QCPPA 2026 Conference

Dear colleague

On behalf of the Queensland Catholic Primary Principal’s Association (QCPPA) Conference Committee, I warmly invite you to join us from Wednesday 29 April 2026 to Friday 1 May 2026 for the Biennial QCPPA Conference, to be held at the Oaks Toowoomba.

‘Breaking Boundaries for Tomorrow’ features leading thinkers and presenters who will assist us in delivering a conference tailored specifically for you as a leader in a Queensland Catholic Primary school.

Join Rachael Robertson, the youngest and just the second female Antarctic expedition leader to Davis Station, as she kicks off the conference with insights from a proven leader: having successfully led in the world's toughest workplace. This will be followed by Mass at the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral and we will end the day with Welcome Drinks and Dinner at the eclectic and fascinating Cobb & Co Museum.

On Thursday,  Scott Millar, Generational Consultant and Researcher will kick us off with a high energy dive into understanding the next generation of parents and employees.  Daniel Sih, author, productivity expert and email ninja will challenge us to make space for ourselves in the digital age. Following morning tea with our sponsors, you will be taken into the future of AI by global thought leader, Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT Business School. Marek will talk about the future of AI, switching to the next gear, and how we might respond. The afternoon session will begin with a challenging look at what it will mean to be a Catholic School of the future and how we might navigate this change with hope. To finish off the day, Dr Nathanial Swain, La Trobe University will lead a conversation about building capability rich schools: places that embrace and adapt to the chaos of an engaged learner not a compliant learner.

On Friday, we begin with some time to reflect, distill, discuss and consider what we’ve learnt through a whole group synodal workshop led by Dr Patrick Coughlan, Executive Director, Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools. After a final chance to visit sponsors, you will be absolutely inspired by Gina Chick, one of ten participants in the first series of Alone Australia, screened on SBS in 2023. After 67 days of unforgettable moments of searing vulnerability and surviving in the subzero Tasmanian wilderness in the middle of winter, completely solo Gina was the last person standing, and the second woman to win an Alone solo challenge. Her determination, passion, and love of the natural world endeared her to more than 5.5 million people around Australia. She will inspire you to look at life a little differently and to tap into your intuition and gut.

Community is vital is to our wellbeing and ability to thrive. The conference is another opportunity for leaders to nurture and develop their own wellbeing in a relevant, local context with their peers. This is an important event in the QCPPA calendar, and we are strengthened and renewed by the collective presence of 200+ members from all over our state.

We hope you make this conference a priority for 2026 as we gather at what will be an exciting event full of opportunities to connect and have some fun along the way. Get your Diocese team together and make a splash at the Conference dinner at the beautiful George Banks Rooftop Bar and Bistro on Thursday with a 'Boundary Breaking Fashion' dress theme - you can be absolutely fabulous or even design your own future forward fashion statement!

We welcome new leaders wishing to participate and look forward to meeting you. The Conference will provide a vibrant networking opportunity for delegates and sponsors alike with welcome drinks, a conference dinner plus refreshment breaks all included as part of your delegate fee. Other Conferences charge more than $1500 for speakers and hospitality like this. At just $800 this is tremendous value and remember, this conference qualifies as a renewal leave activity too! 

Don’t delay! Save the Date and book your ticket now so you don't miss another wonderful conference with your colleagues.

We hope you can join us in 2026 in Toowoomba

Louise Pfingst and Emma Timmins

Co-Conference Chairs, QCPPA Conference Committee, 2026

IN BRIEF

Join over 80 of your peers and valued sponsors.

• PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND PROVOCATIONS

• MINDFULNESS MOMENTS

• NETWORKING AND CONVERSATION

• DINNER, DANCING, AND DIVERSIONS

Register now - we look forward to seeing you in 2026. Remember, Early Bird Pricing extended to 9 March!

We encourage you to book your accommodation early.

Toowoomba has a huge range of options - from simple hotels to luxury Air BnBs. There are many within a short walking distance of the Conference Venue, the Oaks Toowoomba Hotel. If you want to stay at the Conference venue please use the code below when booking.

OAKS DISCOUNT CODE

If delegates are interested in booking accommodation at the Oaks Toowoomba Hotel, please use OUREVENT code (all capitals, no spaces). This code offers 12% off the rack rate and must be used at the time of booking.

Please note, the discount is only available when booking directly through the hotel website: https://www.oakshotels.com/en/oaks-toowoomba-hotel