025 (pre-conference)
8:30am - 3:30pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience.
Registration closes 12 August 2025

OR
Monday 25 August 2025 (post-conference)
8:30am - 3:30pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience.
Registration closes 18 August 2025

COST
$245 + $20 non-refundable booking fee
All transfers, food and activities included
Maximum 60 participants

Connect to country through the wisdom and ways of Traditional Owners and Elders from Gimuy (Cairns). After being welcomed to country we are invited into dialogue about the Ways of Knowing, Being, Doing and Valuing of First Peoples of this region. Participants are then invited to select an experience of these ways through: a walk on country; exploration of totem; or reflection and guided meditation.

Testimonials

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to listen and learn from the wisdom of the First Nation Elders. Through their personal sharing staff were able to Connect with Deep Listening and find a space where they could be truly present and listen with their heart.”

“Uncle Henry provided an amazing and educational session. He was humble despite having such knowledge and history. Karen’s healing smoking ceremony was a perfect way to finish the day. It was what I needed and so did many of my colleagues. It was a privilege to be part of the ceremony and is the first time I have been. This day was the best and most relevant First Nations session I have ever been a part of and I have been in the education system for decades. It was very real, relevant and moving. I felt like a changed person afterwards. The people presenting were perfect for the role. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.”

“Encounter on Country Gimuy experience was enlightening. I am grateful for the opportunity to listen to and share stories with our First Nations peoples of Gimuy - to hear their stories and get a sense of their journey, their connection to place and Country and their ways of knowing was inspiring. I am fortunate I had the opportunity to share in the wealth of experience right here in our community. I felt an overwhelming sense of hope and peace when I engaged in my session with Sue, the calmness I felt enabled me to listen to what my heart was feeling. In such a busy time in my life it was a joy to stop and focus on what matters to me - my connection to my family, my self, others, my Country and my place. Thank you - I am beyond grateful to Aunty Sue, Aunty Karen and Uncle Henry.”

Further experiences may be added depending on demand. The registration cancellation terms and conditions apply to both pre and post-conference experiences. However, if any non-refundable or non-transferable airfares or transfers are purchased for the delegate, those costs will still be charged, unless they are already included in the cancellation fee. Please see Terms and Conditions for cancellation information.

For more information on any of the above experiences, please contact Nikoletta Barillo via email.