Christian Schools National Business Conference

The Christian Schools National Business Conference is a biennial gathering of Christian school business leaders from across Australia. For more than two decades those involved in all aspects of the ‘business’ of Christian schools, board members, business managers, those involved in administration, marketing, finance, HR or IT have gathered together for professional learning and fellowship. 

In 2026, the  conference will be held on the Gold Coast.  Come and join with peers from across the whole Christian schools sector. We encourage all school business leaders to come, as well as emerging and aspiring leaders, for a time of inspiration, growth and challenge. 

Please note that this event is being held in QLD time (AEST).

Register

Download Program

2026 Workshops Information

Explore a wide range of workshops delivered across 3 workshop sessions, equipping Christian school leaders with practical insights in financial sustainability, workplace management, cyber security and more.

Workshop 1A: Your School's Financial Health: Turning Numbers into a Plan for the Future

presented by John Somerset, Somerset Education

This hands-on workshop helps participants analyse their own school’s financial position using real data. Through key measures such as operating surplus, debt levels, cash reserves, and campus reinvestment, attendees will identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The session introduces the Financial Sustainability Planner, a practical tool for modelling the operating surplus required to support future goals, including facilities, staffing, and debt commitments. Participants will learn how to align financial targets with their school’s mission and confidently communicate these priorities to boards and leadership teams.

Workshop 1B: Managing employment issues in the school workplace in 2026 and beyond

presented by Adam Foster, Colin Biggers & Paisley

Employment issues in schools continue to evolve rapidly, with emerging challenges ranging from artificial intelligence and workplace investigations to performance management, misconduct, psychosocial hazards, and changing workplace laws. This session will explore the key employment issues impacting Christian schools in 2026 and beyond, providing practical strategies and actionable insights to help leaders navigate risk, maintain compliance, and build healthy workplace cultures.

Workshop 1C: Your Student Information System Has Been Breached. Now What?

presented by Toby Kerrison & James Boyle, NetStrategy

Your phone rings at 6am. The platform holding your student records has been breached. You don't know what's gone, and the vendor who holds the answers can't yet tell you. A breach is a business continuity problem. It lands on the business manager's desk while the reporting clock runs, and the people you answer to want to hear from you before you have the full picture. This session treats it that way. Business managers and IT leads work through what the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme requires and by when, then how to escalate from the front office up to the board. You leave with a working response plan, drafted in the room.

Workshop 2A: Christian Spiritual Discernment in Decision Making (Boards, Leadership Teams & Finance)

presented by Paul Campey, Resolve Consulting

The integration of faith in all aspects of a Christian school is foundational to the purpose of the school. This is also true to the decisions of the board, leadership teams, teams throughout the school and even in the business office. This workshop will examine Christian spiritual discernment and its use in the making of decisions in the ever increasingly complex environment of a Christian school. Based on doctoral research and Resolve's extensive experience with Christian schools, this practical workshop may impact the way you make decisions as a group and in your own role.

Workshop 2B: Where staff performance management collides with psychosocial hazard management

presented by Joshua Shingles, Mapien

This interactive workshop explores the growing impact of psychosocial health and safety obligations on people management in independent schools. Participants will examine the challenges of balancing employee wellbeing with effective performance management, including responding to poor performance, behavioural concerns, and mental health issues in the workplace. Through practical, school-based scenarios, attendees will discuss appropriate approaches to conflict, grievances, and employee relations matters, while learning when to seek external advice or specialist support. The session aims to build confidence and capability in managing complex workplace situations effectively and responsibly.

Workshop 2C: Would your school notice a missing $60,000? Fraud, Cyber Security and how schools can strengthen financial controls

presented by Matthew Crouch, Saward Dawson

As schools adopt paperless systems, digital workflows, and flexible work practices, new fraud and cyber security risks are emerging. This practical workshop examines how fraud and cyber incidents occur in school settings, drawing on recent examples where control weaknesses resulted in significant financial loss. Participants will learn how to strengthen financial governance, improve fraud prevention, protect sensitive data, and understand the role of cyber security policies and insurance. The session provides practical strategies to help safeguard a school’s finances, people, and reputation.

Workshop 3A: Safety in Design: An architect and a lawyer discuss the legal responsibilities behind every building project

presented by Shayne Evans, Stanton Dahl Architects and Adam Foster, Colin Biggers & Paisley

This practical workshop explores Safety in Design obligations for school building projects and why they should be considered early in the planning process. Drawing on the expertise of an architect and a lawyer, presenters will explain the legal responsibilities involved and how early decisions can influence safety, compliance, risk, and long-term facility stewardship. Participants will learn where Safety in Design fits within a project, the key questions to ask consultants and contractors, and how proactive engagement can help prevent costly issues before construction begins.

Workshop 3B: Stewardship in a New Era of Parent Expectations

presented by Jack Evans, Edstart

Parent expectations are changing rapidly, shaped by financial pressure, digital services, and rising costs. This session explores how Christian schools can respond with wisdom and stewardship rather than reaction. Drawing on insights from thousands of independent school families, the session highlights where expectations are shifting and where schools can create trust through clarity, fairness, and care. The focus is on leading change in a way that aligns financial sustainability with mission, values, and community impact.

QT Hotel, Surfers Paradise - Location & Parking Details

The QT Hotel, Surfers Paradise is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise at No. 7 Staghorn Avenue. Delegates travelling locally or from Brisbane will find convenient onsite parking available at the venue, with both undercover self-parking and valet parking options available for hotel guests and conference attendees (fees apply). The hotel is easily accessible via the M1, making it a straightforward drive of approximately 1 hour from Brisbane, depending on traffic. There are also several nearby public parking options within walking distance of the hotel for delegates preferring alternative parking arrangements.

Qualify for CPD Hours

Attendees may qualify for up to 15 hours of structured CPD depending upon the requirement of your applicable professional body. A certificate of professional learning will be issued to all attendees shortly after the conclusion of the event.

Cancellation Policy

Please refer to the cancellation policy included in the registration process.

Register

Registration closes Monday, 28 September 2026 (if not sold out prior)