The 2024 English Australia Conference was held in Perth last week and it was a huge success!
Government changes and caps were clearly issues on most attendees’ minds, with day 1 delivering clear calls to action for an ELICOS sector that’s battling with the repercussions of policy change.
The Hon David Templeman, Western Australia’s Minister for Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation; Heritage and Leader of the House, and most importantly, International Education, opened the conference. This was followed by a brave and electrifying keynote address by Rabia Siddique, who spoke about ‘leadership gifts’ in a crisis, and a panel discussion led by CEO Ian Aird on Policy Impacts. Rabia’s keynote reminded us of the power of One, that when ripples come together, they create waves, and that, as many voices in a sector, we have the responsibility to stand up to the government and call out its inconsistencies and lack of care for our students and institutions.
The breakout sessions, a highlight of the conference, were a testament to the diversity and inclusivity of the ELICOS sector. These sessions, which featured the student voice, agent voice, English Australia’s member colleges, government stakeholders, and service providers to the ELICOS sector, provided a platform for all voices to be heard and valued.
Across the conference, there was a strong theme of inclusion and ways in which we strive to make our institutions and workplaces more inclusive environments. Chris Varney from I Can Network delivered a plenary on supporting autistic and other neurodivergent learners. There were sessions on Indigenising curricula, on intercultural competence, and on supporting students to engage with their local community.
At the end of the day, the “real highlight of the event was the energy in the room at all times,” said Sophie O’keefe, English Australia’s Head of Professional Development and conference organizer. “It was a testament to the strength of our sector and the connections that English Australia enables among the people of ELICOS. The collegiality and fighting spirit of our sector shone through like a beacon of hope,” she said.
Aparna Jacob, Director of Studies (Academic English Pathways) at UNSW College and outgoing Board Member, says ‘this year was memorable for many reasons, but perhaps most importantly for the opportunity to gather together as a community, hear from those in the know regarding the changes that will impact all of us in the coming months, draw strength and courage and make plans for the future.’
Ian Aird, CEO of English Australia, said, “What a fabulous few days by the river! Perth was perfect. And the quality of the educational institutions who came, English Australia member colleges, the dedication and talent of their staff, they really shone through. It was inspiring to see business owners and leaders, colleagues and competitors, uniting and committing to work against those in Canberra who are forcing in this job-killing legislative chaos and trying to destroy these great Australian businesses for pure political convenience.”
Perth rolled out the red carpet and shone the event with the gala awards dinner, a theme of sparkles to represent ‘Perth, the city of light,’ held at Fraser’s Restaurant overlooking city.
The finale of the conference was a Study Perth supported cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle with an Indian Ocean sunset bus ride back to Perth city. Rounding off an event that was an important opportunity for our sector to come together and show solidarity and support for one another.
The Koala congratulates English Australia on a fantastic conference .
