Last month, at our Annual Conference 2025, we welcomed hundreds of passionate geography educators. Day 1 offered a full program of inspiring keynote presentations, engaging breakout sessions, and valuable networking – all centred on the theme Teaching for a Sustainable World. Day 2 built on this momentum with a diverse range of immersive fieldwork experiences.
Our keynote speaker, Associate Professor Benjamin Cooke, delivered a thought-provoking address on The Future of Cultural Land Management Programs. This was followed by a keynote panel presentation featuring leading academics from RMIT University – a lively discussion exploring sustainability, geographical thinking, and the critical importance of fieldwork in the Geography curriculum.
The Morning Plenary was attended by a number of special guests, including Tim Wilson (Executive Director – Curriculum and Teaching Practice, Department of Education), Glenn Cockerton (Board Director, Geography Victoria), Dr Monica Wachowicz (Professor in Data Science, RMIT University), Dr Karen Marangio (Director of Professional Experience, Monash University), Professor Alan Reid (Chief Examiner - Geography, Monash University), along with GTAV Life Members and Barbara Green AM.
Their presence provided a valuable opportunity to advocate for Geography, highlighting its essential place in the school curriculum and the ongoing need for subject-specific professional learning. These conversations will continue in the months ahead.
Each year, the GTAV recognises the outstanding contributions of members through its awards program, presented at the Annual Conference. This year, we congratulated:
- Dr Stephen Legg – GTAV Life Membership
- Paul Cross – GTAV Award for Geographical Education (GAGE)
- Naomi Baulch (Tintern Grammar) – Alex Lyne Fieldwork Award (Overall Winner)
- Claire Higgins (Bacchus Marsh Grammar) and Sarah Wootton (Sale College) – Highly Commended, Alex Lyne Fieldwork Award
We were also delighted to announce a new award commencing in 2026: the Colin Green Excellence in Geography Teaching Award, in honour of the late Colin Green, GTAV Life Member and exceptional geography educator who contributed enormously to the Association. Applications for this award will open next year.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to all who attended the conference – and especially to those educators who generously shared their time and expertise by presenting across a full and varied breakout program.
Genevieve Newton
GTAV Executive Officer