Past Conferences & Events
ATSIMA Conferences are the only national mathematics education events in Australia that centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in shaping how mathematics education is designed, delivered and experienced. They provide a unique and powerful platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. along with non-Indigenous participants, to influence education in ways that reflect their aspirations, knowledge systems and priorities.
These conferences play a vital role in advancing self-determination, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have a genuine voice in the development of a new and more inclusive education paradigm.
A distinctive feature of ATSIMA Conferences is their participatory and reflective approach. Delegates are invited to actively engage with and critique presentations throughout the conference. Feedback is captured for each session and used as part of a dynamic process of collective reflection.
These insights are collated and analysed in real time, informing structured discussions on the final day. Together, delegates identify and distil the key themes emerging from the conference. These themes are not only a reflection of shared knowledge and experience, but also a roadmap for future action.
The outcomes of each conference directly inform and shape ATSIMA’s strategic direction, ensuring that its work remains grounded in Community voice, evidence-informed practice, and a shared commitment to improving mathematics education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.
ATSIMA 2014 Conference
The ATSIMA 2014 inaugural conference was on Kaurna Country (Adelaide, South Australia). With the theme Creating Connections and Growing Understanding, it brought together educators, researchers and industry professionals to build a shared commitment to improving mathematics education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.
A key outcome was a foundational paper outlining five priority areas for action: Culture and Identity, Leadership, Transition, Investment, and Quality Teaching, which continue to guide ATSIMA’s work today.
ATSIMA 2016 Conference
The ATSIMA 2016 Conference, held on Dharawal and Yuin Country (Wollongong, NSW), was guided by the theme Value us, Value our education, Value our future. It focused on high-quality teaching and learning in mathematics that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
A key outcome was a strong call from delegates to begin a revolution in mathematics education, driving a shift in how mathematics is taught across Australia. Delegates committed to this vision by signing a “Revolution” canvas, now a lasting and symbolic feature of ATSIMA Conferences.
ATSIMA 2018 Conference
Building on ATSIMA 2016, the 2018 conference, held on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne, Vic), carried the theme Starting the Revolution. The focus was on turning momentum into action, developing a shared strategy and actively contributing to the creation of an Indigenous mathematics curriculum to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners’ identity in mathematics education.
This Indigenous mathematics curriculum represents a meeting place of two knowledge systems, where both are valued and their connections celebrated. A key outcome of the conference was the first articulation of this vision through the Koori Curriculum.
ATSIMA 2023 Conference
ATSIMA 2023, in partnership with Yirrkala School, delivered its fourth conference from 9–11 October 2023 in the Yirrkala Community, Northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. This landmark event was the first national mathematics education conference held in a Yolŋu Community, marking a powerful moment in the movement for change.
Building on previous conferences that called for a revolution in mathematics education, ATSIMA 2023 embraced the theme ‘Nhe Waŋana’ ‘Nhe Djämamirriyaŋana’ — ‘Speak It’ ‘You Create It’. This theme deepened the call to action. ‘Speak It’ highlights the importance of valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in education, while ‘You Create It’ reflects the opportunity to build new futures by connecting language, culture and mathematics.
With around 80 delegates from diverse backgrounds, the conference fostered open dialogue between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous participants.
ATSIMA 2025 Conference
ATSIMA 2025, the 5th ATSIMA Conference, was held from 1–3 October 2025 on Lunawuni (Bruny Island), Lutruwita (Tasmania). Centred on the theme palawa kani pumili waranta rrala – Our Language Our Strength, the conference highlighted the vital role of language in cultural identity, resilience, and mathematics education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Bringing together 80–100 delegates from diverse backgrounds, the three-day program focused on truth-telling, strength, and future action. It created a space for shared dialogue, cultural learning, and collaborative planning to transform mathematics education and improve outcomes for Indigenous learners.
Testimonies from ATSIMA 2018 At the end of ATSIMA 2018, ATSIMA sent out a survey to all delegates. The following are a selection of testimonies from the survey: