The first face-to-face English Australia 2023 Annual Conference held in three years from 30 August- 1 September was a fantastic way to celebrate the Association’s 40th anniversary. The event spanned three days, with the first day being devoted to pre-conference workshops. On the second day, attendees were treated to a wonderful Opening Address from the Hon Patricia Forsyth AM on behalf of Study NSW, and a highly engaging Opening Keynote from the multi-award-winning speaker, Michael McQueen.
Friday brought an engaging and thought-provoking Opening Plenary delivered by Mina Patel on the British Council’s ‘Future of English: Global Perspectives’ research. Delegates also enjoyed fantastic Closing Plenaries by Mike Mayor on building confidence for students learning English and Professor Kate Burridge, who delved into the ever-changing English language.
Highlight sessions included an update from the Department of Education on ESOS reforms, a ‘Celebrating 40 years of English Australia Panel Discussion’ featuring some iconic heroes from the ELICOS sector’s past and present, an insightful session from Marie Hill, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) on the performance of the ELICOS sectors and market opportunities, and several sessions discussing AI and how to harness it for the benefit of the ELICOS classroom.
Colleagues celebrated in style at the ‘Touch of Ruby’ conference Gala dinner where two deserving individuals who had dedicated much of their careers to the sector, Helen Zimmerman and Marc Weedon-Newstead, were awarded The English Australia Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding service to the ELICOS industry.
The Koala thanks Kerry Corben and Sophie O’Keefe from English Australia for their contributions.
