Safeguarding Children Conference 2025
August 9 @ 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
$80
Silence Isn’t Safe: From Pulpits to Playrooms, Conversations That Protect
Featuring renowned Christian sexologist and speaker Patricia Weerakoon
Join us on Saturday 9 August for a one-day event that equips churches and ministries to prevent, identify, and respond to abuse — with biblical wisdom and practical tools.
Led by experts in theology, law enforcement, social work, and trauma, this conference is for anyone passionate about creating safe, strong Christian communities.
When: Saturday, August 9th, 2025
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Location: Hills Church, 79 Queens Rd, Everton Hills
What to Expect
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Keynote with Patricia Weerakoon – Learn how to talk with children about sex and relationships in age-appropriate, biblically grounded ways — and why this is one of the most powerful ways to protect them.
- Theology with Rev Dr Richard Gibson – Discover how the Bible confronts predatory behaviour among God’s people, and what that means for today’s church.
- Elective Sessions – Choose from focused sessions on grooming awareness, managing known offenders in church, and a theological lens on children in the Old Testament.
- Q&A with Experts – Ask your questions and get real, practical responses.
- Resource Bookstall – Explore tools, literature, and materials to support your ministry.
- Connect with Ministry Workers – Build relationships and learn from others navigating similar responsibilities and challenges.
Meet the Speakers:
Keynote Speaker: Patricia Weerakoon
Patricia is a medical doctor, academic, author, and one of the most respected voices in Christian sexuality and relationship education in Australia. Her session will equip parents, carers, and ministry leaders to have confident, biblical conversations with children about sex, identity, and relationships — offering clarity and protection in a confusing world.
“I am seeing among parents, teachers and carers an increasing awareness that they need to be the primary sources of sexuality and relationships education to their children. And yet a feeling of being woefully unprepared for the task. In this secular moment, the church needs to be proactive in preparing our ministry leaders, youth workers, teachers, parents and carers to help children.”
Opening Speaker: Rev Dr Richard Gibson
BST Principal and Biblical scholar, Richard draws on 30+ years of ministry experience, theological education, and training in social work to unpack what Judges 19 teaches us about abuse, silence, and action within Christian communities.
Elective Speakers:
Detective Senior Constable Scott Meehan
Veteran police officer with 20+ years in child protection, Scott will guide you through the realities of managing known sex offenders in church with wisdom and legal clarity.
Paul Tuxworth
With three decades in child abuse prevention and investigation, Paul’s session will help leaders understand grooming behaviours and develop practical strategies for early detection and intervention.
Kelsey Fitzgerald
Clinical coach and PhD researcher, Kelsey brings a theological lens to how children are represented in the Old Testament — deepening our understanding of their value and vulnerability in God’s story.
What a previous attendee said:
“Despite having completed mandatory child protection training many times over the years, I found my eyes were opened to a new level. Everyone should be encouraged to participate so that whole congregations have the awareness and strategies to keep our children safe.” Sandi Barclay, Previous Attendee
This is a conversation we can’t afford to avoid.
Limited spaces available — don’t miss out.
