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Dr Chris Sarra

Dr Chris Sarra

Featured Speaker

Founder and CEO, Stronger Smarter Institute

Dr Chris Sarra is a Gurang Gurang / Taribelang Bunda man and founder and CEO of the Stronger Smarter Institute. Across three decades in education and public service, he has driven reform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through the Stronger Smarter Philosophy. A former Director-General in the Queensland Government, he now works nationally with school and system leaders on Indigenous education, community trust and moral courage in leadership.

Sessions at COSC 2026

Breakout Session Day 1 โ€ข Block Session

The Cost of School Culture: Who really pays?

Every school has a culture. Some build pride, purpose and power in young people; others knowingly or unknowingly collude with expectations that keep black kids and poor white kids in their place. This session invites educators to reckon with the real costs of a low-expectations school culture; the extent to which we cultivate such toxicity in our school; and the courage it takes to create positive change.

Key Ideas

  • Reframe "high expectations" as moral discipline.
  • Embed dignity in leadership practice.
  • Rebuild trust in staff and community relationships.

Additional Session: He will also present Stronger, Smarter Systems โ€” Turning Cultural Intent into Practice.

Ready to Transform Your School Culture?

Join Dr Sarra and other experts โ€ข Sydney, 21-22 May 2026

Register Now