Shaping the future
Discover innovative approaches and strategies for cultivating character in today’s youth.
Confirmed speakers
Prof James Arthur
Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham UK; Harvard Flourishing Program, Harvard University USA
Dr Katy Granville-Chapman
Associate Fellow, The Oxford Character Project, UK
RADM Letitia van Stralen AM
CSC, RAN, Head of Military Personnel – Defence People Group, Department of Defence
Prof Andrew Peterson
Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham UK
Tony George
Headmaster,
The King’s School
Lucy Dalleywater
Director of Activities,
Frensham Schools
Marie-Anne Maakrun
Leader of Character Education, Marist Catholic College Penshurst
Aaron McDonald
Principal,
Youth off the Streets
Prof Leanne Holt
Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous, UNSW
Prof Jim Tognolini
Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment (CEMA), The University of Sydney
Steven Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School, Oran Park Anglican College
Associate Professor Dean Dudley
Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University
Melanie Taylor
Director,
The King’s School Institute
Dr Andrew Mansfield
Deputy Head Operations,
SHORE
Andrew Perks
Deputy Principal, Bacchus Marsh Grammar School
Dr Kate Hadwen
Principal,
Pymble Ladies’ College
Fiona Isaacs
Chaplain, Director of Christian Faith and Values, Tara Anglican School for Girls
Greg Clarence
Director of Cricket and Boarding Housemaster, The Scots College
Natalie Baines
Head of Professional Learning, St Ignatius’ College Riverview
David Idstein
Director Character Development and Leadership, The King’s School
Dr Edward Simons
Executive Director, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
Amy Gill
Deputy Principal Impact and Innovation, Youth off the Streets
David Brown
Dean of Students,
Scotch College
Michael Ilott
Director of Senior School,
Xavier College
Hosted in 2025 by
In partnership with
Supported by
Unlock their potential (and yours)
The Australian Character Education Summit is a two-day event dedicated to the deliberate integration of character education into broader school curricula and organisational cultures.
The summit provides a unique opportunity for teachers, school leaders, and character champions from the not-for-profit, government, and corporate sectors to experience personal and professional growth. Participants can network with like-minded individuals and contribute to transforming our Australian institutions with greater sense of ethics, integrity, courage, and justice.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain insights and develop practical tools to foster character development in young people through keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive workshops led by experts in the field
Dear Delegates,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Australian Character Education Summit (ACES). As Scientific Chair, I am honoured to be part of this vital gathering of educators, researchers, and leaders dedicated to shaping the future of character education in Australia and beyond.
Character education is at the heart of developing ethical, responsible, and engaged individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. ACES provides a unique platform to explore cutting-edge research, best practices, and transformative strategies that foster character development in our schools, workplaces, and communities.
Over the course of the Summit, I encourage you to engage deeply with the insights shared, challenge conventional thinking, and collaborate with fellow delegates to drive meaningful change. Your participation and expertise are invaluable in shaping the discourse and ensuring that character education remains a central pillar of holistic learning.
I look forward to welcoming you ACES being hosted by The King’s School in 2025 and the insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and the collective impact we can achieve together. Welcome to ACES—where character leads the way.
Warm regards,
Associate Professor Dean Dudley
Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University
A unique convergence of networking and learning
- Learn from Australian and international keynote speakers in the field of character education across schools, government, and not-for-profit sectors.
- Take part in a range of workshops and lecture streams exploring the diversity of character education.
- Get practical tools and guidance from our summit sponsors in the exhibition.
- Make and renew connections at our summit social events, including a welcome event and conference dinner.
Venue and Program
The 2025 Australian Character Education Summit will be held at The King’s School in Parramatta.
The program is currently under development. We’re excited to receive expressions of interest from individuals or groups interested in presenting keynote presentations, workshops, or small group symposia/panel discussions. For more information please contact keith.barks@informa.com.au
Sponsorship and Exhibition
The summit will feature sponsorship and exhibition opportunities.
Register your interest
Register your interest now and we’ll let you know when agenda is announced. Click here to leave your details.
