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Theology of safeguarding children

Hear Rev. Fr Hans Zollner and a panel of speakers explore safeguarding as theological practice at the heart of mission, formation and Church life. 

You are invited to attend a special event that will explore safeguarding as a theological practice at the heart of mission, formation and Church life. It will be held at ACU's Melbourne Campus on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at the Greg Craven Centre, Level 7, St Teresa of Kolkata Building, 10 am – 5pm (AEST).

The keynote will be presented by pre-eminent Rev Dr Fr Hans Zollner, President of the Institute of Anthropology. Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care of the Pontifical Gregorian University (former Centre for Child Protection) and professor of the Institute of Psychology. Not able to attend in person? You can livestream Fr Zolner's talk (link below). His presentation will be followed by Q&A and break out groups, then lunch, then a panel presentation with discussion led by our very own Professor Daryl Higgins.

Panel members include:

• Anita Biddle, Safeguarding Coordinator (Australia) for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan
• Dr Dan Fleming, National Director of Ethics for St Vincent’s Health Australia
• Elizabeth Lee, doctoral researcher, exploring ecclesial practice through a trauma-sensitive lens.
• Dr Jacob (Jake) Mudge, Parish Priest in the Sandhurst Diocese and Lecturer in Fundamental Theology, brings expertise in Safeguarding, Pastoral Ministry, and the work of Rulla and Lonergan.

The fee for in-person attendance of the whole day is $50 with tea, coffee and lunch included.

This event has been coordinated by Dr Janine Luttick FHEA from the ACU Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, National School of Theology, who also leads the ACU Women’s Leadership for Mission program. This day-long, starting at 10am (AEST) has been made possible with generous support from co-hosts Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL), long-time respected partners of ACU. If you cannot attend the whole day of events, you can live-stream Fr Zolner's presentation with no charge.

• Book your ticket ($50) to attend the day in person via ACSL Eventbrite registration form
• Link to livestream of Fr Zollner's presentation starting at 10am (AEST) - please create a calendar event in your diary for 10 am on 4 Feb and copy this link to join the livestream https://acu.zoom.us/j/3050265611?omn=82252345099#success