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. 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)

ENCOUNTER IN COUNTRY KAURAREG

DATES
Thursday 14 - Tuesday 19 August 2025 (pre-conference) - 15 participants
OR
Saturday 23 - Thursday 28 August 2025 (post-conference) - 15 participants

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

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! 

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

DATES
Tuesday 19 August 2025 (pre-conference)
8:00am - 5:00pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience
OR
Monday 25 August 2025 (post-conference)
8:00am - 5:00pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience

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

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. 

 
 

ENCOUNTER GUNGGANDJION FITZROY ISLAND

DATES
Tuesday 19 August 2025 (pre-conference)
7:30am - 4:45pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience
OR
Monday 25 August 2025 (post-conference)
7:30am - 4:45pm, and one-hour self-paced preparation session prior to experience

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

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.  

 

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

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

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.

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.