Key Takeaways from the Engagement Australia Conference 2026

Engagement Australia Conference, July 2026

Having spent much of my career working in university engagement in the UK, it was genuinely encouraging to attend Engagement Australia 2026 at the University of Melbourne and hear conversations that felt both familiar and increasingly urgent. What stood out most was the level of senior leadership engagement in the discussion. Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Pro Vice-Chancellors and sector leaders were not treating community engagement as a secondary activity, but as central to the purpose and future of universities. 

One of my key highlights was hearing Professor Barney Glover AO, now Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), discuss mission-based compacts and the role universities will play in delivering national priorities. The deliberate focus on "mission" was particularly pertinent. The message was clear: universities need the autonomy and academic freedom to respond to the needs of their communities, while also being accountable for delivering meaningful outcomes in participation, equity and skills development. 

Across the conference, a consistent theme emerged: universities are at their best when they see themselves as part of communities, not separate from them. I was struck by comments that universities can sometimes resemble gated communities, when in reality they should be open, porous institutions that blend seamlessly into the places they serve. This is a conversation that has gained momentum in the UK over recent years, and it was encouraging to see Australian institutions grappling with the same challenge and opportunity. 

The practical examples shared by universities were equally impressive. From UTS embedding community engagement into promotion frameworks and work plans, to investment in staff volunteering and matched community grants, there was a strong recognition that engagement only becomes sustainable when it is valued, rewarded and resourced. Good intentions alone are not enough. Institutions need structures that make engagement part of everyday university life. 

The First Nations voices session was another important reminder that meaningful engagement starts with listening. Discussions about cultural safety, inclusion and the ongoing impact of systemic barriers reinforced that universities still have work to do. However, they also highlighted the expertise, leadership and knowledge that First Nations communities have been contributing to universities for decades, often without sufficient recognition. 

Day two focused heavily on trust, social cohesion and the social purpose of universities. Several speakers challenged the sector to consider its role in an increasingly polarised world. Universities cannot solve every societal problem, but they remain one of the few places where people from different backgrounds, generations and perspectives come together to learn, debate and build understanding. At a time when trust in institutions is under pressure, that role feels more important than ever. 

I really enjoyed the discussion around access and participation. Whether through mature-age pathways, stronger links between vocational and higher education, or support for first-in-family students, there was a shared belief that universities remain one of society's most effective engines for social mobility. As Bill Shorten noted, diversity and merit are not competing ideas. Expanding access to education strengthens both individuals and communities. 

As a sponsor of the conference through Beaumont People, it was also fantastic to contribute to these conversations and share insights from our  Lead Mentoring program. I left Melbourne optimistic. The challenges facing higher education are significant, but so is the commitment of the people leading the sector. The strongest message I took away was this: universities create the most value when they are deeply connected to their communities, confident in their social purpose, and willing to work together to deliver educational opportunity for all. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend and the work Engagement Australia is doing to bring hundreds of people together in a shared vision. 

Article written by:
Katie Badman

Senior Recruitment Consultant, Beaumont People Education Team