Strengthening Social Cohesion Conference to foster community resilience in Australia
As part of a joint Federal-State Government national initiative, leading experts will come together to explore how to foster social cohesion and democratic resilience across Australia.
The Strengthening Social Cohesion Conference, hosted by Western Sydney University, is being held on 29-30 October in the vibrant heart of Parramatta. Speakers include Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Tony Burke.
Social cohesion provides a critical foundation for prosperity, belonging, and equitable outcomes for all Australians. The conference will provide a platform for engaging discussions on the factors placing pressure on social cohesion and democratic resilience, featuring a range of plenary sessions and interactive workshops.
It will explore how to better drive social cohesion outcomes for communities, including the benefits of cross-cultural and inter-cultural contact in strengthening social cohesion. Additionally, it will assess traditional and social media and its impact on social cohesion and democratic resilience.
Keynote speakers for the event include:
- Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Tony Burke
- Secretary Department of Home Affairs, Stephanie Foster PSM
- Journalist and Thought Leader, Stan Grant
- Broadcaster, Author and Human Rights Activist, Craig Foster AM
Among the esteemed speakers will be Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO. Throughout the two-day conference, a range of leading experts from the University will also share their insights. These include:
- Dr Rhonda Itaoui, Director of the Centre for Western Sydney
- Professor Kevin Dunn, Provost and Challenging Racism Project
- Ms Fiona Towney, Director, Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education
- Professor Philippa Collin, Institute for Culture and Society; Young and Resilient Research Centre; and Translational Health Research Institute
- Dr Kathleen Openshaw, School of Social Sciences
- Associate Professor Neil Hall, School of Social Sciences
In a highlight, it will feature Immersion Workshops held between 1 October and 29 November, covering diverse topics such as, centring First Nations voices as a basis for social cohesion, building and amplifying resilience within communities, and engaging with the media.
For more information and to register, please visit the website (opens in a new window). Affordability should not be a barrier to attendance at the Strengthening Social Cohesion Conference. Ticket fees may be waived upon request for participants who would otherwise be unable to attend the conference.
ENDS
28 October 2024
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.