Community in Action:
UnitingCare Australia’s inaugural National Conference bringing together leaders, policymakers and community voices to shape a more just and inclusive future.
1–2 September 2026 | Adelaide, SA
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Hosted by
Supported by
500+ National attendees expected
A Welcome from Tamara Thomas
National Director
It is my pleasure to welcome you to UnitingCare Australia’s inaugural National Conference, taking place on 1–2 September 2026 in the wonderful city of Adelaide.
This Conference comes at a pivotal moment for our network. Across the country, UnitingCare network organisations are responding to growing complexity in our communities with compassion, courage and innovation. Over two days, we will come together as a national network to share insights, challenge ourselves, and strengthen our collective impact.
Our National Conference will feature acclaimed keynote speakers, federal ministers, sector leaders and community voices, all focused on one shared ambition: delivering meaningful, lasting change for the people and communities we serve. I look forward to welcoming you and working together to weave just and inclusive futures.
Tamara Thomas
National Director, UnitingCare Australia
About the Conference
The theme of our inaugural National Conference reflects who we are and how we work. Community in Action speaks to our shared commitment to practical impact, while Weaving Just & Inclusive Futures acknowledges the relationships, partnerships and systems change required to achieve lasting social justice.
Key Topics & Themes
The Network presentations will centre on the conference theme and align with the three focus areas:
- Innovation
- Engagement
- Leadership
Our presenters from network organisations will explore these themes by showcasing initiatives, programs, case-studies, and lived-experience insights from the communities they serve.
What to Expect
Inspiring leadership
- Acclaimed keynote speakers (Stan Grant, former Journalist, First Nations advocate (TBC), Reverend Charissa Suli, President of Uniting Church)
- Welcome to Country by Allen Edwards, Uniting Church SA
- Federal ministers and senior policymakers
- Sector and community thought leaders (Cassandra Winzar, Chief Economist, CEDA)
What to Expect
Practical Impact
- Case studies from across the UnitingCare network
- Program insights and priorities
- Tools, ideas and partnerships you can take back to your organisation
Overview
+4 new
23 Studies
16 Key Events
5 General
2 External
What to Expect
Connection & collaboration
- Time to connect with colleagues from across Australia
- Opportunities to shape our shared advocacy agenda
- Space for reflection, dialogue and collective action
We Are Stronger Together
“UnitingCare Australia has made an extraordinary contribution to the social fabric of Australia, making us a happier, more connected nation.”
Sophia Reynolds
Head of Operations at Brightwave
“UnitingCare Australia has made an extraordinary contribution to the social fabric of Australia, making us a happier, more connected nation.”
Marcus Bennett
Director of Marketing
“UnitingCare Australia has made an extraordinary contribution to the social fabric of Australia, making us a happier, more connected nation.”
Christopher Johnson
Team Lead, Horizon
“UnitingCare Australia has made an extraordinary contribution to the social fabric of Australia, making us a happier, more connected nation.”
Ethan Ramirez
Director of IT
Everything you need to know
… for now
When will tickets go on sale?
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When will speakers be announced?
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Will the event be streamed online?
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Can I sponsor or exhibit?
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How do I stay updated?
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Expression of Interest (EOI)