
The Mathematical Association of Western Australia is pleased to announce the 2026 WA Annual Maths Conference, taking place 18–20 November 2026 at the Crown Convention Centre Burswood.
With this year’s theme, Strong Foundations, Bold Futures!, the conference invites educators to reflect on the essential building blocks of mathematical understanding while embracing innovative practices that prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.
This three-day event will once again bring together educators from early childhood, primary, secondary and post-secondary settings to connect, collaborate and strengthen professional practice in mathematics education.
The conference provides an opportunity for K–12+ educators to share ideas, explore new approaches and challenge their own thinking in order to inspire richer learning experiences for students. Across the program, delegates will engage with practical strategies, emerging research and innovative teaching practices designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and nurture a deeper passion for mathematics in every classroom — reinforcing strong foundations while shaping bold futures for learners across Western Australia.
As always, the opening day will include sessions tailored for leaders, with a focus on empowering staff, supporting whole-school improvement and enriching the culture of maths learning within educational communities.
Further details, including keynote speakers and program highlights, will be announced soon. We look forward to welcoming you in November for three days of learning, inspiration and professional growth as we work together to shape the future of mathematics education in Western Australia.
Meet our keynote speakers!

Dr Chelsea Cutting
Dr Chelsea Cutting is a mathematics education researcher and lecturer specialising in early childhood and primary mathematics. Her research examines how spatial reasoning can promote deep mathematical thinking and learning. Recognised nationally for her research excellence, Chelsea works closely with educators to bridge research and practice, enhancing mathematics teaching and learning outcomes.

Jennifer Palisse
Jennifer Palisse works with reSolve at the Australian Academy of Science. Her colleagues know them as the person who shows up with a deck of cards, a bag of craft supplies, and at least one puzzle nobody asked for. She believes the best mathematics often comes in unexpected disguises.

James Russo
James Russo (Monash University) is a mathematics education researcher and teacher educator with a strong interest in how mathematical games can support meaningful learning in classrooms. James spends a lot of time in primary classrooms working alongside teachers, trying out ideas, tinkering with tasks and games, and exploring how small design choices shape students’ mathematical thinking. He has written extensively for teacher audiences and is a former editor of Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom and Prime Number. James’s work focuses on helping teachers make practical, informed decisions about games and tasks, particularly how structure, choice, and representations influence learning. He is known for hands-on, classroom-focused presentations that draw directly on everyday teaching practice.
Thursday Keynote: 9:00am – 10:15am
Building the Foundations of Number Sense Through Spatial Reasoning
Thursday Keynote: 11:00am – 11:55am
The Hardest Thing to Teach is a Good Question
Friday Keynote: 9:00am – 10:15am
Educationally Rich Mathematical Games: Strong Principles, Flexible Design





