Friday 27 February – Saturday 28 February 2026 (all day; attend one or both days)
Location: Civic Reserve and Balnarring Preschool, Civic Court, Balnarring VIC 3926
Cost: Ticketed – see booking link
Capacity: Until tickets sell out

Nillumbik Reconciliation Group members may be interested in attending the Bundjil Nest Conference 2026, a two-day outdoor gathering dedicated to reconciliation in action — a time to connect, celebrate, listen and learn. The conference is hosted by the Bundjil Nest Project, a collaboration of educators and learning communities that began in 2014 at Balnarring Preschool and local schools, grounded in a shared commitment to respectfully embedding First Peoples perspectives in education.

Over more than a decade, the Bundjil Nest Project has grown from educators recognising their responsibility to learn and engage more deeply with First Nations knowledge, to a sustained, community-led effort involving professional learning, cultural workshops, and ongoing partnerships with First Nations educators, artists, and Elders. This work reflects an understanding that First Peoples histories and ways of knowing are central to Australia’s shared story, and that reconciliation requires ongoing learning, listening, and relationship-building.

The conference brings together First Nations leaders, educators, and cultural practitioners for keynote presentations, workshops, storytelling, and performances. Presenters include Travis Lovett (Executive Director, Centre for Truth Telling and Dialogue), Jaeden Williams-Briggs (Biik Bundjil), Professor Kerry Arabena, Professor Gary Thomas, and Lionel Lauch (Living Culture), alongside workshops in cultural arts, storytelling, dance, truth-telling, and connection to Country. Some sessions are practical and creative, while others provide space for deep listening and reflection.

This conference is especially relevant for educators and those working across early learning, schools, and community education, but is open to all who wish to engage meaningfully with First Nations knowledge, culture, and perspectives. It offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen understanding, support truth-telling, and build relationships grounded in respect and cultural authority.

Several of us from NRG will be attending on Friday. If you are interested in attending as part of our group, please get in touch with NRG. To book independently, please use the official conference booking link below.