

Conference Video Gallery
Conference Video Gallery

The Purpose
The 2026 National Social Cohesion and Inclusion Conference is the sixth in a series of conferences on social cohesion hosted by the Australian Baha’i Community. These conferences aim to be an ongoing space to explore the various settings, approaches, and methods that help to foster greater social cohesion and inclusion in Australia. This conference is an opportunity for those who are thinking deeply about the progress of our country to deliberate, learn, share ideas and reflect on experience.
This years conference themes include:
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Constructive and unifying dialogue
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Extending participation through neighbourhoods and communities
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Redefining relationships across leadership and institutions
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Drawing on the capacities of youth
The conference included thoughtful presentations, inspiring panels and engaging small group discussions with civil society leaders and a diversity of community representatives.

Speakers & Panellists
Mark Groote - Head of the Office of Social Cohesion, Department of Home Affairs
Elfa Moraitakis - CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services
Susan Moylan-Coombs - Director, Gaimaragal Foundation
Aleem Ali - CEO, Welcoming Australia
Dr Rumbi Mabambe - Executive Director, Chain Reaction Foundation
Eva Hussain - Founder and Director of Relationships & Growth, Polaron Connect
Dr Andre Van Eymeren - Author, Community Builder and Educator
Dr Soheila Lew - Program Manager, Refugee Migrant Children Centre
Ronna Guzman - Social Impact Founder, Community Leader & Advocate
Dr. Penny Taylor - Race Relations Researcher
Micheal West - Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
Shephalie Williams - Director of Public Discourse
Mateen Navidi - Project Coordinator, Fred Murray Community Centre
Carmel Maaelopa - Programme Coordinator, Mt. Druitt
Hari Remala - Community Programme Coordinator
Program
8:30am - Registration
9:00am - Introduction and Welcome to Country
9:20am - Session 1
10:30am - Morning Tea
11:00am - Artistic Presentation
11:10am - Session 2
12:30pm - Lunch
1:30pm - Artistic Presentation
1:45pm - Session 3
3:00pm - Afternoon Tea
3:30pm - Session 4
5:00pm - Conference Close
*Each session includes 30-45 minutes of small group discussions

2026 Conference Media
2026 conference videos coming soon. In the meantime,
we invite you to view 2025 conference videos below.
2026 Conference Photos




