Past Events

Scott McDougall is the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner, the position in which he has served in 2018. An acclaimed lawyer and advocate for social justice, he has practiced the law for over 3 decades and advocated on behalf of communities in the areas of discrimination, native title, criminal law, guardianship and coronial inquiries.

Dr.Stan Grant is a leading indigenous voice. A national conversation-setter, he has never shied from the difficult conversations that Australia needs to have. Salaam Institute is delighted to welcome Stan to share his thoughts on the aftermath of Australia’s referendum on the Voice to Parliament.   Dr Stan Grant is a critically acclaimed journalist, writer and radio and television presenter, working in media since the 1990s. He has written and spoken extensively and bravely on Indigenous issues and his Aboriginal identity as a Wiradjuri man.

David Lloyd is Vice Chancellor and President of the University of South Australia. A Dublin-born and educated chemist who specialises in computer-aided drug design, Professor Lloyd has re-focused institutional culture to position the University of South Australia as Australia's university of enterprise and to shape its activities to better meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Professor Lloyd was a member of the South Australia Economic Development Board (EDB) from 2014 to 2018. A past Chair of the Australian Technology Network group of technology-focused universities, he is now Chair of Universities Australia (UA), the peak body representing the university sector, having previously served as UA’s lead Vice-Chancellor: Indigenous and lead Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation.

Universities are an undeniable bedrock of modern civilisation. But in a world that is rapidly evolving and changing, how do we ensure that universities play the role they need to? How can we conceptualise the university as a hub of innovation, independent thinking and leadership in an age that so desperately needs it? Prof. David Lloyd is Vice Chancellor and President of the University of South Australia. He has re-focused institutional culture to position the University of South Australia as Australia's university of enterprise and to shape its activities to better meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Mona Shindy’s is a story of resilience, courage and determination in the face of challenging odds. As a migrant growing up in a country still grappling with the challenges of diversity and inclusion, Mona charted a course to success that few would had dared to dream of.

Becoming a Navy Captain and later a business leader, join us to hear Mona's fascinating story of courage and leadership, which we all need in these challenging times.

About Mona

Captain Mona Shindy, CSC is a retired Naval officer with over 30 years of military and business experience. Drawing upon strong academic credentials and the lessons and skills gained throughout a truly inspiring career, Mona has been a trailblazer in male dominated environments, consistently delivering outstanding organisational outcomes.

The events of the last 8 months have left the world shocked, saddened, and looking for answers.  

After the cataclysmic loss of human life and the erosion of trust on all sides, how can we build a movement for peace, humanity and justice for those affected by one of the most seismic conflicts of our age?  

How can we listen to the voices of those affected to charge a course towards an elusive peace, premised on justice and healing for the people of Gaza? 

Join us for a unique event organised by Salaam Institute (formerly Crescent Institute) to begin a conversation that moves us in an urgently needed direction. 

Our In Conversation event with Leanne Smith, Chief Executive of the Human Rights Commission has been postponed to 2024. 

Once re-scheduled the event promises to be an exceptional opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing human rights journey in Australia and will leave you with invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that lie on the path towards re-empowering human rights in Australia. 

Thank you for your understanding and stay tuned for more updates and a revised date shortly. 

The Hon. Julie Bishop Julia bishop: In Conversation with Sara Tomevska  

We couldn’t have asked for a better audience or a more engaging conversation between the Hon. Julie Bishop MP and SBS federal reporter Sara Tomevska at ANU as they discussed the current state of education in Australia, this was Crescent Institute’s inaugural Canberra event.   

The former Federal Minister for Education and Science was inspiring and insightful as she spoke about her upbringing in the Adelaide Hills, her current role as Chancellor at ANU and the challenges facing our education system, sharing that, “Leaders of the future need a better understanding of Australia’s place in the world.”     

She also reflected on the need for transformation across state schools and tertiary institutions if we are to achieve the kind of equity in education that she believes is not only possible, but vital to our country’s future. This includes rethinking the current ‘one size fits all’ approach to learning in state schools, increasing diversity across the tertiary sector, and acknowledging greater need for scholarships and various forms of support for First Nations students and staff.  

Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia: In conversation with Miriam Silva AM 

The evening with South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas MP at Crescent Institute’s Adelaide revealed his head and heart leadership style and how South Australia will beat every other state to the punch to form its own Voice to Parliament before the Federal Government’s referendum later this year. 

The premier discussed how finding the balance between head and heart leadership is the ultimate goal for many leaders and whether you are the premier of a State, supervising a small team or guiding your family, the ability to integrate your head and heart will influence the success in leading others and navigating our increasingly complex post pandemic world.

It was a wonderful evening with many engaging questions from the audience where the Premier eagerly responded to inquiries about the practical steps and challenges of implementing South Australian initiatives. His candid and insightful responses further highlighted the importance of open dialogue and public engagement in shaping policy decisions. 

The Hon. Dr. Anne Aly MP & Senator Fatima Payman: In conversation with Rachel Pupazzon

It was an appreciative and engaged audience that joined Dr Anne Aly, Senator Fatima Payman, and Rachel Pupazzoni in Perth recently, for a discussion on the global pandemic and the impact it has had on Australia’s young people. 

As the Federal Minister for Youth and Early Childhood Education, Dr Aly spoke about the way the COVID-19 pandemic has tested both the resilience and mental health of young people, as well as the unique challenges the lay ahead as we ensure those in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations are not left behind in the rush towards our ‘new normal’. 

Senator Payman spoke about the impact the current challenges are placing on Australians trying to make ends meet and shared her thoughts on the way those challenges specifically impact women and young people.  

Daniel Besen: In Conversation with Farah Farouque

Investor and philanthropist, Daniel Besen, took to the stage at our recent Melbourne event, where he was joined in conversation by Farah Farouque, senior journalist at The Age and community sector leader.

The discussion was extremely well received by those in attendance as Daniel shared his thoughts on the role creativity, connection, and community play in a developing and maintaining a purpose-driven organisation, as well as some ideas on how to encourage and promote those traits in others.

He also shared the inspiring story of how Collingwood Yards, a public contemporary arts incubator and adaptive reuse project in Melbourne, was born and realised.

Mark Bouris: In Conversation with Catherine Fox

Crescent Institute kicked off its In Conversation series with a successful event in Sydney recently featuring Yellow Brick Road and Wizard Home loans founder, Mark Bouris AM in conversation with journalist and author Catherine Fox AM.

Mark shared some wonderful insights and stories into his early days of growing up in Punchbowl; how his passion for rugby league resulted in a chance meeting with Kerry Packer; and the lucky stroke that saw him seated next to Richard Branson on an airplane.

He also offered his crystal-ball predictions for the Australian economy for the next five years, including his thoughts on interest rates and inflation.

Craig Foster – In Conversation with Hugh Riminton

Craig Foster AM is a prominent advocate for refugee rights and social justice and was recently joined in conversation by ​​award-winning journalist, fellow humanitarian, and Crescent Institute board member, Hugh Riminton at our Sydney event.

Our audience was treated to a wide-ranging discussion between the two on how Australia can better promote multiculturalism, refugee rights and human rights, as well as the ever-increasing importance of diversity in media. 

The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian: In conversation with Antoinette Lattouf

Hosted by Crescent Institute Chair, Prof. Peter Shergold AC, Managing Partner of Gilbert + Tobin, Danny Gilbert, and moderated by senior journalist and co-founder of Media Diversity Australia, Antoinette Lattouf, the event was an enlightening journey into the realm of leadership, governance, and the pressing issues facing New South Wales.

Gladys Berejiklian's distinguished political career and leadership journey were front and centre during the event. As the 45th Premier of New South Wales, she shared her insights on the critical period facing NSW and her experiences in the political landscape. It was an exceptional opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the life and career of a prominent leadserhip figure whose impact extended far beyond the state of New South Wales as she shared some of her wisdom gained dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event undoubtedly provided attendees with a unique perspective on leadership, governance, and the challenges facing NSW, making it a memorable and enlightening experience for all who participated.