Dr Carrington was the Australian Institute of Management Business Leader of the year in 2016 and a finalist in the Qld Philanthropist of the Year 2016, 2018 and 2019. He was the Harvard Club of Australia Fellow for 2013. In June 2018 last he was one of only 22 Business Leaders selected from around the world to attend the London School of Business International Leaders Program in London. He has worked in schools as diverse as Cunnamulla and London. 

Neil recently stepped down after 10 years as the CEO of a national charity ‘ACT For Kids,’ an organisation dedicated to supporting abused and neglected children. He most recently was the Director of the Leadership Centre for the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Dr Carrington was the Foundation Director of Learning and Organizational Development for Mater Health Services in Brisbane Australia (a group of seven hospitals). Dr Carrington spent over 3 years as Queensland University of Technology’s Director of Teaching and Learning with university wide responsibility for teaching quality, staff development and online learning services for over 40 000 students. Dr Carrington has held educational academic and leadership positions at a number of universities including, the University of New England and the University of Western Sydney. 

He has presented at over 1900 conferences throughout Australia, the UK, Middle East, USA, NZ and across Asia. His featured presentation in the business strand of the ‘World Conference on Thinking’ in Malaysia sold out. He was invited to work with the New Zealand Elite Coaching Academy and the coach of the All Blacks commented Neil’s leadership workshop was the best he had ever attended. His PhD into perceptions of intelligence was judged one of the largest and most rigorous studies of its type ever undertaken in Australia.

Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.

David, a Marist Brother, is the foundation Dean of the La Salle Academy at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). La Salle has responsibility for programs, research and services that the university offers in the areas of Educational Leadership and Governance, Faith Formation and Religious Education. He took up this position after thirty years in Catholic schools, many as a school principal. David’s doctoral studies were in theology with a focus on formation for leadership.

David is a member of a number of school and diocesan boards and committees. He teaches in post graduate programs at ACU in RE and leadership and offers national and international workshops for Catholic educators. He also offers research and consultancy services across the Catholic education sector including school and system reviews and support in curriculum design. 

Among his international engagements was the leadership of a team that delivered a formation program for leaders in Catholic schools across twenty-two countries in Africa. He is continuing similar work across Melanesia and the Pacific and also runs leadership formation programs in the UK and Italy. In 2023, the Australian Council for Educational Leaders awarded David The Dr Paul Brock Medal for his contribution to the promotion of excellence in educational leadership.

Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.

The Honourable Scott Ryan commenced as Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission in March 2026. Appointed with the unanimous endorsement of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Scott brings extensive experience in education policy, government, and public service. 

Scott brings two decades of national leadership experience across Parliament, government, and international service. 

From 2021-24 Scott served as Australia’s High Commissioner to Canada, leading complex multi‑agency operations and high‑level international engagement. Prior to that he served in the Senate from 2008-21, including as President of the Senate and as a senior minister. Widely respected for his integrity, judgement, and credibility, Scott has held also served in education portfolios and brings deep expertise in public policy, governance, and advocacy. Since his return to Australia, Scott has also been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra. 

Educated in Catholic schools and shaped by a strong family legacy of faith and teaching, he has a deep personal commitment to the mission and is a committed advocate for the future of Catholic education in Australia. 

Known for his professionalism, and cross-partisan and collaborative leadership, Scott’s appointment positions him to lead the Commission’s work in advancing faith, excellence, and access in Catholic education across Australia.

Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.

Daniela Falecki, founder of Teacher Wellbeing, is an international speaker, author, and the “keep-it-real” teacher, known for her high-energy, engaging presentations that leave audiences laughing and thinking. With over 30 years of experience in Australian schools and a background in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, Daniela empowers educators globally to enhance their wellbeing. She holds a Master’s in Education (Leadership) and has lectured at Sydney University and Western Sydney university where she was named Lecturer of the Year. She is a licensed Mental Toughness practitioner and certified Executive Coach, Daniela is committed to supporting educators in thriving both personally and professionally.

Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.

Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.

Dr John Lee, Inspiring Educators, connects professional learning and reflective action, in partnership with principals, schools and teacher leaders. He has a private practice as a Professional Pastoral Supervisor with a focus on Principals and education leaders. John is in his fifth decade as a Catholic educator. He has worked in eight Catholic secondary schools and served in various school leadership roles in six schools, all boys, all girls, co-educational, systemic and congregational. John commenced as a teacher in 1982 and continues with teenagers in the classroom one day per week at Christian Brothers’ High School, Lewisham.

Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.