Thinking Systemically, Acting Locally: Building Welcome Through Connection and Change

Last week in Adelaide, May 20-21, Welcoming Australia marked 15 years of welcome at the Welcoming Australia Symposium.

The theme of the symposium was Think Systemically, Act Locally. Welcoming Cities, Clubs, Workplaces and Universities gathered under one roof to foster connections between sectors, identify gaps and opportunities, and share stories of success. Over 250 people attended and more joined via live stream and watch parties. Among numerous inspiring speakers were several of particular interest to the higher education sector. 

We heard about the inspiring work of Professor Kathomi Gatwiri from Flinders University on her Racial Dignity Framework and learned the incredible impact of micro-experiences that reinforce people’s dignity and worth. 

George Osborne, Manager Economic Development, Hume City Council spoke about the council’s collaborative initiative to bring tertiary education and training to Melbourne’s north through the Hume Multiversity.

Feifei Liao, Founder & Executive Director of Our Point 3 reminded us to approach human connections with curiosity, reflecting on work creating spaces of meaningful welcome for LGBTQIA+ international students.

The symposium also saw the launch of Stories of Welcome Vol. 7, which featured stories from councils, communities, and organisations creating meaningful inclusion through systems change and human centred approaches. 

Featured stories include University of Melbourne’s Campus Canteen, providing affordable meals and an opportunity to connect with others, and University of the Sunshine Coast’s Pasifika Mentorship Program, supporting tertiary pathways for Māori and Pasifika year 12 students.