International Unity in Diversity Conference 2010

People,the Workforce & the Future of Australia

Rydges Southbank Townsville Hotel & Convention Centre, Townsville

19th - 20th August 2010

In today’s global community, diversity touches everyone be it in the workplace, home or socially.  These transformative times, marked by international economic and population issues, have the potential to generate positive energy, new and innovative thinking or be counter productive creating negativity and discrimination. The capacity of a society to harness the positive effects of diversity is dependant on our attitude, knowledge and skills.  
Now in its third year, the International Unity in Diversity Conference has created a benchmark of
excellence and leadership in this field of cultural diversity and people management.

Building on the outcomes from last year’s conference, we welcome contributions on issues related to the global economic crisis, migrant settlement, mental health, education, skills and employment and youth issues.

In this year’s conference we seek to expand these themes to encompass challenges in Aged Care, Disability and Indigenous Economic empowerment.
 With the help of a Steering Committee made up of leaders and practitioners from the education, community and business fields, this program has been designed to highlight speakers, panels and networking opportunities to enhance diversity, culture and social cohesion.
This conference seeks to bring diverse interest groups together to discuss emerging challenges and approaches in:

• Global trends and their impact on migration of labour and skills
• Australian skills shortage
• Communication across cultural and ideological barriers
• Migrant settlement services
• Culturally inclusive local government
• Culturally inclusive public arts and festivals
• Health and well-being in culturally diverse and Indigenous communities
• Cultural and Environmental Sustainability in the Pacific
• The relevance of multiculturalism to current debates and issues
• Youth issues – leading the future
• Developing Indigenous and cross-cultural businesses through cultural tourism
•The aged care sector
•Diversity and disabilities

Who should attend?

This conference is suitable for all managers, directors, professionals, business leaders and multicultural stakeholders, with a particular interest for people involved in:

• Government

• Educational institutions

• Community organisations

• Cultural organisations

• Religious groups

• Migrant settlement professionals

Important Dates to Remember

01 March 2010 Call for Papers/ Expression of Interest form due
26 March 2010  Synopsis and Biodata due
26 April 2010 Notification of paper acceptance
31 May 2010 Full papers for peer review due