HOPE Network Conference 2025
The Premier Conference for Innovative Regional Teachers
September 5th, 2025
Wodonga, Vic
The Premier Conference for Innovative Regional Teachers
September 5th, 2025
Wodonga, Vic
Get ready for one of the most energising and unmissable professional development events of the year — the HOPE Conference 2025 is back and better than ever!
Created for teachers, by teachers, the HOPE Conference is a full-day experience designed to ignite your passion, expand your practice, and connect you with an incredible network of like-minded educators. Held in the heart of regional Victoria, this one-of-a-kind event brings together high-quality professional learning, inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and the kind of community spirit that reminds you why you started teaching in the first place.
Whether you're a Health, Outdoor Ed, PE, or Respectful Relationships teacher, or an emerging leader looking to build your network and skills — this conference is for you. The HOPE Conference has quickly become a must-attend event for educators across North East Victoria and beyond, with an infectious atmosphere that blends fun, innovation, and practical takeaways you can apply the very next day.
This year’s powerhouse presenter line-up includes some of the most dynamic voices in education:
One of the standout elements of the day is our exciting “Teach-Meet” lightning round — a fast-paced, idea-packed session where educators share their best tips, hacks, and resources in 10-minute bursts. You’ll walk away with a full toolkit of practical strategies and fresh ideas to reinvigorate your teaching.
And let’s not forget the other essentials that make HOPE such a hit: great food, genuine support and networking, and meaningful connection with passionate peers. With plenty of time built in for meeting like-minded associates, this is your chance to connect with colleagues who get it — teachers from across disciplines who are just as passionate, curious, and committed to growing as you are.
The HOPE Conference isn’t just another PD day. It’s a celebration of who we are as educators. It’s about sharing the load, lifting each other up, and building momentum across our schools and our region. It’s about growth — for our profession, for our students, and for ourselves.
So grab your team, rally your colleagues, and don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of something truly special. HOPE 2025 is set to inspire, challenge, and energise you for the year ahead.
Let’s teach, learn, and lead — together.
The opportunity to attend 2 keynotes, 3 workshops and 3 lightning rounds, every attendee is guaranteed outstanding value.
Connect with PE professionals from across the country to share ideas and build lasting relationships.
Emerging leaders are equipped with tools and strategies to propel their career and mindset.
Primary and secondary focused curriculum sessions will equip you to confidently deliver sensitive content.
Hands-on and sport-focused sessions led by experts to help you implement new strategies in your PE classroom immediately.
Hear from fellow Outdoor Edders who can share tips and locations in and around our regional area.
Learn from the most influential voices in physical education today
The School of Play
Paul Campbell brings over two decades of comprehensive experience in the educational sector, seamlessly transitioning from a dedicated classroom teacher to an accomplished Assistant Principal. His expertise lies in fostering well-being and positive education initiatives, significantly enhancing the learning environment in schools.
Bright P-12 College
At age 5, Matt began Gymnastics, and he has been involved ever since. He brings 41 years of gymnastics, 27 years coaching and judging experience. He has managed a number of Gymnastics clubs and regularly presents at coaching workshops on behalf of Gymnastics Victoria and Gymnastics Australia.
Department of Education
A Health and Physical Education Teacher for 10 years, Allie has a passion for engaging students in all aspects of learning, whether it’s out on the field or in the classroom. With a strong focus on creating meaningful connections between theory and practice, Allie creates lessons that are energetic, purposeful, and student centred. Allie is committed to encouraging students to take on their own learning endeavours, along with taking life skills with them beyond the classroom. In addition to being a teacher, Allie is a leader in Wellbeing, who utilises positive primers and brain breaks to build connections in the classroom.
A full day of inspiring sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities
Jess Harris | Galvin Hall
ALL ATTENDEESAn energising and insight-driven session exploring how self-awareness, clarity, and connection can rewire the way we lead, live, and show up—starting from the inside out.
Jarrod Robinson
Primary and SecondaryDale Sidebottom
PrimaryKim Cowen (CERSH)
Secondary Respectful RelationshipsAllie Grey-Smith
Primary Secondary PEBrooke Pearce
Primary and SecondaryLeadershipRespectful RelationshipsAnnie Kay
Primary Secondary(free coffee available)
Dale Sidebottom
SecondaryAnnie Kay
F-10 HealthMatt Pywell
Primary and Secondary PEClaire Cartwright
Primary and SecondaryLeadershipRespectful RelationshipsTBC
Secondary OESTammy Smith
PrimaryRespectful RelationshipsJess Harris
Primary Secondary LeadershipMeet at Galvin Hall
All attendees engage in 3 x 10 minute “lightning rounds” where they are exposed to three fast-paced and useful practical sessions that could be used in lessons tomorrow! Sessions are a surprise on the day – we have some outstanding sessions lined up and can’t wait to share these with you!
Dale Sidebottom | Galvin Hall
ALL ATTENDEESJoin Dale Sidebottom, Director of The School of Play, the Energiser Bunny, for a dynamic and interactive keynote that will transform how you approach school culture. In this engaging session, Dale will showcase the power of play as a foundation for connection, well-being, and learning.
Jarrod Robinson
Primary and SecondaryMatt Pywell
Primary and Secondary PEMichelle Boyer
PE HealthTammy Smith
Secondary Respectful RelationshipsKim Cowen (CERSH)
Primary Secondary Health & PERespectful RelationshipsAllie Grey-Smith
Secondary LeadershipJess Harris | Galvin Hall
A chance to reflect, reconnect, and leave recharged — walking away not just with strategies, but with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and connection.
Join like minded teaching professionals at the most anticipated Health and Physical Education event in our region.
Access to 2 x keynotes, 3 x workshops, and 3 x lightning rounds guarantees diversity and outstanding value
Networking opportunities with local and international leaders in our curriculum areas
Practical sessions to stay active while giving great practical strategies for every classroom
Respectful Relationship focused workshops
Primary and Secondary focused, and relevant to both Victorian Curriculum 2.0, VCE, HSC and Australian Curriculum V9
Resource materials and goodie bag included
Senior Health and PE Teacher
"Having an opportunity to have everyone come together in a regional event is just fantastic – often I think we miss out on things because they are in Melbourne or Sydney, and the costs associated with travel and accommodation make them less accessible. A single day nearby means regional teachers don’t miss out!"
Secondary Health and PE Teacher
"It’s a great place for people to come and share ideas and network. I’ve already met up with some teachers from other schools, and we’re already planning some stuff together, so it’s great to be able to share resources."
Primary Health and PE Teacher
"I’ve really enjoyed the variety of the activities that we have been able to choose, being able to take lots of new learning back to my school and apply it in my classroom, hopefully on Monday!"
In 2025 the conference will take place at Wodonga Senior Secondary College's Sports Stadium.
Enter Galvin Hall (at Woodland Street entry) for the Opening Ceremony and Keynote address.
Please park on Woodland st so WSSC teaching staff can use the staff carpark.
Wodonga Senior Secondary College
80 Brockley St, Wodonga
Join us on September 5th for a day full of learning, networking, and inspiration that will elevate your HOPE Program.
Register Now