Contemplative Pedagogy Conference: Land · Art · Story
Location
Hosted by
Lorien Novalis School
About
Contemplative Pedagogy: Land · Art · Story
Three days to step out of the everyday, explore new perspectives and connect with people asking important questions about education.
From 12–14 March 2027, educators, researchers, artists and cultural voices will gather at Lorien Novalis School in Dural for a new Australian conference exploring the meeting place between Waldorf education, mindfulness practice and research, and the wisdom and perspectives of First Nations peoples.
Through the themes of Land · Art · Story, we’ll explore what can happen when education creates more space for attention, reflection, creativity, relationship and connection to place.
Across the weekend you'll hear from an extraordinary group of speakers from education, academia, Indigenous knowledge, the arts, philosophy and contemplative practice — while also having time to meet, talk, reflect and share ideas with others.
Attend in person or online
In Person: Lorien Novalis School, Dural NSW
Online: Selected conference sessions available remotely
In-person registration includes conference catering, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Ticket holders will also receive access to available recorded sessions for a limited period following the conference.
Early Bird closes 15 December 2026
In Person all meals included from $495 (concession $320)
Online from $175 (concession $125)
Limited onsite accommodation: book early
Stay onsite
A limited number of simple onsite accommodation options are available, including private and shared rooms, tent sites, campervan sites and shared indoor sleeping spaces. Accommodation is limited and should be booked early.
Come to listen, question, create, reflect and connect. We'd love you to be part of this inaugural gathering.
Friday 12 – Sunday 14 March 2027
Lorien Novalis School, Dural NSW
SPEAKERS
Dr Aunty Bilawara Lee – Senior Larrakia Elder, author and healer
Jandamarra Cadd – Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung artist
Dr John Bradley – Anthropologist, Charles Darwin University
Dr Nicole Albrecht – Mindfulness researcher, Flinders University
Dr Christopher McCaw – Contemplative Studies Centre, University of Melbourne
Dr Tao Bak – Historian of contemplative education, Deakin University
Dr Konrad Korobacz – Principal, Lorien Novalis School
Netanela Mizrahi – Principal, Milkwood Steiner School
Dr Jude Neeme-Samson – Philosopher, author and ceremonialist
Sophia Montefiore – Artist, author and Waldorf teacher
Gosia Winter – Waldorf educator, artist and musician
Carol Liknaitzky – Early childhood and land-based educator
WHO IT'S FOR
Whether you're a teacher, school leader, researcher, artist, parent, student or mindfulness practitioner, or simply curious about a more thoughtful and connected approach to education, you are warmly invited. Come to listen, create and connect with others exploring what it means to educate with greater awareness, imagination and relationship to place.
Come to listen, create and connect with others exploring what it means to educate with greater awareness, imagination and relationship to place. We'd love you to join us.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Friday 12 March 2027
Registration and arrivals from 5:00pm
Welcome and opening sessions from 6:00pm
Includes supper
Saturday 13 March
Full conference program
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Sunday 14 March
Full conference program, concluding approximately 6:00pm
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
* Program timings are indicative and may be subject to change. The full conference program will be released closer to the event.
TICKET PRICING
3-day in person pass (Friday 12th - Sunday 14th March) including full catering
Early Bird $495 | Concession $320 (available until 15 December 2026)
Regular $575 | Concession $350
Online-only
Early Bird $175 | Concession $125
Regular $200 | Concession $150
Professional development: all participants will receive a certificate of attendance for their PD records.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay onsite
Make a weekend of it. A limited number of simple onsite accommodation options are available at Lorien Novalis School, including private and shared rooms, camping, campervan sites and shared indoor sleeping spaces. Prices range from $25 per night to $60 per night. Accommodation is limited and must be booked in advance.
FROM THE CONVENOR
'For a long time I've wondered what might happen if representatives of Waldorf education, Mindfulness practice and First Nations wisdom came together in one place to share their knowledge and stories. Each offers a rich understanding that the others could learn from. This conference is my attempt to find out, and I'd love you to be part of it.'
Tom Blackwell, tomblackwell.education/australian-conference
FROM THE SPEAKERS
'When we deeply listen (Gulpa Ngawal), we remember our belonging, our dreaming and our natural blueprint for living. It reminds us that we are at home wherever we are.' - Jandamarra Cadd
“The teaching of song and language through practices of deep listening can create a depth of relationship between children and the Ancestors of the land on which they grow.” - Healing Through Song. Presented by Dr Aunty Bilawara Lee and Netanela Mizrahi