2026 PROGRAM
10am to 4pm, Saturday 10 October and Sunday 11 October 2026
@ Saltwater Busselton
Two days focused on education, wellbeing, and community connection. You can register for the full day/s or for individual sessions.
Snacks & lunch provided. Held on level 2 of Saltwater - lift access available. The conference space will also include our "The Art of Belonging" exhibition, information resources, as well as quiet / breakout space available.
Saturday 10 October
Beyond the Acronym: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Communities
(10am to 10.45am)
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.
Morning tea break 10.45 to 11am
LGBTQIA+ History & Law Reform (11am to 12pm)
Explore key moments in LGBTQIA+ history and the legal and social changes that have shaped the rights, recognition and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people, and hear from former Australian Senator Brian Greig on the outstanding issues where reform is still required to fix inequities in our laws.
Lunch Break 12.30pm to 1pm
Neurodivergence, Gender Diversity & Eating Disorders (12.30 to 2pm)
Explore the intersections between neurodivergence, gender diversity and eating disorders with Kai Schweizer, researcher, educator and PhD candidate, and hear 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.
Afternoon tea break 2pm to 2.15pm
First Nations LGBTQIA+ Perspectives (2.15pm to 3.45pm)
Hear from Tanesha Bennell, a proud Bibbulmun Noongar advocate, storyteller and community organiser, who leads conversations that deepen 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.
Sunday 11 October
Day Two: Connection, Wellbeing & Belonging
Intersex Perspectives (10am to 10.45am)
Hear directly from intersex speaker, advocate and author Stephanie Vaughan 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.
Morning tea break 10.45am to 11am
Inclusion & Accessibility (11am to 12pm)
Bec McLevie, Founder of Peppy Project, explores what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice, providing practical strategies to identify and remove barriers to participation, accessibility and belonging so that individuals and communities can feel connected, welcomed and empowered
Lunch break 12pm to 12.30pm
Meditation & Mindfulness (12.30pm to 1.30pm)
A welcoming, accessible session introducing mindfulness and meditation practices with Lisa McBeath offers a gentle and immersive sound healing experience, and relaxation techniques to create a calming environment, reduce stress and support overall wellbeing.
Pride in Pastels (1.30pm to 3pm)
Atlas from Sketch with Grace will guide 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, with no artistic experience required.
Pride in Motion (3pm to 4pm)
Let's celebrate the end of fabulous weekend with a final session led by Fempower Dance Co focused on movement, confidence, self-expression and joy. Beginner-friendly and designed for all genders, bodies and abilities.
