22 Jul Engagement Australia Conference 2025: Transformational Partnerships: Creating Lasting Impact
When: 22-23 July 2025
Where: The University of Queensland, St Lucia – Advanced Engineering Building
Full Conference Registration
Early Bird Rate: Members $590 | Non-Members: $790 – Get in quick… Early Bird ends 3rd June 2025!
Standard Rate: Members $790 | Non-Members: $990
Day 1 Rate: Members $380 | Non-Members $460 | Students $70
Day 2 Rate: Members $365 | Non-Members $445 | Students $70
*Members rate also applies for Community based organisation and NFP
How can universities, government, philanthropy and community work together to drive economic and social development whilst ensuring environmental sustainability? The Transformational Partnerships: Creating Lasting Impact conference brings together thought leaders, changemakers, and practitioners to explore the evolving role of universities in empowering communities, shaping public trust, and fostering meaningful change.
What to Expect:
Keynotes from sector leaders on the future of social license, community-connected universities, and the impact of geopolitics on local engagement.
Deep dives into emerging funding models that incentivize community-engaged research and teaching.
Interactive discussions on measuring impact and building partnerships for local action.
Best practice showcases from leading Australian and global community-engaged universities.
Join leaders from across higher education, government, industry, and philanthropy as we navigate the challenges and opportunities shaping engagement today.
Keynote Speaker
Professor Deborah Terry AC
Social Licence and the Importance of Partnering with Communities
To succeed in our mission of delivering for the public good, universities must take an approach that reinforces and demonstrates our core purposes rather than focusing on our achievements and successes. In an era of growing public distrust in institutions, deep and genuine engagement is essential to maintaining our social licence to operate. In this talk, Professor Deborah Terry AC will explore how engagement is crucial to upholding the core values of higher education and is central to the future of the sector.
Professor Deborah Terry AC is a highly experienced leader in the Australian university sector – and an internationally recognised scholar in psychology.
Professor Terry has served as Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland since August 2020. Prior to this, she was Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University in Western Australia, from 2014 to 2020. Professor Terry is also a former Chair of the Board of Universities Australia.
She was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in January 2024 for her eminent service to tertiary education and to the community.
Confirmed Speakers Include:
- Professor Bruce Abernethy AM, Executive Director, 2032 Games Engagement, The University of Queensland
- Tom Bentley, Vice President Strategy and Community Impact RMIT
- Dr Martin Betts, CEO and Co-founder, HEDx
- Professor Glen Coleman, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, University of Southern Queensland
- Georgina Downer, CEO Robert Menzies Institute
- Dr Inez Fainga’a-Manusione, Community Research Fellow, Village Connect and Pathways in Place Griffith University
- Professor The hon. Verity Firth AM, Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement UNSW, Sydney / Director and Chair Engagement Australia
- Professor Ashley Franks, Pro Vice Chancellor Research Capability, La Trobe University and Co-Director of the Mallee Region Innovation Center
- Professor Bronwyn Harch, Vice-President Industry and External Engagement Griffith University / Director Engagement Australia
- Dr Neal Harvey, CEO The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and Ningana Trust
- Professor Paul Iji, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation Fiji National University
- Dr Fiona Johnson, Director Water Research Centre, UNSW Sydney
- Associate Professor Mellita Jones, Australian Catholic University Solomon Island Community Project
- Jennifer Karlson, Vice-President, Advancement and Community Engagement, The University of Queensland
- Jackie Lauff, Co-founder and CEO Sport Matters
- Tipene Merritt, Māori Research Advisor, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
- Professor Thelma Parker, Associate Dean Indigenous Engagement, The University of Queensland
- Alan Patching, Subject Professor Bond University and Professional Consultant in Property Construction and Psychotherapy Social Workplace Health
- Dave Porter, Director Systems Change, Logan Together
- Professor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Pro Vice Chancellor, Student Success Western Sydney University / Director Engagement Australia
- Vanessa Price, Senior Program Manager, Kirby Insitute UNSW Sydney
- Veronica Pritchard, Program Director, The Queensland Commitment, The University of Queensland
- Rev Dr Rex Rigby, Board member Excelsia University College, and a member of the Excelsia University Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. Board of Director Inala Elders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation and Member & Elder Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
- Luke Sheehy, CEO Universities Australia
- Dr Tony Willis, Executive Director, Australian Council of Deans of Science
- Professor Sherman Young, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Vice-President, RMIT
Accommodation Partners
28 Morrow Street, Taringa (4.9km from UQ, Advance Engineering Building)
Stay Period Validity: 21-25 July 2025
Discount: 15% off our Best Available Room Rates
Code: EngagementAustConfUQ
255 Ann Street Brisbane (8.4km from UQ, Advanced Engineering Building)
Stay Period Validity: 21-25 July 2025
Discount: Rates starting from $255 per night
17 George Street Brisbane (9.3km from UQ, Advance Engineering Building)
Stay Period Validity: 21-25 July 2025
Discount: Rates starting from $289 per night
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join us in shaping the future of university-community partnerships at the Engagement Australia Conference 2025, hosted by The University of Queensland. This premier event brings together leaders from academia, government, and industry to explore transformational partnerships that create lasting impact.
As a sponsor, gain exclusive visibility, strategic networking opportunities, and brand recognition among key decision-makers. With tailored sponsorship packages—including Major Sponsor and Panel Session Sponsors—you can align your brand with innovation and collaboration.
Secure your sponsorship today and be part of a conference that drives meaningful change.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, your support helps make this event possible and truly exceptional
