ACHPERVIC23: Two days of inspired learning and connection

Last week, from 23-24 November, the ACHPER Victoria Annual Conference 2023 took place at Monash University Clayton, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. The theme of the event, "Impact on Tomorrow," resonated throughout the two-day conference, as teachers from near and far gathered to enhance their professional learning and make a difference in the lives of their students.

The conference was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our presenters and staff. Their commitment to delivering informative and engaging sessions created an environment of learning and growth that will have a lasting impact on the teaching community.

Attendees were treated to over 120 workshops and practical sessions, covering a wide range of topics that are crucial in today's educational landscape.

From teaching pedagogy and skills, to thematic approaches, planning and assessment, technology in the HPE classroom to exam preparation, subject updates, as well as current issues and hot topics in HPE, teachers had the opportunity to explore innovative strategies and gain practical insights that will shape their teaching practices for years to come.

Day one recap

Four feature presentations kicked off the start of the conference on day one, setting the tone for the event. A panel discussion and three engaging sessions provided thought-provoking ideas and sparked meaningful conversations among the attendees.

These sessions, combined with the workshops and practical sessions, created an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing, spreading the impact of their research and practice. Thank you to our feature presenters and panel members:

Presenters: Presentation/session:
Dr Zali Yager, The Embrace Collective
"The power of supporting Young People to Embrace their Bodies."
Professor David Lubans, University of Newcastle 
"Muscle strengthening activity for children and adolescents: the neglected guideline."
Samantha Snow, Deakin University, PhD candidate and Primary PE teacher
"Movement Assessment in Practice (MAP): Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice in Teaching Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)."

Panel host: Dr Joshua Symes, ACHPER Victoria

Panel members:  

  • Arron Gardiner, HPE teacher, Armstrong Creek School
  • Hilary Shelton, Acting CEO School Sport Victoria, Department of Education
  • Ella Sabljak, Paralympian and Education Manager, Paralympics Australia
  • Robyn Percy Goulding, HPE teacher, Ascot Vale Heights School
"Creating a playing field for all: What's the state of play in schools and sports?"


The networking session at the end of day one was also a highlight for many attendees. It was a time for teachers from all across Australia, Asia, and Europe to connect, share experiences, and build lasting professional relationships.

The impact of this networking time cannot be overstated, as it provided a platform for teachers to learn from each other's diverse perspectives and gain new insights. Thank you to those who stayed for the refreshments and connections.

Day two recap

The highlight of the conference for many was the keynote presentation on day two from High Performance Mindfulness' Emma Murray. Her captivating presentation sharing her inspiring life story and work with sports teams, athletes, CEOs and everyday people to build resilience, feel confident, capable and regain focus made a real impact and left the audience inspired and motivated.

Emma's message resonated deeply with all in attendance, teaching everyone of how to build mindset skills and mental strength. Her presence and insights truly embodied the "Impact on Tomorrow" theme.

High Performance Mindfulness school program

Not surprisingly, Emma’s work with athletes has transcended the world of elite sport into the classroom where her programs are in high demand from schools looking to help their students achieve a performance and wellbeing edge. Emma’s program teaches students the art and skill of being present so that they can bring their best strengths and attributes to each and every moment - despite pressure, expectation, fatigue, pain or nerves.

If you'd like further information about High Performance Mindfulness' school program, please click here >>

What our delegates said

Overall, we consider the conference a success... but it wasn't just about the calibre of presenters or sessions. The testimonials we've received from attendees speak volumes about the impact of the conference. Here's but a few:

Photos and action shots

Click links below to take a look at some of the action from both days over on our Facebook page:

Photography by Michelle Couling Photography.

Thank you

As the conference has come to a close, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the presenters and staff who made the ACHPER Victoria Annual Conference 2023 a resounding success. Your dedication, expertise, and passion for education and creating a healthy, active future for all were evident in every session and interaction. Thank you for inspiring and empowering teachers to make a difference in their own practices.

We'd also like to sincerely thank our platinum conference exhibitors Mt Buller and VALD, and our annual partners La Trobe University, RHSports Australia, Tennis Victoria, AusCycling and Transport Accident Commission's (TAC) Road to Zero. For the full list of conference exhibitors, please click here >>

The ACHPER Victoria Annual Conference 2023 was truly an event to remember. It brought together passionate educators, eager to grow and make a positive impact on tomorrow's generation. As teachers return to their classrooms armed with new ideas, strategies, and resources, the impact of this conference will continue to ripple through the education community, creating a transformative learning environment for all.

Would you like to be involved in creating impactful professional learning in 2024?
  • 2024 ACHPER Victoria Events - EOI: To be the first to receive the program and registration details of our 2024 events as soon as they are available, please click here >>
  • Presenter - EOI: Do you have a passion or success story in a particular area of study in Physical Education, Health, Outdoor Education, Recreation, OES, VET Sport and Recreation, or associated fields, and are interested in presenting professional learning to teachers? Teachers and academics who would like to present in 2024, please click here >>
  • Exhibitor - EOI: If you are interested in exhibiting at an upcoming ACHPER Victoria event, please click here >>
Our impact starts with you, your impact continues with tomorrow’s generation, today. If you need support to deliver quality HPE, please take a look at our resources or get in touch.