Celebrating Engagement in 2025: A Message from the Chair

As 2025 comes to a close, I extend my warmest wishes to our members, partners, and friends.

This year has underscored the fundamental importance of university engagement. Throughout Australia and New Zealand, universities have demonstrated leadership with conviction, reinforcing their status as public institutions that contribute significantly to our communities through teaching, research, professional practice, and collaborative partnerships.

It’s impossible to list all of our 2025 highlights, but I’d like to share a handful that I have been reflecting on:

• The publication of two issues of Transform: the Journal of Engaged Scholarship – a special issue produced in collaboration with IARSLCE Asia-Pacific x International Conference on Service-Learning, and our annual issue focused on Universities, Social License, and Authentic Intelligence (AI).
• The successful return of our international conference, “Transformational Partnerships: Creating Lasting Impact,” hosted at the University of Queensland, which recorded our highest attendance to date.
• The launch of the second round of the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, further enabling universities to evidence their commitment to community engagement and social impact. The Carnegie Community Engagement Network conducted 17 online events, with over 1,500 registrations from universities and community stakeholders.
• The 2025 Engagement Australia Awards, held at the University of Sydney, celebrated exemplary engagement initiatives across Australia and New Zealand. Sincere congratulations are extended to all finalists, highly commended participants, and award winners for their inspiring contributions.
• Supported Australia’s contribution to an IARSLCE Global Service-Learning and Community Engagement Research Agenda

I am deeply grateful to our Board, our members, and our Business Manager Karen Daley for their dedication and passion. Together, we have amplified the voice of university engagement and strengthened our collective impact.

As the holiday season approaches, I hope it brings peace, happiness, and renewed connections to all. I look forward to continuing our collaborative work in 2026, building upon this year’s momentum and approaching future opportunities with optimism and determination.

On behalf of Engagement Australia, Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and for those who don’t, have a relaxing and happy holiday break.

Professor the Hon. Verity Firth AM
Chair, Engagement Australia