Goldfields Public School Education Conference

In May 2024 the Goldfields education community came together in a powerful show of unity and ambition for the first-ever Goldfields Public School Education Conference, a groundbreaking event supported by the Esperance Community Advisory Committee (ECAC) of the Mt Burdett Foundation. 

With the theme of “Belonging”, the conference was designed to do more than just share professional knowledge. It set out to connect all staff working across local schools, including teachers, leaders, support staff, cleaners, gardeners, chaplains, and AIEOs, in a shared experience of growth, collaboration and purpose. 

Regional educators often face major barriers to accessing professional development, from high travel and accommodation costs, to a lack of available relief staff. With most workshops hosted in metropolitan centres, educators in the regions are often left out of the loop when it comes to high-quality learning and leadership opportunities. 

The Goldfields Public School Education Conference was designed to change that. Scheduled on a Staff Development Day, it allowed full participation without impacting classroom learning. The event not only addressed existing gaps, but also reimagined how professional learning could be delivered, tailored to the unique needs and strengths of local schools. 

The conference engaged a diverse range of professional learning sessions. From best practice teaching strategies to wellbeing workshops. Participants had the chance to connect with educational associations, unions and service providers, many for the first time, unlocking new opportunities for support and professional growth. 

As a result of the inaugural event, a 2025 event was also held, with Kalgoorlie hosting the second installment of the Goldfields Public Education Conference. The Esperance conference set a powerful precedent, not only did it address immediate professional learning needs, but it sparked a movement toward ongoing, regionalised, and inclusive education leadership. 

The Mt Burdett Foundation is proud to have supported this milestone event through ECAC. The Goldfields Education Conference is a shining example of what is possible when communities take ownership of their challenges, collaborate with regional leaders, and invest in their people. 

If you’re part of a project that builds local capacity, strengthens connections, improves quality of life in Esperance or broader regions, we encourage you to explore our funding opportunities. Together we can support more initiatives that empower our communities from within. Learn more about ECAC and grant opportunities on our website. https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/grants