I am pleased to have been asked to organise the ‘Advancing Community Cohesion’ Conference. It will be held at The University of Western Sydney Parramatta Campus from 15 July to 17 July 2015 with support of  the Australian Government Department of Social Services, SBS, Department of Immigration, Australian Multicultural Foundation, Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils, the Scanlon Foundation and many others.    This Conference will examine international best practice for dealing with national and local issues regarding social cohesion. It will explore philosophical questions and more pragmatic aspects of community cohesion in diverse societies. The Conference will also examine the key national initiatives in place to advance community cohesion within Australia and will search for new direction.

The Conference will bring together leading decision-makers, thinkers and practitioners in multicultural affairs to discuss and debate key issues and national initiatives in place to advance community cohesion within Australia and search for new directions.  By attending this Conference, participants will be able to: 

• engage and network with key leaders, decision makers, thinkers and practitioners in  

             multicultural affairs;

• establish relationships with key players in this field, including Australian and international

  experts on  social cohesion;

• discuss and debate national and local issues regarding social cohesion, including exploring its philosophical and pragmatic aspects in diverse societies; and

• gain knowledge on possible successes and initiatives aimed at addressing difficulties and  

           challenges in advancing social cohesion.

More than a quarter of all Australians were born overseas, and a further 20 per cent have at least one parent who was born overseas. This is nearly half of the Australian population, reflecting a rich diversity with over 260 languages spoken and more than 270 ancestries identified.  I invite all interested in community cohesion – students and academics alike, as well as members of our diverse civic community, to share your views and to gain insights from their fellow participants.  I look forward to your contribution to the ‘Advancing Community Cohesion’ Conference deliberations and being part of important network that aims to shape Australia’s future. 

See attached conference docs

ACC2015 – Conference Flyer    ACC2015 – Sponsorship Opportunities