Back

Australia's most tested education philosophy moves beyond the classroom

Stronger Smarter Institute

Key Facts:

• Founded by Dr Chris Sarra following his work as principal at Cherbourg State School, where attendance rose from 62 per cent to 94 per cent
• In its 21st year of operation
• 5,710 school and community leaders trained nationally
• 390 professional development programs delivered since inception
• 78 per cent of partner schools are in the lowest half of the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA)
• 63 per cent of partner schools are in regional or remote areas
• Summit keynote speakers: Dr Chris Sarra, Professor Peter Yu, Dr Terri Janke
• Summit: 7–8 May 2026, voco Brisbane City Centre
• Tickets and program: strongersmartersummit.com.au

Brisbane | 7–8 May 2026

An Aboriginal-led institute whose founding principal helped lift school attendance from 62 per cent to 94 per cent at Cherbourg State School — work that sparked a national movement now in its 21st year — is bringing its model into government, sport, STEM and policy at a national summit in Brisbane on 7–8 May.

The Stronger Smarter Together Summit: Reimagining Australia's Sovereignty will bring together educators, policymakers, community leaders and industry voices to explore how high-expectations relationships shape leadership and opportunity across Australian life.

The Summit arrives at a moment when questions of identity, belonging and national direction remain unsettled in Australia.

Stronger Smarter founder Dr Chris Sarra argues the next phase of the conversation must move beyond symbolic debates toward something more practical: how Australians relate to one another in the systems that shape everyday life — schools, institutions and leadership. He describes this approach as relational sovereignty.

The program moves deliberately beyond education. The Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy panel will examine the role of First Nations women in shaping Australia's scientific and technological future. A separate panel will turn to sport, asking how the principles of relational sovereignty play out in competition — where identity, discipline and collective responsibility are tested in full public view.

Keynote addresses will be delivered by Dr Chris Sarra, Professor Peter Yu and Dr Terri Janke — three of the country's most authoritative voices on Indigenous leadership, policy and rights. Dr Janke is the founder of Terri Janke and Company, a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned law firm specialising in commercial law and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.

Comedian Kevin Kopinyeri will host the Summit's gala dinner, with live music from Adam James and his band, known for performances celebrating contemporary Aboriginal excellence. Gooreng Gooreng artist Dylan Sarra will create a live artwork across the two days, interpreting the evolving conversation about relational sovereignty as it unfolds.

The Summit will also recognise the educators who backed the Stronger Smarter philosophy long before its impact was widely acknowledged.

QUOTES

Dr Chris Sarra, Founder and CEO, Stronger Smarter Institute

"Relational sovereignty is about how we choose to stand with one another as Australians. For more than two decades we've seen what happens when relational sovereignty and high expectations meet in the classroom. The question now is what might change if those same principles shaped leadership across the country."

Kim Dyball, Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy

"STEM is where the future is being built. When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are leading in these fields, it expands what's possible not only for our young people but for Australia's innovation capacity."

EVENT DETAILS

Event: Stronger Smarter Together Summit: Reimagining Australia's Sovereignty Dates: 7–8 May 2026 Venue: voco Brisbane City Centre Program: strongersmartersummit.com.au

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Media are welcome to attend. Interview opportunities with speakers and organisers are available.

— ENDS —

About us:

The Stronger Smarter Institute is a First Nations-led organisation founded by Dr Chris Sarra following his transformative work as principal at Cherbourg State School, where attendance rose from 62 per cent to 94 per cent under a high-expectations, culturally grounded approach.

For more than two decades the Institute has worked alongside schools and communities across Australia to build the relationships and cultural integrity that drive genuine educational change. Its professional learning programs equip educators to lead with high expectations, challenge deficit thinking, and create environments where every student is seen as capable of excellence.

The Stronger Smarter Together Summit marks 21 years of that work — and its expansion into leadership, policy, sport and STEM.

www.strongersmarter.com.au

Contact details:

Aryanna McLure Events Manager P: 0449 795 660 E: [email protected]