Speakers and Facilitators
The Australian Social Cohesion Summit 2026 brings together some of Australia's and the world's leading voices on
social cohesion, belonging, identity and community.
Our keynote speakers are recognised for their contributions to research, public policy and public debate.
They will share insights, challenge perspectives and explore the ideas shaping the future of Australia's social fabric.
The summit program will also feature invited speakers, panellists, interactive discussions and presentations from
leading researchers and practitioners.
We are delighted to announce our keynote speakers.
KEYNOTE PRESENTERS
David Marr
Journalist, Author & Radio Host
David Marr, a journalist for 50 years, began reporting on the work of the Scanlon Institute at The Guardian a decade ago and has since drawn on its reports in his books and on the radio. His books include a biography of the Nobel laureate Patrick White and Killing for Country, A Family Story, written after the grim discovery that his great-great-grandfather served with the Queensland Native Police. Most recently he has published a new edition of his stories, essays and speeches, My Country. These days, he presents Late Night Live on ABC Radio National.
Dr Leong Chan-Hoong is Senior Fellow and Head of the Social Cohesion Research Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. An internationally recognised researcher, his work focuses on social cohesion, diversity and inclusion, intercultural relations, and national identity.
He serves on a number of international academic and professional bodies, including the International Academy for Intercultural Research and the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) Asia Pacific Council. His research on intercultural relations and acculturation has been recognised internationally, with bibliometric analysis identifying him as one of the field's most influential scholars.
Beyond academia, Dr Leong has advised government agencies and organisations on issues relating to integration, community relations and social cohesion.
Dr. Leong Chan-Hoong
Nanyang Technological University Singapore
SPEAKERS & FACILITATORS
Trish has more than two decades of experience conducting qualitative research on social cohesion, migration, belonging and community, in Australia and internationally. She specialises in exploring the lived experiences behind the data, helping policymakers, researchers and communities better understand the factors that shape social cohesion.
At the Institute, Trish leads major qualitative and mixed methods research, including the Department of Home Affairs' Multiculturalism in Focus study (2025, 2026), Refugee Experiences in Australia study (2023 and 2025) and Mapping Social Cohesion qualitative study (2022-2024, 2026). Her work has informed government policy, contributed to public debate and advanced national conversations on belonging, identity and social cohesion.
Before joining the Institute in 2020, Trish worked across the government, academic, corporate and not for profit sectors in Australia and overseas, including in Egypt and Switzerland. She holds degrees in Education and Law and has published widely on social cohesion, interfaith relations and human rights.
Trish Prentice
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute
Dr James O’Donnell is a Demographer at the Australian National University with a research focus on social cohesion and wellbeing and their longitudinal and life course relationships with migration, population dynamics and social and economic inequalities. James is the lead investigator of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s Mapping Social Cohesion study, Australia’s pre-eminent and longest-running survey of attitudes, perceptions and behaviours related to social cohesion, immigration and a range of topical issues.
He is also an early career research fellow of the Australian Research Council, funded to study how cohesion and wellbeing are changing over time and in response to personal and societal upheaval.
James was awarded a PhD in Demography in December 2019. This research was focused on measuring and understanding the patterns, prevalence and dynamics of different types of housing and homelessness.
Dr James O’Donnell
School of Demography, Australian National University
Dr John van Kooy is a researcher and policy analyst with 20 years of international experience in academia, government, and community organisations. He has held positions with World Vision International, Monash University, Welcoming Australia, and the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
His PhD, awarded in 2022, focused on the neighbourhood conditions for refugee resettlement in Australia. He has published numerous reports and articles on the settlement, integration, and inclusion of migrants and refugees.
In his current role as Senior Manager, Social Research with the Scanlon Institute, he leads strategic projects drawing on the Institute’s data assets and community connections.
Dr John van Kooy
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute
.jpg)
Dr Abul Rizvi PSM
Australian Immigration and Population Policy Expert and independent media commentator
Abul Rizvi is a leading Australian immigration and population policy expert, with qualifications in economics, accounting and public policy from ANU and a PhD in immigration and population policy from the University of Melbourne.
From 1998, he managed major growth in overseas students, skilled temporary migration, visitors and working holiday makers, including pathways to permanent migration.
Between 1996 and 2006, Rizvi chaired the Commonwealth/State Working Party on State-Specific and Regional Migration, giving state and territory governments a greater role in immigration policy.
He contributed to research on the demographic, economic and budgetary impacts of immigration used in the 2002 and 2007 Intergenerational Reports.
From 2005, he was Deputy Secretary responsible for immigration, humanitarian, citizenship and settlement policy.
Rizvi received the Public Service Medal and Centenary Medal for services to Australian immigration policy.
He is a frequent media commentator on population and immigration, author of Population Shock, a National Press Club speaker, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW.
He was also invited to participate in the 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit.
.jpg)
Cr Mohamed Semra was first elected to Council in 2024, having built a strong reputation as a human rights advocate and social entrepreneur dedicated to building the leadership capacity of young people across Melbourne's west. He was elected Mayor in November 2025; the first person of Sub-Saharan heritage to hold that title in Australia.
A Maidstone resident since early childhood, Mohamed is the Founder and CEO of Endeavour Youth Australia and embodies the organisation's aim to diversify the next generation of Australian leaders. He is also Chair of Melbourne Sudanese Youth, a Victorian African Communities Committee board member, and a Humanitarian Affairs Asia peace advocate.
His previous advocacy roles include his membership of the Maribyrnong Youth Advisory Committee.
In 2021, he received the Liberty Victoria Young Voltaire Human Rights Award and the Maribyrnong City Council Youth Leadership Award. In 2023, he received a nomination for Young Australian of the Year and in 2025 he was named Young Victorian of the Year.
Mohamed aims to build cultural diversity and youth representation in political leadership and improve community participation in local government decision-making.
His favourite things about Maribyrnong are its people, community connectedness, parks, and the vibrancy of our small businesses.
Cr Mohamed Semra
Mayor, Maribyrnong City Council
Dr Rouven Link is a social researcher with expertise in migration and multiculturalism. He is currently working as Research Manager - Data and Analytics at the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute.
Prior to joining the Institute, he completed his PhD at Deakin University in 2023.
In current and previous roles at Deakin University, he has been involved in research projects on hate crime, hate speech and hate incidents, including a mapping of international approaches to defining and measuring these and related phenomena.
Dr Rouven Link
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute
.jpg)
Phoebe is a quantitative social researcher with expertise in survey analysis, applied policy research and evidence-based reporting. As Research Analyst at the Scanlon Institute, she leads day-to-day quantitative research delivery, including data collection, analysis, synthesis and drafting of technical outputs. She has strong experience working with nationally representative datasets, including the Mapping Social Cohesion survey.
Prior to joining the Scanlon Institute in 2024, Phoebe previously worked as a Statistical Analyst at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, where she worked in both the Census and Financial Statistics divisions.
Phoebe Johnston
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute
.jpg)
Asma Zulfiqar is a social researcher with a particular focus on social policy, gender, migration, employment, education, and community inclusion.
Asma has extensive experience in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research, contributing to evaluations and policy-focused projects commissioned by government agencies and research institutions.
She has worked on projects focussed on refugee settlement, out-of-home-care children and
young people, public health, care work, and social inclusion initiatives, and has published in leading international journals.
Dr Asma Zulfiqar
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute
FISHBOWL FACILITATORS & GUESTS
Fishbowl 1: Identity
Facilitators:
Vivienne Nguyen AM
Strategic leader in Government,
Multicultural Affairs, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Vivienne is a former non-executive Director of State Trustees Limited and former Chair at the Victorian Multicultural Commission. She is an established business executive and community leader, having previously held roles as Head of Risk Margin Lending and Group Head of Diversity at the ANZ Banking Group, President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia’s Victorian Chapter and non-executive director at City West Water.
Along with her corporate career, Viv is a tireless advocate for grassroots representation, in civic engagement and participation.
Viv became a member of the Order of Australia for significant service to Victoria’s multicultural communities, Victorian Women’s Honour Roll and a member of the Chief Executive Women.
Rachael Scotland
Rachael Scotland is a senior program and partnerships leader with more than 10 years’ experience delivering community development, social cohesion and violence prevention initiatives in Australia and internationally.
She has worked across philanthropy, community organisations and government, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, supporting culturally diverse communities and developing initiatives that create positive social impact.
Rachael brings extensive experience in community engagement, program design and cross-sector collaboration, and is particularly interested in the intersection of community development, systems change and social impact.
Guests:
Eva Hussain JP
Polaron Connect
Eva is a prominent expert in language services and community engagement. She founded Polaron and plays an active role in the company's global development. Eva is a certified practising translator and interpreter, as well as an examiner and a member of NAATI’s Regional Advisory Council. She is a member of various networks and boards, including the Victorian Refugee Health Network, the Industry Advisory Committee of the Deakin Centre for Refugee Employment, Advocacy, Training and Education, and the Association of Polish Jews.
A winner of several business and equity awards, Eva was appointed Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Austria in Victoria in March 2022. Over the years, Eva has made a tremendous voluntary contribution to the translation and interpreting industry, various community initiatives and the Polish and Jewish community globally. Her lived experience as a refugee from Poland fuels her passion for community work and bridge building.
Teng Si
Social Cohesion Research Programme (SCRP),
S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Ms Lam Teng Si is an Associate Research Fellow with the Social Cohesion Research Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She uses quantitative methods, including surveys and social media data, to study intergroup relations and social cohesion, and contributed to the second Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar, which assesses social cohesion across ten ASEAN countries.
Her research interests include citizenship, national identity and immigration attitudes. She holds a Research Master’s in Social and Behavioural Sciences from Tilburg University and a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sociology from the National University of Singapore.
Sherene Hassan served as vice president and board member of the Islamic Council of Victoria for eight years.
In 2007, The Age selected Sherene as one of Melbourne’s 100 Most Influential people.
In 2016, Sherene was selected as 'Muslim Woman of the Year' at the Australian Muslim Achievement Awards (AMAA).
She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2018.
Sherene Hassan OAM
Islamic Museum of Australia
Documenter:
Dr Laura Gobey
Dr Laura Gobey is a social researcher with a PhD in Sociology and Social Policy. She has expertise in qualitative research, knowledge translation, and project management.
She has worked in the areas of youth, migration, social policy, and child and family wellbeing in higher education, as well as the public and private sectors.
Fishbowl 2: Values
Facilitators:
Hiranthi Parera
Community Hubs Australia
Hiranthi is Chief Operating Officer at Community Hubs Australia, leading a national school-based hub program across around 100 schools and 15 support agencies.
With 18+ years in the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors, she partners with funders, communities and leaders to co-design programs that build equity, inclusion and belonging.
A trusted community connector, Hiranthi builds relationships across cultures and levels, translating strategy into lasting impact for local communities — ensuring initiatives don't just happen, but grow and thrive.
Tigist Kebede
Pola Practice
Tigist (She/Her) is an Ethiopian who was born in Sudan and came to Australia as a child under the humanitarian program. She trained as a Counselor and has experience working in the public and private sector, including advisory roles in various levels of government. Tigist has strong grassroots connections with diverse communities, with expertise in workforce development and consulting.
​
In 2018, “Pola Psychology” was founded by Nasalifya Namwinga, Tigist Kebede joined in 2019 and together they established Pola Practice Pty Ltd in 2021.
​
Tigist Kebede employs trauma-informed and intersectional frameworks in her practice and advocacy. She specialises in working with adults with a particular interest in culturally responsive clinical practice. Tigist has experience working forensic, non-profit and health sectors. She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence and refugee trauma. Tigist uses a variety of therapy approaches, including Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Person Centred Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Attachment theory. Through collaborative discussion and an understanding of her client’s needs, she provides inclusive and responsive care to people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Nasalifya Namwinga
Pola Practice
Nasalifya Namwinga (She/Her) is a Zambian woman raised in Swansea, Wales, UK, and (kirikiriroa/Hamilton) New Zealand, and now resides in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia). Her migration journey and lived experience of mental ill health inspired her to pursue a mission to create spaces where those marginalised could access world-class mental health and wellbeing services. In 2018, she founded Pola Psychology (now Pola Practice).
​
Nasalifya provides consultation with a specialisation in culturally responsive mental health service delivery and executive coaching from an intersectional perspective, and is pursuing a PhD examining the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies such as AI and digital mental health technologies in delivering culturally responsive care at the University of Melbourne in partnership with CSIRO Data61. She serves on boards for arts and health organisations and has a keen interest in the intersection between art and well-being.
Julianne Gardiner
Community Hubs Australia
Jules is Head of Program at Community Hubs Australia, responsible for overseeing the National Community Hubs Program and leading plans for expansion of the program into new regions.
With more than 20 years working in the not-for-profit sector in support, facilitation and management roles, Jules is passionate about working with organisations that listen to communities and provide them with the opportunities and support they need.
Jules holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics and has a background in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Guests:
Wei Li Won
Swinburne Edge
Wei Li is a senior strategic engagement and partnerships professional at Swinburne University of Technology, with experience across higher education, workforce development and international collaboration. She has connected leaders across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia to foster innovation and opportunity.
Recently, she helped establish Australia's first tertiary education partnership in Qatar, expanding access to Australian higher education.
Drawing on professional and lived cross-cultural experience, she brings insight into identity, belonging and social cohesion, grounded in a belief in shared values, curiosity and human connection.
Padmini Sebastian OAM
University of Melbourne
Padmini is Director, Engagement and Partnerships, collaborating with cross-sector and multi-disciplinary partners to collectively address place-based challenges and opportunities that benefit our communities. She is part of a global network advancing engagement and partnership practice.
Padmini’s career spans higher education, museums, and the performing arts, with a focus on building inclusive partnerships that enable joined-up actions that make a tangible difference to society.
She helped establish and lead the Immigration Museum in Melbourne. She contributes to not-for-profit boards and organisations and is involved in the Melbourne Awards, Arts House and Australian Print Workshop.
Padmini is a 2000 Churchill Fellow and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to multiculturalism and the community.
Helen has over 40 years of experience in a broad range of roles across the youth, education, community and local government sectors.
Helen has had the privilege of working alongside communities to strengthen community leadership and deepen democratic participation. Together with many inspiring community members, Helen has delivered more than 60 community leadership programs, supported over 1,000 emerging community leaders and supported them to deliver more than 500 community-designed and led initiatives.
Helen’s work has always been grounded in ethical, compassionate practice, with a strong focus on participation, wellbeing and social justice. Helen works with diverse communities across metropolitan Melbourne, rural and growth areas, particularly at the intersections of class, gender, culture, age and ability.
Helen is passionate about participatory community development and about supporting the next generation of practitioners to become thoughtful, skilled and effective community leaders and active citizens.
Helen Rodd
Hot House Community Projects & Hot
House Living Lab Inc
With more than 20 years of experience in the education sector, Olga specialises in training, assessment, and skills recognition. She currently leads a suite of trade skills recognition programs at VETASSESS, ensuring high standards of quality, compliance, and operational excellence across government-funded initiatives.
Olga has extensive stakeholder engagement experience, working closely with industry, government agencies, and education providers. She is passionate about improving skills recognition pathways for migrants and refugees, helping individuals translate their qualifications and experience into meaningful employment outcomes while supporting Australia's workforce, productivity, and long-term economic needs.
Olga Iakovleva
VETASSESS
Documenters:
Dr Laura Gobey
Dr Asma Zulfiqar
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute
Fishbowl 3: Australia 2046
Facilitators:
Liz Gillies
Menzies Leadership Foundation
Liz Gillies has more than 25 years’ experience working across the corporate, philanthropic, community and academic sectors, with a strong focus on social impact. She was appointed CEO of the Menzies Leadership Foundation in 2018, where she leads work to strengthen leadership capability and support Australians to contribute to the greater good.
Previously, Liz was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre and Centre for Ethical Leadership at Melbourne Business School, and led research into strategic philanthropy. She has extensive governance experience and is currently a Director of Maganda Makers Pty Ltd and the Erdi Foundation.
Zoé Freeman
Zoé Freeman is a leader with 25 years of experience driving growth at the intersection of technology and people. Combining technical expertise with business acumen, she has delivered digital transformation across the financial, government, and consumer industries. Her career spans from founding and successfully exiting her own boutique digital agency to serving as an Alliance and Partnerships Director in enterprise technology consulting. A businesswoman, political nerd, and technologist in one, she is passionate about bringing people together to solve complex challenges.
Guests:
Shehelah Dassenaike
YLab
Shehelah is a Colombo-born facilitator, evaluator and co-creation enthusiast (and former Victorian Youth Premier) raised on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. With a background in gender studies and public health, her practice is grounded in community-centred, intersectional feminist and anti-oppressive frameworks.
Shehelah has built a values-driven portfolio working across several areas of impact - including domestic and family violence, youth affairs, mental health and suicide prevention. In her spare time, she loves to read, cook and host crafternoons. As Project Lead at YLab, she works alongside other young people to shape more hopeful and equitable systems, services and futures that we can all be proud of.
Kathryn Priestly
Sunday Insights and Ask Colin
Kathryn Priestly is a qualitative researcher with more than 20 years in research. She has extensive experience in connecting with audiences across Australia and working with multicultural communities and young people, helping government and organisations hear directly from the people their decisions affect.
She runs Sunday Insights, a research consultancy, and founded Ask Colin, a platform where people have the option of responding by recording short video or audio, built to make community consultation more accessible and affordable.
Charlotte Du Rie
Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership
Charlotte is a Naarm-based brand and marketing strategist who got into this field to lift up the good work of others and amplify voices that aren't always heard. Her specialty is seeing the whole picture, focusing on what matters most and turning it into intentional work that cuts through the crowded landscape we share.
​
From her early days agency-side, she moved into the world of university incubators, with senior marketing and communications roles at Flinders University's New Venture Institute and RMIT's Activator. Now, as Marketing and Communications Manager at Cranlana, she works with leaders from across Australia to answer questions like: What do I stand for? How do I lead change through ethical practice?
​
A Marketing and Media degree from Adelaide University and an international marketing diploma from France Business School sit alongside accreditations in ethical leadership, semiotics and design. She stays true to her activist roots through pro bono work and volunteering as much as possible.
Documenters:
Emma Walker is the Executive Operations Manager at the Scanlon Foundation, where she works closely with the CEO, Chair, Boards and Family. She keeps things organised behind the scenes, giving leaders the space to focus on strategy and the bigger picture. Emma joined the Foundation in 2024.
With extensive experience in executive support, Emma is known for being calm, organised and practical. Her role covers complex priorities, governance, Board and committee operations, and key initiatives across the organisation.
Emma Walker
Scanlon Foundation
Maia Nelson is the Program and Operations Coordinator at Community Hubs Australia, supporting the delivery of the National Community Hubs Program, working closely with government stakeholders and the hub's network as part of this. Having joined the team in 2022 as Program Officer, Maia brings a background in medical practice management and administration, along with qualifications in Public Health and Global Studies, and a strong understanding of health systems, community wellbeing and inclusion.
Maia Nelson
Community Hubs Australia
%20(6).png)