Community engagement allows universities the opportunity to play an important role of social responsibility in the local and broader vicinity they operate within.
Our main objective is to lead and facilitate the development of best practice university-community engagement in Australia. This is done through creating inclusive forums for discussion and development of engagement, promoting practice, fostering awareness, building capacity and developing resources. Through the work of our Board, committees and working groups, EA provides an array of professional development activities as well as networking opportunities to develop engagement knowledge, skills and capacity and build interactive networks, partnerships and other relationships within and between universities, business, industry, government and community-based organisations.
Championing unique role universities have in society addressing contemporary challenges through teaching, research and partnerships.
The 2026 Engagement Australia Conference brought together 250 university leaders, practitioners, academics, community organisations and partners from across Australia to explore how universities can build trust, demonstrate impact and deepen engagement in an increasingly complex environment.
As part of our membership of the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility, and Democracy we would like to share with you an important webinar on Global Solidarity, Learning, and Action to Renew Higher Education’s Democratic and Civic Mission.
In 2026, Engagement Australia continues to recognize excellence in engagement through the Engagement Australia Excellence Awards. These awards identify and celebrate the most exciting and impactful engagement activities undertaken by Australian and New Zealand Universities
Our Autumn Newsletter is out now! We look forward to engaging with you further in the suite of activities listed below, and also within the Engagement Australia Carnegie Community Engagement Network that continues to draw strong engagement from the sector.
We are currently calling for papers for our upcoming transform journal. The Journal features articles that advance the scholarship of engagement within Australia and internationally, providing space for critical inquiry, reflection, and review. The Journal includes empirical research, practiceoriented research, and reviews of practice relevant to engagement in the Higher Education sector.
Share your engagement successes as a Case Study at Engagement Australia’s 2026 Conference.
INNOVATIVE
SUPPORTIVE
STRATEGIC
COLLABORATIVE
“The hallmark of engagement is the development of partnerships that ensure a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge between the University and the community.” Holland and Ramalay (2008:33).
