Events

Novita Evolve conference 2025

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EVOLVE – embracing possibilities 

The EVOLVE conference returns in 2025 with an exciting lineup of keynote speakers and events, including an all-day marketplace to coincide with the event. This year’s theme is ’embracing possibilities’ which explores the power of different connections, collaborations and communities.

Join us on Monday 7 July 2025 to explore the latest thinking, research and practice in disability and therapy related topics to shape the future of therapy. More information about the full day’s program will be available soon.

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Khadija Gbla

Keynote speaker

Differences in culture and background are simply that – differences. Not better or worse, simply different. Khadija Gbla is a cultural consultant and peer educator with unmatched ability to bridge the difference. Khadija provides advocacy, training, speaking on domestic and family violence, sexual health, racism, human rights, mental health, migrants and refugees and cultural diversity.

Born in Sierra Leone, Khadija Gbla spent her youth in Gambia before putting down roots in Australia. Now Executive Director of No FGM Australia, she advocates for protection and support for women and girls living with or at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). She has advised on policy through the South Australian Government Minister’s Youth Council and has represented Australia at the Commonwealth Youth Forum and Australian and African Dialogue. Khadija has been recognized through numerous awards for her vision and leadership.

Khadija encourages people to challenge their understandings of the world around them, and to question the uncritical acceptance of stereotypes and assumptions that are made about unfamiliar cultures.

Dr Jacqui Barfoot

Keynote speakers

Dr. Jacqui Barfoot is an occupational therapist, researcher, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in early childhood intervention. She is passionate about relational approaches, focusing on strengthening parent-child interactions to support optimal developmental outcomes and empower families.
As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Jacqui’s research aligns OT practice with Australia’s National Early Childhood Best Practice Guidelines and NDIS recommendations. She developed the PAIR Model, a framework integrating child-focused strategies with parent-child interactions and provides training to early childhood therapists on its implementation.
(Photo to come)

Novita is also excited to bring a panel discussion together to hear engaging and informative conversation on what it can mean to embrace possibilities in your life.

The conference will also be covering the latest approaches to early childhood intervention, innovations in assistive technology, research, communication, cerebral palsy, and more.

This event is open to allied health clinicians, educators and academics, community members and students, offering a prime opportunity to develop new skills and ideas while networking with industry professionals and community members.

Register for the EVOLVE marketplace

The EVOLVE marketplace experience is designed to provide sellers with disability an opportunity to showcase their products and services. The marketplace will include many different products and goods from sellers, including jewellery, food and accessories which can be viewed or purchased.

Novita is looking for sellers with disability to participate at the marketplace and are currently accepting expressions of interest. Please find the Easy English version of the form here.

Register your interest

Book your spot now!

At Novita, we’re proud of our Therapy Learning Program and are always looking for opportunities to share and learn together for the benefit of our clients and the local community. We have released a limited number of tickets for external attendees to purchase and attend our EVOLVE conference.

The EVOLVE conference will provide education and information around great practice, while participants hear from a range of voices and share different perspectives.

Tickets

Early bird pricing (before 30 April):
$170.00 (non-students)
$95.00 (students)

Regular pricing (from 1 May):
$220.00 (non-students)
$110.00 (students)

Group Bookings:
Organisation or group ticket pricing enquiries can be emailed to [email protected]

 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and connect with like-minded professionals. We look forward to seeing you there!

For any further questions email [email protected]

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