Engagement Australia Conference 2026: Universities Engaging All of Us: Committing to Trust, Purpose and Impact

When: 23-24 July 2026

Where: Melbourne Connect, University of Melbourne 700 Swanston Street Carlton VIC

Full Conference Registration

Standard Rate: Members $790 (+GST and Booking Fee) |  Non-Members: $990 (+GST and Booking Fee)

Day Rate: Members $380 (+GST and Booking Fee) | Non-Members $460 (+GST and Booking Fee) | Students $85 (+GST and Booking Fee)

*Members rate also applies for Community based organisation and NFP

In 2026, we’re inviting the sector to lean into a bold, necessary conversation: what does it take for universities to genuinely engage all of us? This year’s theme explores the foundations of trust, the clarity of shared purpose, and the tangible, mutual benefit that emerges when universities work alongside communities, industry, government and students as true partners.

Across two days at Melbourne Connect, we’ll unpack how engagement can rebuild confidence in institutions, strengthen social cohesion, and drive solutions to the complex challenges facing our society. Expect thought‑provoking keynotes, practical sessions, and collaborative spaces that push us beyond rhetoric and into action.

Join us as we reimagine the role of universities in shaping a more connected, equitable and impactful future.

Keynote Conversation

Professor Barney Glover AO

Professor Barney Glover AO began his five-year term as Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) on 1 July 2026.

Prior to his appointment to the ATEC, Professor Glover served as the Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia for two years.

Professor Glover is a distinguished academic leader, an accomplished mathematician and mathematics educator with significant experience in developing strong relationships with the vocational education sector. He is well respected for his engagement with First Nations Australians and disadvantaged communities.

He was Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University for ten years, from 2014-24, and in 2019 was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to tertiary education, professional associations and cultural organisations. In 2015, Professor Glover was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor for his outstanding leadership whilst Vice-Chancellor of Charles Darwin University from 2009 to 2013. Professor Glover was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor and an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Western Sydney University in 2024 in recognition of his decade of leadership.

Professor Glover has served on the boards of a diverse range of corporate organisations and several state and national centres covering areas such as health and medical research, energy, mineral exploration, and telecommunications.

Professor Michael Wesley

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement at the University of Melbourne, Professor Wesley provides leadership across the University, with overall responsibility for strategic guidance and expert advice on external and global engagement, government and corporate affairs, and the University’s cultural estate.

He is also Professor of Politics at the University of Melbourne. His research and writing focuses on Australian foreign policy and the international affairs of Asia and the Pacific. His 2011 book, There Goes the Neighbourhood: Australia and the Rise of Asia won the John Button Prize for best writing on Australian politics and policy; and was shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards. His most recent book is Helpem Fren: Australia and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

Before joining the University of Melbourne, he was Dean of the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. He has also held positions as the Executive Director of the Lowy Institute for International Policy, Director of the Griffith Asia Institute at Griffith University, and Assistant Director-General for Transnational Issues at the Office of National Assessments. He has a PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Queensland.

Professor Wesley has been an Expert Member of the Australian Government’s Council for International Education since 2019; an Australian representative at the ASEAN Regional Forum’s Expert and Eminent Person’s Group since 2018; and was appointed to the Universities Accord Ministerial Reference Group in December 2022. He is chair of the Group of Eight’s Global Engagement Group.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Professor Julie Andrews, Academic Director Indigenous Research, La Trobe University
• Lisa Aitken, Executive Manager, Community Engagement and Impact, Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, University of Technology Sydney and Director Engagement Australia
• Iman Balla, Board Member, Islamic Museum of Australia
• Hon Sally Capp AO, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow and Associate at the Centre for Cities, University of Melbourne and Former Lord Mayor of Melbourne
• Professor Megan Davis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, UNSW Sydney
• Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice Chancellor and President, Griffith University and Vice Chancellor designate University of Melbourne
• Professor The Hon. Verity Firth AM, Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, UNSW and Chair of Engagement Australia
• Katie Ford, Higher Education Industry Executive Microsoft Australia and New Zealand
• Karen Jackson, Executive Director, Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit Victoria University
• Marika Kontellis, Director, Zakumi Consulting, Social Worker, Community Engagement Specialist
• Phil Laufenberg, Pro Vice-Chancellor Artificial Intelligence, La Trobe University
• Professor Renée Leon, Vice-Chancellor, Charles Sturt University
• George Luc, CEO, GivePulse
• Dr Tiriki Onus, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, University of Melbourne
• Dr Matthew Pink, Head ACU Engagement, Australian Catholic University and Deputy Chair Engagement Australia
• Professor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success, Western Sydney University and Director Engagement Australia
• Bec Scott (Scotty) OAM, CEO and Co-Founder of STREAT
• Professor The Hon. Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor, University of Canberra
• Dr Rose Skandari, Field CTO – AI Solutions, Cisco Systems Australia
• Professor Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist, Laureate Fellow & Scientia Professor of AI, UNSW’s AI Institute
• George Yengi, Community Advocate

Speaker Biographies

Call for Papers

Share your engagement successes as a Case Study at Engagement Australia’s 2026 Conference.

Abstracts are invited from university staff, students, industry and community partners on topics including:

• Impactful university–community partnerships, including engagement with community groups, industry, government, or cross‑sector collaborations.
• Evaluation approaches that demonstrate the impact of partnerships.
• Institutional strategies that embed engagement across the university.

Case studies are encouraged to be co‑presented with community partners. Each session is 40 minutes, including 15–20 minutes for Q&A.

• Submissions have now closed for 2026 conference
• Notification: Friday 29 May 2026

Accommodation

Crowne Plaza Carlton
701 Swanston Street, Carlton

The Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel
Cnr Gratton and Drummond Street, Carlton (450m from Venue)

Email Directly to Book: res@travelinn.net.au

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us in shaping the future of university–community partnerships at the Engagement Australia Conference 2026, proudly hosted by The University of Melbourne.

This flagship national event brings together leaders from academia, government, industry and community to explore how transformational partnerships can build trust, strengthen shared purpose and create lasting impact.

As a sponsor, you’ll gain premium visibility, strategic networking access and brand recognition among key decision‑makers driving engagement across the sector. With tailored opportunities—including Major Sponsorship and Panel Session Sponsorship—you can position your organisation at the forefront of innovation, collaboration and sector leadership.

Secure your sponsorship today and align your brand with a conference committed to trust, purpose and impact.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, your support helps make this event possible and truly exceptional

Host Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Conference Supporter