
The School of Indigenous Studies is excited to host a 4-day conference in February 2024 – Raising our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution
This is the first-ever national ecumenical platform where Indigenous theologians from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific will raise up their voices and challenge Churches across denominations to call their followers to action in addressing the injustice, inequality, and systemic failings of Churches history to protect, nourish, and benefit from Indigenous peoples and their knowledges.
Monday 5 Feb – Thursday 8 Feb 2024, 9am-5pm daily
St Paschal Campus, Box Hill, Melbourne
What is the conference about?
This Conference provides an opportunity for the Indigenous voice to be heard and for non-Indigenous peoples to gain an understanding of the Indigenous spiritual perspective to build their capacity in walking alongside and working with First Nations people and communities. A unique opportunity for truth-telling and learning, participants will gain a deeper understanding and insights of First Nations spirituality, knowledge, and history to inform individual and organisational transformative and restorative change.
Tickets
The conference can be attended in-person at Box Hill, Melbourne.
Full conference tickets
Attend all sessions in the conference
- General Admission: $985
- Student/Concession/Pensioner: $590
Single session pass
Attend a single day of conference proceedings (select your preferred day at the time of booking)
- General Admission: $335
- Student/Concession/Pensioner: $275
Livestream access
- Virtual access to conference paper sessions (livestream) $740
- Student/Concession/Pensioner (livestream): $590
Group of 10 discount available
If you have a group of 10 people or more, please reach out to Jenita King at enquiries@divinity.edu.au to receive our significant discount. A full conference group of 10 people costs $8,865.00 which provides 1 full conference ticket free.
Registrations close 25 January 2024.
The cost of your ticket contributes to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people not affiliated with a mainstream Church to attend the conference.
Ticket value
Discover unparalleled value with your Full Conference Ticket.
Unprecedented Gathering: Gain insights from Indigenous theologians and Church leaders from around Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. We believe this exceptional line up is the first of its kind in Australia – your ticket purchase makes this possible.
Comprehensive Inclusions: Access all sessions, breakout opportunities, a delegate merchandise gift bag, and daily catering with morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
Livestream Option: Can’t be there in person? Our livestream option provides virtual access to conference presentations.
Make a Difference: A portion of your ticket supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to attend.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with our speakers and connect with like-minded individuals.
Exclusive Accommodation Discounts: Enjoy special rates for your stay
Support for First Nations people to attend
The cost of your ticket contributes to supporting First Nations people not affiliated with a mainstream Church to attend the conference.
If you would like to be considered for support to attend the conference, please complete the application form.
For queries, contact Michelle Eastwood on meastwood@divinity.edu.au
Conference program
Our meticulously planned conference agenda will be packed with insightful sessions, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. A detailed conference program will be sent to ticket-holders closer to the event dates, allowing you to plan your participation effectively.
Speakers
The University of Divinity’s Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, Head of School of Indigenous Studies, is leading this Conference alongside Indigenous Church leaders and theologians who will call their Churches to action. Indigenous theologians, Church and secular leaders from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific will be attending.
Speakers include: Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, Rev Canon Dr Garry Deverell, Rev Aunty Janet Turpie-Johnstone, Mikenzie Ling, Sean Weetra, Neil Pattel, The Venerable Dr Lyndon Drake, Rev Dr Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, Rev Canon Assoc Professor Glenn Loughrey, John Lochowiak, Dr Josephine Bourne, Brooke Prentis, Elverina Johnson, Rev Hohaia Matthews, Nathan Tyson, Lilliani Tahaafe-Williams, Pastor Geoffrey Stokes, Naomi Wolfe, Rev Prof Dr Upolu Lumā Vaai and Rev Dr Denise Champion.
Bios and abstracts
Discover more about our speakers and read the abstracts for their presentations
Session dates and times
Monday 5 Feb, 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT)
Tuesday 6 Feb, 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT)
Wednesday 7 Feb, 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT)
Thursday 8 Feb, 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT
Conference location and how to get there
University of Divinity, St Paschal Campus
90 Albion Road, Box Hill VIC 3128
Conference sessions will be held at the University of Divinity’s St Paschal Campus, with plenary sessions held in the St Paschal Chapel and breakout sessions held in University of Divinity classrooms.
Situated on quiet residential streets, the central buildings of St Paschal Campus are surrounded by lush gardens and lawns.

Getting to St Paschal Campus
Public parking
Available along Bedford Street in close proximity to the building entrance (no fee or time limit).
If you require accessibility parking, please get in touch with the conference organisers (see ‘Contact Information’ below).
Public transport
- Laburnum Railway Station (1.1km walk)
- Box Hill Railway Station (1.5km walk)
- 733 Bus departs from Box Hill Railway Station with a stop on Albion Road immediately at the property boundary (approx 300m walk to conference entrance)
Accommodation partner

The University of Divinity is pleased to announce Quest Mont Albert as the accommodation sponsor. Quest Mont Albert is offering conference participants an exclusive 15% discount on the best available rate of the day for bookings over the conference dates. You can receive the discounted rate by booking directly with Quest (not through a third-party) and quote the conference and University name “Raising our Tribal Voice Conference, University of Divinity” to ensure you receive the discounted rate. Call Quest today on (03) 8843 1500 or email sales.montalbert@questapartments.com.au.
About Quest
Quest Mont Albert has 50 fully serviced apartments, including pet-friendly rooms! With public transport at your doorstep, you can also easily explore the city of Melbourne or you can stay close and take in the beautiful surrounds. Quest Apartments – As Local As You Like It!
This is a limited time offer – book your room before 31 December 2023.
Conference sponsors
The School of Indigenous Studies and the University of Divinity is grateful for the support of our sponsors.
White Ochre Conference Sponsors
The Salvation Army

The Uniting Church in Australia
Patrick and Anthony Wright Formation and Education Fund

National Council of Churches in Australia

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC)
COVID-19 Precautions
Your health and safety are our top priorities. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will implement all necessary safety measures in line with local guidelines to ensure a secure environment for all attendees. Any updates or requirements will be communicated to ticket-holders ahead of the event.
Contact information
Should you have any questions or need assistance before or during the conference, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Eastwood, our dedicated conference contact, via enquiries@divinity.edu.au. Michelle and our team are here to assist you every step of the way.
We want to express our gratitude for your participation in Raising Our Tribal Voice for Justice. Your presence will undoubtedly contribute to the exchange of knowledge and ideas that lie at the heart of our event’s mission.
We look forward to meeting you in person and fostering meaningful connections within our community. Until then, please stay tuned for further updates and announcements.
Safe travels and see you in Melbourne at the University Of Divinity’s St Paschal Campus!
Book your tickets today
If you have a group of 10 people or more, please reach out to Jenita King at enquiries@divinity.edu.au to receive our significant discount. A full conference group of 10 people costs $8,865.00 which provides 1 full conference ticket free.
Support First Nations People to attend the conference
If you would like to make a difference and support First Nations people attend the Conference, please make a donation. All donations will be used to support First Nations people not affiliated with a mainstream church to attend the conference.
The School of Indigenous Studies and the University of Divinity is grateful for the support of the White Ochre Conference Sponsors:
The Salvation Army

The Uniting Church in Australia
Patrick and Anthony Wright Formation and Education Fund

National Council of Churches in Australia

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC)