Pillar 3

Wellbeing Forum @ Our Table

The Wellbeing Forum @ Our Table brings internationally renowned speakers and researchers to the Highlands to share high-quality resources with early years educators, parents, carers and grandparents.

Dr Arne Rubinstein speaking on stage to an audience of parents and community members at the Wellbeing Forum @ Our Table

What it is

Three days of learning together, regardless of school or postcode.

Our speakers reminded families, teachers and community that we are the guidance and support in young people's lives, not screens, technology or AI.

The 2026 forum

31 August, 2 and 3 SeptemberTheme: Conversation, Collaboration and Community

2026 at a glance

3

Days

11

Events

655

Attendees

28

Schools involved in workshops

What happened

3

professional development sessions for educators

4

interactive workshops for early years, primary, secondary and parents and carers

3

keynotes from internationally renowned speakers

1

fathers and sons evening around the fire

2

parent workshops recorded to share with regional and rural areas

Educators smiling together in a group photo at the Rites of Passage professional development with Dr Arne Rubinstein OAM — Rites of Passage professional development with Dr Arne Rubinstein OAM, for educators of children and young people aged 5 to 25.

Moments from the forum

A woman in a bright pink scarf dancing with arms raised among the audience at the Wellbeing Forum @ Our Table

A presenter on stage at Bravewords Live in front of a packed audience, part of the lead-up to the Wellbeing Forum

Two women smiling together in a selfie at Bravewords Live, part of the lead-up to the Wellbeing Forum

A young man laughing with a friend at the fathers and sons campfire evening

Dr Arne Rubinstein laughing at the fathers and sons campfire evening

A speaker on stage beneath a slide reading Human Experiences, with an audience seated in the hall

Dr Arne Rubinstein speaking to a group outdoors on a sunny lawn

Fathers and sons standing and talking outdoors at the campfire evening

Parents and educators talking around a table in a library at an early years session

Professor Lea Waters speaking on stage in front of a slide titled The Strength Switch

Dr Arne Rubinstein presenting on stage beneath a slide reading For young people to thrive

Educators and parents around a long library table at the early years session on strength-based learning

Professor Lea Waters seated on stage with a microphone beside a vase of blossom

A toddler held by a parent at an early years session

Parents and educators on stage during a strengths spotting activity

A father holding a toddler on stage during a parent workshop

A baby holding a strengths card during an early years session

Parents and young children taking part in a workshop on stage

A fire burning at the fathers and sons evening

A packed hall of students facing the stage at the Wellbeing Forum

A dad and his son laughing together outdoors at the fathers and sons campfire evening

Fathers and sons sitting around a campfire outdoors at dusk

Dr Arne Rubinstein talking with his hands at the fathers and sons campfire evening

2026 speakers

Professor Lea Waters AM

Professor Lea Waters AM

Founder, Visible Wellbeing

A world-leading expert in psychology, the science of wellbeing and education.

Visit Lea's website →

Dr Arne Rubinstein OAM outdoors in the bush

Dr Arne Rubinstein OAM

Founder, Rites of Passage Institute

An internationally recognised expert in Rites of Passage, a speaker, mentor and author. Australian Father of the Year 2025.

Visit Arne's website →

Past speakers

Justin Robinson

Matthew Johnstone

Dr Kristy Goodwin

What participants told us

More confident supporting young people

Practical strategies to use straight away

A stronger connection with others in the community

The value of meaningful face-to-face conversations

A shared language across families, schools and community

In their words

I could listen to Arne speak for days, such vital information. Thank you for bringing this down here.

Kristy, mother of 3 boys

Remind[ed] me how important it is to spend one-on-one time with my son.

Great evening affording everyone the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

We need something like that here in the New England North West region [NSW]. As a parent of a child with mental health issues, if there is something of a similar ilk locally, I am not aware of it.

Sarah, mother of 2 girls

Let's connect

Whether you're a young person, a family member, an educator or a community partner, we're here to listen.

Send us a message