Be You Virtual Conference 2023

This conference explored what it means to 'thrive' and practical approaches to build a resilient, inclusive and thriving learning community.
Virtual Conference illustration

Building Capacity to Thrive

Supporting learning communities to be resilient, inclusive and to thrive.

The Be You Virtual Conference 2023 (held 3 and 4 May) explored what it means to 'thrive' and practical approaches to foster resilient and inclusive learning communities. Virtual conference speakers demonstrated how Be You exists to help educators, leaders and learning communities build capacity with an intent to flourish.

Check out these keynote presentations and panel sessions to find out more ways your learning community can promote the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

You can access individual session video recordings, transcripts and related resources through the links below.

 

Day 1: What does it mean to 'thrive'?

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Welcome and introduction

The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Chair of Beyond Blue, welcomes participants to this year's Virtual Conference and discusses the importance of educator wellbeing and building thriving learning communities.

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Children together linking hands

Unlocking the power of belonging: Empowering children and young people to thrive through insights from research

Join Dr Kelly-Ann Allen to discover the critical importance of belonging for children and young people. Learn about the systemic barriers and enablers of belonging in learning communities, including cultural considerations and technology.

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Two adults having a conversation while drinking tea

Going beyond self-care

Join this panel discussion to hear how belonging in a workplace connects to wellbeing. Understand the nuances of self-care and how learning communities can adopt a systematic approach to wellbeing.
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A group of children holding hands in a circle

The R word: rewriting the misconceptions of 'Resilience'

Understand the personal, environmental and occupational factors surrounding resilience in a learning community and the role of resilience in supporting our capacity to thrive.
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Four smiling children in the schoolyard

Reconciliation in education: Supporting voice and wellbeing

Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education program has professional learning tools, curriculum resources and a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) framework to empower teachers, educators, schools and services to take committed steps to progress reconciliation in education and support the wellbeing of all learners.
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Two adults in a school hall, smiling at the camera

What's your Thrive Plan?

Recap on the day by reflecting on what thriving looks like for each of us and look forward to building capacities within your learning community on day 2.
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Day 2: Practical approaches for a thriving learning community.

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Welcome Day 2

Geri Sumpter welcomes participants to day 2 of the Be You Virtual Conference.

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A group of adults standing outside, engaged in conversation

Empowered boundaries for educators

Join Dr Rebecca Ray to identify the unique challenges for educators when setting boundaries and utilising self-care practices. Recognise when boundaries need to be communicated and develop a self-compassion-based plan for thriving personally and professionally
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Five adults sitting around a meeting table, engaged in conversation

Nurturing educator resilience to support a thriving learning community

Learn how to connect with your learning community to provide support to each other through moments of change. Explore how nurturing wellbeing and resilience underpins an inclusive and mentally healthy learning environment.
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Two educators engaged in conversation

Overcoming challenges to educator wellbeing

Identify emerging trends and ongoing challenges to educator wellbeing, and explore whole-school approaches that can empower flourishing wellbeing across learning communities.
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Educator reads a book to children

Taking agency towards resilience: Reflections from disaster impacted communities

Hear how disaster-impacted communities took agency towards building resilience and learn how practical strategies, such as fostering positive relationships with young people, colleagues, and external supports, can be implemented by educators to develop a thriving, resilient learning community. 
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A group of educators at a table, laughing

Leading a mentally healthy community

Join Dr Pam Ryan to explore the role of leaders in creating thriving learning communities, examine case studies, and tap into your own experience to better understand leadership in practice and its impact on individual and organisational wellbeing.
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Two adults with two young children playing with toys in a sandpit

Walk with me: A journey of distributed leadership and inclusion

Explore how the inclusive practices at Forbes Preschool encourage positive mental health and a thriving, inclusive community.
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Two adults working together at a desk

Supporting neurodiversity and disability inclusion in school communities

Learn practical classroom strategies to foster an inclusive environment for all students, such as using inclusive language and ensuring connection between all students.
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Close up of a child's hands, in gardening gloves, planting a seedling in soil

Flourishing in the future with Be You

Reflect on the insights, learnings and knowledge shared during the two-day Be You Virtual Conference. Together with Be You, discover what building capacity to thrive will look like in the ever-changing future.
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Last updated: August, 2025