Catholic school students from all across Australia are invited to contribute to the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference through contributions through Speaking to Country recordings and Art submissions.

1. Speaking to Country recorded submissions

Cairns, known as Gimuy in the Yidinji language, sits on the land of the Yidinji Nation. The Traditional Owners of Gimuy collaborate with local schools to share ancient ways of knowing, being, doing and valuing that have guided First Nations people for millennia. One important practice is Speaking to Country—a thoughtful and respectful connection with the land that honours its stories and deep spiritual rhythms. This practice reflects protocols observed when crossing Nation boundaries and helps us recognise the land we live, work and worship on.

For the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference (ACEC), schools are invited to create a short (less than 15 seconds) Speaking to Country in collaboration with their local Traditional Owners. These contributions will be edited into a film that may be included in the Welcome to Country led by Yidinji Elders.

Recordings must be submitted by 25 July 2025.
Access criteria, submission form and media consent form here.

2. Student Art Submissions on our theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’

School communities are encouraged to support student participation in an artistic reflection on our conference theme, ‘hope, anchored in faith’. Students can submit creative works—visual art, photography, sculpture, music, or film—that explore our conference theme and key areas of focus - Faith, Excellence and Access. Selected artworks will be displayed in the conference Chapel, enriching the prayer space with the voices and hopes of students.

Students should also provide a 50–100 word reflection on what ‘hope, anchored in faith’ means to them. Artworks can be returned upon request or remain on display at Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns following the conference.

Submissions must be received by 25 July 2025.
For more information download the full criteria and entry form.

Download teacher preparation/student reflection powerpoint