$300 per day or $500 for both days
Dinner $70
Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cnr Lonsdale & Exhibition, Melbourne
24 - 25 November 2025
The two-day summit on Trauma-Awareness will explore innovative trauma-aware teaching and learning strategies that are currently being implemented in early childhood education, schools, and higher education institutions
The summit will explore the role of trauma-aware strategies in enhancing the well-being of students who have been impacted by complex life circumstances. The summit will emphasise the need for collaboration amongst practitioners, allied health professionals and academics in the creation of innovative trauma-aware programs and units of study. The summit will provide opportunities for participants to learn more about the role of neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to regenerate neural pathways that promote healing.
Featured Facilitators
Dr Lyra L’Estrange, Prof Judith Howard & Prof Marcelle Cacciattolo
Overview:
University students are arriving on campus with complex trauma histories and educators are often expected to respond without adequate training or support. This seminar explores how higher education can evolve to embed trauma-aware strategies that lead to safe learning environments.
Whether you are teaching, supervising practicum placements, or shaping curriculum, trauma-aware practice is no longer optional, it is essential.
Featured Facilitator
Professor Judith Howard
Overview:
Trauma-aware education is gaining momentum in schools and higher education settings.
A trauma-aware approach recognises the importance of supporting and enhancing practitioner skills in their work with students who have been impacted by trauma.
Prof Judith Howard
Dr Lyra L’Estrange
Prof Marcelle Cacciattolo
Leading Australian educator and researcher in Trauma-Aware Education at QUT, with a background in student behaviour support. Judith is known for her neuroscience-informed approach, national guidelines, published works, and leadership of the biennial Trauma-Aware Education Conference.
Advocate for social justice and trauma-informed education, working across higher education, schools, and early childhood settings. Lyra is currently leading the development of a set of guidelines that will inform a national trauma education framework. Lyra is a leading member on the international Trauma Aware Education Conference committee.
Associate Director in Research Training in the Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (ISILC) at Victoria University. Marcelle’s research includes trauma informed education, inclusive pedagogies, and social justice in educational settings. She works with international communities and
pre-service teachers on a range of topics tied to inclusion and equity. Marcelle has published widely in the area of schooling and social justice.
Want to know where to go, where to park, or where to stay? For all the key details about the Summit location, nearby accommodation, and parking options.
Get in touch
Connect with VU Melbourne
We acknowledge the Ancestors, Elders and families of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne Campuses), the Eora Nation (Sydney Campus) and the Yulara/YUgarapul and Turrbal Nation (Brisbane Campus) who are the traditional owners of University land.
To learn more, please contact the Moondani Balluk Academic Unit on +61 3 9919 2836 or [email protected]
Copyright © 2025. Victoria University, CRICOS No. 00124K (Melbourne), 02475D (Sydney and Brisbane), RTO 3113, TEQSA No. PRV12152
Overview:
During her seminar, Dr Howard will explain what a trauma-aware approach to education is and why it is vital. Dr Howard will draw from science and other research to examine the impact of complex trauma on the children and young people.
Dr Howard will then discuss how educators, education sites, and education systems can cultivate trauma-aware teaching and learning approaches.
Learning Outcomes:
Who should attend?
School and early childhood educators, school leaders, initial teacher education academics, allied health professionals in school settings, etc
Day 2 Cultivating Safer Learning Environments
Learning Outcomes:
Featured Speakers:
Professor Judith Howard
Delves into the evolving role of trauma-aware practice in initial teacher education through exploring what’s working, what’s missing, and what’s next.
Dr Lyra L’Estrange
Presents the National Guidelines for Trauma-Aware Higher Education and shares insights from her edited volume Trauma-Informed Higher Education: Fostering Systemic Change Across Disciplines.
Professor Marcelle Cacciattolo
Explores the risks of trauma-sensitive practice when educators lack training and how institutions can respond with integrity and care.
Who Should Attend?
Academics, higher education leaders, school educators, and professionals involved in initial teacher education or teacher development are encouraged to attend.
If you are working to create safer, more responsive learning environments, this seminar offers the insight and tools to support that mission.
The Summit- The Marriot Melbourne
The Yarra Room
Cnr Exhibition & Lonsdale St
Melbourne 3000
Dinner- Tazio's Restaurant, 91 Flinders Ln
$45.00 Valet Car Parking for all event attendees – This is to be paid by the individual please contact [email protected] with your; registration number plate, email address and mobile
Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Location: Corner Exhibition & Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne CBD
Approximate Room Rate: AU$291–AU$375 per night for a standard room.
Enjoy a 10% Discount on the Best Available Rate.
To receive this special offer, please contact the Reservations Team directly and mention that you will be attending the Trauma-Awareness Summit.
The discount will be applied upon confirmation.
Mantra on Russell
Location: 222 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD (approximately 160 meters from Melbourne Marriott)
Approximate Room Rate: AU$200–AU$250 per night.
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
Location: 131–135 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD (approximately 400 meters from Melbourne Marriott)
Approximate Room Rate: AU$220–AU$270 per night.