2024 Excellence Award Winner

Hosting the 2024 Gender and Education Association (GEA) International Conference

Emma McMahon, Adam Ward, Deanne Tilden, Michelle Egan, Janelle Bateman, Hector Rodriguez Valdes, Emmaline Lear, Monique Shephard, Bev Pigott, Emma Brown, Eric Donald-Kerr, Kate McMullen, Anne-Maree Hill, Brian Sengstock, Jennifer Podesta, Fredrik Velander, Kasey Garrison, Claudio Dionigi, Simone Markham, Larissa Churchill, Vicky Frank, Jeanette Cranney, Damian Moloney, Dave Neil, Danielle Hickey, Kate Wood-Foye, Paras Meates, Carli Baker, Patrick McKenzie, Holly Randell-Moon, Josua Haasbroek, Rachel Walls, Jessica Lewis, Anna Du Chesne, Jacquie Tinkler, Cate Thomas

- Hosting the 2024 Gender and Education Association (GEA) international conference

What is the nomination for?

This Award is for the transformative impact of hosting the 2024 Gender and Education Association (GEA) international conference at Charles Sturt University. Our team of 36 staff members collaborated across disciplines to deliver an international conference that embodied social responsibility and advanced global equity in education. This contribution to social and economic wealth was amplified through the thematic alignment of the conference itself – ‘be the change’; drawing people and ideas from around the world to a regional campus on Birpai country.

The award recognises the exceptional and over-and-above work involved in developing and coordinating this conference, and for the high-impact the conference delivered for the University on political and societal critical topics and issues. The impact of the conference was significant locally and internationally, including a significant ‘ripple effect’ globally as a direct result of the GEA conference. This further supports both Charles Sturt University, but also employers and organisations represented at the GEA conference, in meeting various United Nations and Human Rights goals and priorities relating to sustainability, gender equity, economic development and violence against women.

The conference featured over 120 in person delegates from countries including China, South Africa, UK, Afghanistan, and Sweden, along with 10 world-class keynote speakers. Offering 81 diverse presentations, pre-conference workshops for HDR / ECR, and facilitated crucial discussions on dismantling systemic gender barriers in education. The team's commitment to inclusivity showcased Charles Sturt's leadership in diversity and inclusion, fostering lasting partnerships and initiatives to drive ongoing positive change.

Why is this Excellence Award worthy?

The team's work had significant social responsibility impacts, inlcuding:

Advanced action on gender equity and inclusivity in education globally, aligning with UN SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality);
Created a platform for diverse voices, including from underrepresented regions and backgrounds;
Elevated First Nations voices through keynotes of Birpai Elder Dr. Aunty Rhonda Radley & Professor Corrinne MacMillan (MAICD);
Established new partnerships, including the SAGE Publishing DEI Annual Scholarship, promoting ongoing access to education;
Invested in the local economy;
Modelled best practices in conference accessibility and inclusivity, including environment design and social services;
Generated ongoing delegate engagement, fostering a global community of practice;
Positioned Charles Sturt as a leader in gender equity and inclusive education;
Facilitated special editions of key disciplinary journals, extending impact and reach;
This conference delivered real, impactful benefits for our community, embodying our commitment to social responsibility and was widely shared in professional and community forums.