Change-Makers Honoured at Adelaide Symposium

Community leaders, local governments, and organisations across Australia gathered in Adelaide on 19th May for the Welcoming Australia Symposium. This event celebrated outstanding efforts in fostering inclusive communities nationwide. The Hon Hieu Van Le AC presented the prestigious Welcoming Cities Awards for Change and the Welcoming Australia Medal.

Greater Bendigo excelled in the Local Government category by redesigning council systems to improve multicultural accessibility. They introduced multilingual resources, simplified communications, and diversified grants panels, enhancing participation for diverse community members.

Meanwhile, in Melbourne’s north, the Hume Central Dallas Basketball Club was recognised for creating affordable and inclusive sports pathways. The club impressively grew to 22 teams, with 87 per cent of participants experiencing organised sport for the first time.

At Waverley Council, Madly Bodin achieved the Individual award by embedding diversity and inclusion into everyday council practices. Her impactful initiatives, including Perfect Strangers and Culture Waves, significantly promoted community connection and participation.

Notable Medal Recipients

Sarah Scarce and Nader Ibrahim received the 2026 Welcoming Australia Medal. Scarce’s Aqua English Project successfully taught swimming to over 44,000 people from 44 different cultural backgrounds. Ibrahim’s Football Life programme brought together more than 200 young people from diverse communities in Adelaide.

The 2026 Welcoming Cities Awards for Change, now in its fifth year, highlight practical and community-led approaches that enhance participation, belonging, and social cohesion. These awards, presented by long-time supporter Hon Hieu Van Le, underscore the significance of inclusivity efforts across Australia.

During the Welcoming Australia Symposium’s opening reception, attendees were inspired by a stirring Welcome to Country delivered by Jack Buckskin and Kuma Kaaru. Following this, Hon Hieu Van Le’s address marked the 15-year anniversary of Welcoming Australia’s commitment to social cohesion and inclusivity. The evening celebrated the efforts of local governments, organisations, and community leaders in building more inclusive and connected communities. The ceremony also highlighted the importance of recognising practical solutions that foster social cohesion and belonging.