Members Summary Feedback of 2025 Conference
Overall Satisfaction
Top Reasons for Attendance
Most Valued Presentations
Suggestions for Improvement
Themes Suggested for PACCOA 2027
Respondents proposed a wide range of topics:
Final Reflections
- 89% of respondents were very satisfied with the conference.
- The remaining 11% were somewhat satisfied.
- No respondents reported dissatisfaction.
Top Reasons for Attendance
- Professional development (24 mentions)
- Networking (17 mentions)
- Representing their organisation (13 mentions)
- Interest in specific presentations (6 mentions)
- A few attended to present topics (2 mentions)
Most Valued Presentations
- Darryl Gardiner was consistently praised for his authenticity and lived experience.
- Other highlights included:
- Paul McNamara: Lessons from the Lock Up
- Rolling with the Punches
- The Power of Kindness and Wellbeing
- Presentations from other states were appreciated for offering fresh perspectives.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Some NSW content was seen as too familiar or not relevant.
- Youth justice sessions were less applicable to adult corrections staff.
- A few found the LGBTQIA+ presentation too long or patronising.
- NSW attendees raised concerns about negative comments directed at their jurisdiction, which impacted their sense of inclusion.
Themes Suggested for PACCOA 2027
Respondents proposed a wide range of topics:
- Diversionary programs (e.g., residential, community service)
- Violence across the spectrum – coercive control, gang violence, violent extremism
- Lived experience and frontline operational insights
- Trauma-informed systems and culturally safe practices
- Technology and AI in corrections
- Leadership development
- FASD and neurodivergence
- Supervision with compassion
- Professional discretion and policy influence
Final Reflections
- The conference was widely praised for its organisation, venue, and catering.
- There was strong interest in maintaining formats that include interactive workshops, client voice, and panel discussions.
- Several attendees expressed interest in contributing to PACCOA 2027.
After Darwin: Reflections from PACCOA’s President on Our 2025 National Conference
As the dust settles on the PACCOA 2025 National Conference, held in the heart of the Northern Territory, I find myself reflecting with immense pride, gratitude, and hope. Darwin proved to be much more than a spectacular setting for our gathering, it became a crucible for connection, courage, and transformative change.
Stepping into Darwin’s tropical embrace, delegates were greeted by endless blue skies, balmy evenings, and a vibrancy that seems to pulse through the city’s core. Between invigorating sessions, we stole moments along the waterfront, shared laughs over local delicacies, and marvelled at sunset hues over the Timor Sea. The markets, music, and spontaneous encounters reminded me: real innovation doesn’t just happen in conference rooms, but in the spaces between, over coffee, on walks, in quiet conversations that spark new perspectives.
For many, the Awards Night was a particular highlight, a joyful celebration under the stars, where stories and achievements lit up the evening as surely as any lantern.
Over three enriching days, PACCOA welcomed voices from every state and territory, practitioners, researchers, advocates, and, critically, those with lived experience. Our shared vision was palpable: justice reform rooted in community, innovation, and inclusion.
One of our most meaningful moments was honouring those whose contributions have shaped justice across Australia:
All nominees reminded us that excellence is found in quiet perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to do things differently.
Throughout the conference, the courage to ask hard questions, and build the tools to answer them, was clear. Whether it was Darryl Gardner’s galvanizing keynote “Rolling with the Punches” or the moving accounts of alternative justice pathways and cultural healing, delegates leaned into complexity, ready to reimagine what justice could be.
Workshops on trauma-informed supervision, practice leadership, and survivor-driven responses urged us to go beyond policy, demanding reflection, creativity, and collaboration.
The momentum built in Darwin propels us forward. I’m thrilled to announce that our next National Conference will be held in Canberra, forging new pathways to bring policy, practice, and lived experience even closer together. In the nation’s capital, we will continue our commitment to building inclusive justice systems.
Stay tuned for details, we can’t wait to see even more practitioners, advocates, and changemakers come together.
Leaving Darwin, my strongest feeling is gratitude, for the generosity of our speakers, facilitators, and attendees; for the city’s warmth; and, most of all, for our sector’s unwavering dedication to justice done differently. If the conference taught me anything, it is that innovation comes not just from new ideas but from genuine connection and the courage to listen.
Let’s keep building, together.
Daniel Lang
President, PACCOA
Stepping into Darwin’s tropical embrace, delegates were greeted by endless blue skies, balmy evenings, and a vibrancy that seems to pulse through the city’s core. Between invigorating sessions, we stole moments along the waterfront, shared laughs over local delicacies, and marvelled at sunset hues over the Timor Sea. The markets, music, and spontaneous encounters reminded me: real innovation doesn’t just happen in conference rooms, but in the spaces between, over coffee, on walks, in quiet conversations that spark new perspectives.
For many, the Awards Night was a particular highlight, a joyful celebration under the stars, where stories and achievements lit up the evening as surely as any lantern.
Over three enriching days, PACCOA welcomed voices from every state and territory, practitioners, researchers, advocates, and, critically, those with lived experience. Our shared vision was palpable: justice reform rooted in community, innovation, and inclusion.
- Keynote & Panels: Sessions ranged from domestic and family violence practice leadership to neurodivergence, FASD-informed practice, LGBTQI inclusion, and alternatives to custody. Each presentation reinforced the vital importance of listening first, ethical practice starts with hearing and valuing the insights of those who’ve lived the journey.
- Workforce Wellbeing: The theme of workforce resilience echoed throughout, sessions on positive supervision and practice enhancement offered skills for strong, compassionate leadership. Kindness, we learned, is not a soft skill but an essential one.
- Spotlight Session: Dr. Hayley Passmore, Magistrate Alana Padmanabham, Jane Stewart, and Helen Loreck led an exceptional session on improving justice responses for youth with complex needs, drawing lessons from the Banksia Hill Detention Centre Study. Their work demonstrates the power of collaboration in turning research into practical, inclusive solutions.
One of our most meaningful moments was honouring those whose contributions have shaped justice across Australia:
- Tony Hill Award: Congratulations to Samuel Stephens (QLD) for his fierce advocacy for victims of domestic violence, leadership in training, and commitment to dignity and empowerment.
- John Augustus Award: The Alternative to Custody Program (NT) stood out for its trauma-informed, culturally responsive rehabilitation led by Aboriginal organisations, setting a new standard.
- Life Member Award: Karen Bailey (QLD) was recognized for her years of selfless service and leadership. We also celebrated Tony Shillabeer’s retirement after 32 years; his warmth and dedication continue to inspire.
All nominees reminded us that excellence is found in quiet perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to do things differently.
Throughout the conference, the courage to ask hard questions, and build the tools to answer them, was clear. Whether it was Darryl Gardner’s galvanizing keynote “Rolling with the Punches” or the moving accounts of alternative justice pathways and cultural healing, delegates leaned into complexity, ready to reimagine what justice could be.
Workshops on trauma-informed supervision, practice leadership, and survivor-driven responses urged us to go beyond policy, demanding reflection, creativity, and collaboration.
The momentum built in Darwin propels us forward. I’m thrilled to announce that our next National Conference will be held in Canberra, forging new pathways to bring policy, practice, and lived experience even closer together. In the nation’s capital, we will continue our commitment to building inclusive justice systems.
Stay tuned for details, we can’t wait to see even more practitioners, advocates, and changemakers come together.
Leaving Darwin, my strongest feeling is gratitude, for the generosity of our speakers, facilitators, and attendees; for the city’s warmth; and, most of all, for our sector’s unwavering dedication to justice done differently. If the conference taught me anything, it is that innovation comes not just from new ideas but from genuine connection and the courage to listen.
Let’s keep building, together.
Daniel Lang
President, PACCOA