A Gathering at the Crossroads
Penrith, Sydney, NSW, Australia | 20–21 October 2027
Hosted by Restorative Journeys

In partnership with Luthern Community Care Services- Singapore (LCCS) and the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP)

Not a Conference. A Conversation That Matters.

Across the world, restorative practice has grown rapidly.

It has influenced justice systems, education, communities and organisations. Its language is now widely used. Its impact widely recognised.

And yet, an important question is emerging:

Has the restorative movement reached a crossroads?

Penrith 2027 is designed to explore that question through experience, reflection and dialogue.

Why a “Gathering”?

We have chosen the word gathering deliberately.

It reflects traditions where people come together to:

• · listen

• · speak

• · reflect

• · make sense of what matters

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It resonates with Indigenous practices of coming together in dialogue, grounded in respect, story and relationship.

Why “At the Crossroads”?

The restorative movement has reached a pivotal moment.

As outlined in the Penrith Discussion Paper, the field now faces a developmental choice:

• · Remain implicit — guided by values but lacking clarity and consistency

• · Become explicit — a coherent, disciplined relational practice grounded in theory and method. The crossroads is not a problem - It is an opportunity.

The Central Theme

From Implicit Understanding → Explicit Practice

Many practitioners know restorative practice works.

• Fewer can clearly explain:

• · why it works

• · how it produces change

• · what distinguishes it from other approaches

This gathering creates the space to explore that shift.

What Will Be Different?

This will not follow a traditional conference format.

The conference design will create an immersive relational experience where participants:

• · reflect on their own practice

• · engage in dialogue with others

• · explore what is working

• · make implicit knowledge explicit

The Crossroads Framework

The gathering will be shaped around four interconnected dimensions:

• · Self — How do I understand my own practice?

• · Colleagues — How do we work together?

• · Those We Serve — How do we engage with others?

• · Community — How does our work become assessable to everybody? - explicit practice.

An Immersive Experience

From the opening Crossroads Conversation to the closing reflective plenary, the gathering is designed to:

• · create space for thinking

• · support honest dialogue

• · encourage curiosity and reflection

• · surface what often remains unspoken

Participants will be guided by a series of reflective questions carried throughout the two days. This is not about arriving with answers.

It is about leaving with a deeper understanding.

Why This Matters

The future of restorative practice depends on more than growth.

It depends on:

• · clarity

• · coherence

• · integrity of practice

Penrith 2027 provides an opportunity to:

• · strengthen the field’s foundations

• · connect theory, research and practice

• · shape the next phase of development

Who should present

We are inviting presenters to share real stories in restorative practice. If you are delivering innovative approaches or embedding restorative practice- we would love to hear from you. Register your interest to stay informed when presenter applications open. We are seeking voices from across all sectors to share diverse experiences, insights, and outcomes.

Who Should Attend?

This gathering is for those who are:

• · working in restorative practice across any sector

• · interested in the relational nature of their work

• · seeking to deepen understanding, not just acquire knowledge

• · willing to engage in open, reflective dialogue

Date and Location

📍 Penrith, New South Wales, Australia 📅 20–21 October 2027

An Invitation

• This is an invitation to pause.

• To reflect.

• To engage with others at a moment that matters.

Restorative Journeys | LCCS | IIRP

If you’re interested in attending or presenting at this conference, click below to register your interest. We’ll keep you updated as details are released.- please have flashing button to stand out so we can collect their details to keep them up to date- we will need name, email, organisation, position and if they are interested to present or attend.