2026 PROGRAM
10am to 4pm, Saturday 10 October and Sunday 11 October 2026
@ Saltwater Busselton
Two days focused on education, wellbeing, and community connection. The conference space also included our "The Art of Belonging" exhibition, information resources, as well as quiet / breakout space available.
Saturday 10 October
Beyond the Acronym: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Communities
Conference welcome and opening by Clare Paine from Busselton Pride Alliance, including an introduction to LGBTQIA+ identities, terminology and experiences, exploring how language, identity and diversity intersect.
LGBTQIA+ History & Law Reform
Exploring key moments in LGBTQIA+ history and the legal and social changes that have shaped the rights, recognition and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people, former Australian Senator Brian Greig spoke on outstanding issues where reform is still required to fix inequities in our laws.
For more information:
Brian Greig articles and commentary from Out In Perth
Neurodivergence, Gender Diversity & Eating Disorders
Exploring the intersections between neurodivergence, gender diversity and eating disorders,Kai Schweizer, researcher, educator and PhD candidate, shared how factors such as gender dysphoria, minority stress, sensory processing differences and executive functioning challenges can contribute to eating disorder risk and shape support needs for neurodivergent, gender-diverse people.
First Nations LGBTQIA+ Perspectives
Tanesha Bennell, proud Bibbulmun Noongar advocate, people weaver and storyteller, led a conversations that deepens understanding of First Nations perspectives on gender and sexuality and highlights the experiences of LGBTQIA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the vital role that culture, belonging and connection play in wellbeing, identity and inclusion.
For more information:
Sunday 11 October
Day Two: Connection, Wellbeing & Belonging
Intersex Perspectives
Intersex speaker, advocate and author Stephanie Vaughan shared about their experiences, offering insight into intersex identities, diversity and the impacts of disclosure, healthcare and social attitudes, while highlighting the importance of respectful, informed and inclusive support.
For more information:
Stephanie Vaughan's blog
Inclusion & Accessibility
Bec McLevie, Founder of Peppy Project, and Quinn Armstrong, a community advocate, explored what meaningful inclusion looks like. Bec and Quinn provided practical strategies to identify and remove barriers to participation, accessibility and belonging so that individuals and communities can feel connected, welcomed and empowered.
For more information:
Meditation & Mindfulness
A welcoming, accessible session introducing mindfulness and meditation practices, Lisa offered a gentle and immersive sound healing experience, and relaxation techniques to create a calming environment, reduce stress and support overall wellbeing.
For more information:
Pride in Pastels
Atlas from Sketch with Grace guided a creative wellbeing workshop using pastel art to create pride-inspired icons, encouraging participants to explore emotions, connection and self-expression in a supportive and inclusive environment.
For more information:
Pride in Motion
Celebrating the end of a fabulous weekend was a final session led by Fempower Dance Co focused on movement, confidence, self-expression and joy.
For more information:
Fempower Dance Co website, socials
