2022 National Social Cohesion and Inclusion Conference Media Page

2022 National Social Cohesion and Inclusion Conference

Channel info

Nonprofits & Activism

Hugh Mackay, Australia, Inclusion, Aleem Ali, Multicultural, Bahai, social cohesion conference, AusBahai, Social Cohesion Conference, australia, australia's social cohesion, bahai, social cohesion, Social Cohesion, inclusion

2022 National Social Cohesion and Inclusion Conference

Conference Opening & Cultural Night

The fourth annual Social Cohesion and Inclusion Conference opened with a Welcome to Country by Yvonne Weldon, a proud Wiradjuri woman and Deputy Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and a presentation of the World Conference Report by Ida Walker, Director of the Public Discourse of the Australian Baha’i Community. Following this was cultural presentations and performances that provided insight into the themes explored and helped lay the foundation of an uplifting environment of fellowship and common purpose. The performances included: Doonooch - Ngarigo Aboriginal Dance Company Manifold- Mt Druitt hip hop group Ruby Katana - South Australian musician Video Chapters: 0:00 - Welcome to Country by Yvonne Weldon 4:35 - Conference Welcome by Vahid Master, Conference MC 6:15 - Presentation of World Conference Report by Ida Walker 15:19 - Doonooch - Ngarigo Aboriginal Dance Company 47:41 - Ruby Katana - South Australian musician 55:32 - Donna Rohani - Poem on Gender Equality 57:57 - Manifold - Mt Druitt hip hop group

Nonprofits & Activism

Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Social Cohesion Conference, Australia, Bahai, AusBahai

Keynote Address by Hugh Mackay AO Kindness - the key to social cohesion

Hugh Mackay AO, Social Researcher and Author provided a keynote speech for the conference, speaking on "Kindness: The key to social cohesion.” He lays out a conception of human nature characterised by interconnectedness and interdependentness and explores how kindness serves as the preeminent quality and an innate expression of this notion of humanity. He further lays out the recent trends that served to undermine this notion and the resultant effects on society. The past few years have provided an opportunity to reassess the trajectory Australian society has been heading. He gives suggestions about how we can make the most of the lessons learned and apply them to address issues challenging social cohesion in Australia.

Nonprofits & Activism

Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Multicultural, Hugh Mackay, Australia, Bahai, AusBahai, Social Cohesion Conference

Audience Question and Answers - Hugh Mackay, Tessa Scrine, Vic Alhadeff & Ida Walker

Audience Q&A with Hugh Mackay, Tessa Scrine and Vic Alhadeff, moderated by Ida Walker, Director of Public Discourse of the Australian Baha’i Community. Together they look at topics that include: conceptions of human nature and its expression in institutions and structures in society; the role of leadership and of the individual in advancing a socially cohesive society; the interplay between free speech and responsibility; the transformation of institutions within faulty and entrenched systems; and what can help to maintain resilience in the face of social forces seeking to foment division.

Nonprofits & Activism

Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Social Cohesion Conference, Australia, Bahai, AusBahai

Vision for social cohesion and the distance traversed in Government, Aleem Ali

Aleem Ali, CEO of Welcoming Australia speaks on the topic of “A vision for social cohesion and the distance traversed in government.” He touches on the history of social cohesion in Australia, noting that concepts of inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism were deeply rooted in Indigenous culture and tradition, acknowledging both the challenges and advancements that have taken place since then. Notable are the current challenges arising between aspirational language and messaging, and the practical changes need to facilitate advancement. He spoke about the role of local government to act as leaders and to respond practically to needs by facilitating harmonious growth within the context of increasing diversity and complexity, drawing on the example of the work done by Welcoming Cities and the City of Greater Bendigo.

Nonprofits & Activism

Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Australia, Aleem Ali, AusBahai, Bahai

Vision for social cohesion and the distance traversed in Media, Vic Alhadeff

Vic Alhadeff, a member of the Board of Directors of SBS speaks on the topic of “A vision for social cohesion and the distance traversed in media.” In his talk, he provides some examples from recent history of where media has led and supported movements for social change. Yet the present media landscape is unique in human history and provides new challenges which we are learning to address. He notes one example of contemporary challenges and explores current responses, and their effectiveness and suggests further steps to be taken.

Nonprofits & Activism

Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Social Cohesion Conference, Australia, Bahai, AusBahai, Multicultural

Vision for social cohesion and the distance traversed in Communities, Tessa Scrine

Tessa Scrine, Member of the Continental Board of Counsellors spoke on the topic of “Vision for social cohesion and the distance traversed in communities.” In her talk, she draws on the experience of the many community-building efforts around the country facilitated by the Australian Baha’i community and friends. She identifies some key qualities and principles that provide the framework that guides these efforts. These reconceptualise notions of the individual, the community and institutions, and their relationship to each other. She also provides a hopeful look at our current place in human history and the processes by which change and transformation advance.

Nonprofits & Activism

social cohesion, bahai, social cohesion conference, australia, australia's social cohesion, inclusion

Summary of small group discussions

Groups share a summary and key insights from their roundtable discussions around the vision for social cohesion in their areas, the experiences and challenges, and suggested ways forwards.

Nonprofits & Activism

Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Australia, Bahai, AusBahai, Multicultural

Keynote Address by Joseph La Posta, CEO Multicultural NSW

Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW speaks on the need for more voices that counter social and ideological forces which foster division and provide new concepts of social cohesion. He explores the context of our global interconnectedness as a human race and how that global diversity also finds expression within our country. Further, he looks at the role state government can play in seeking out and inviting diverse voices to be heard in consultative settings and the value of having those principles and values enshrined within state legislation to facilitate inclusive practices.

Nonprofits & Activism

Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Multicultural, Australia, Bahai, AusBahai, Social Cohesion Conference

Panel - Glimpses of Social Transformation: experiences for organisations and communities of practice

A panel discussion exploring “Glimpses of social transformation,” moderated by Awa Momtazian, acting Director of Media Relations of the Australian Baha’i community and the following panellists: Vic Alhadeff, Keep NSW Safe Campaign Ruha Fifita, Ivi Projects Dr Chrisanthi Giotis, Reimagining the Media Landscape Initiative Hari Remala, Social Cohesion and Transformation in Neighbourhoods The panellist shared their specific experience with efforts that have had socially transformative effects, identifying notable principles and characteristics that served to guide these efforts and some of the challenges and obstacles. They look at experiences of making changes to the legal framework at the state level, creating unifying engagement and harmonising diversity within community artistic endeavours, reconceptualising expectations of media output and its impact on society, and efforts of empowerment and community building within a neighbourhood. Video Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction with Awa Momtazian 5:10 - Vic Alhadeff on the Keep NSW Safe Campaign 14:12 - Dr Chrisanthi Giotis on Reimagining the Media Landscape Initiative 25:40 - Ruha Fifita on Ivi Projects 40:44 - Hari Remala on Social Cohesion and Transformation in Neighbourhoods 50:01 - Audience Q&A

Nonprofits & Activism