EPHEA Conference 2026 - Registrations are now open
Sun 22 Nov 2026 – Wed 25 Nov 2026 AEDT
Western Sydney University, Parramatta South Campus
Event details
Equity Practitioners in Higher Education Association (EPHEA) is the professional incorporated association for equity practitioners who work in higher education throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. They play an essential role in tertiary education to develop and implement affirmative action programs for students and staff, manage organisational responsibilities under anti-discrimination legislation, promote cultural change within institutions, and foster an environment which values and respects diversity.
This years “Grounded In Place, Rising with Purpose: Equity in Action” provides opportunities to explore systems redesign, digital inclusion, and policy-to-practice approaches that advance equity across higher education.
Grounded in Place honours the many Aboriginal knowledges and communities across Greater Western Sydney while also First Nations knowledge and community across Australasia and the connection to the Burramattagal have with Darug Ngurra (Country) where the campus currently stands. In the near future, a prominent feature of the campus will be the Indigenous Centre of Excellence.
Rising with Purpose speaks to ambition, leadership and impact – not only of equity practitioners but also of the institutions and communities they serve. It reflects a commitment to transformative change, fostering inclusive leadership and driving systemic innovation.
Equity in Action invites practical, real-world strategies and innovations, while also subtly tying to Western Sydney where a number of equity programs can be seen in action.
Further information and registration details 
Call for Abstracts
EPHEA is inviting equity practitioners who work in tertiary education in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and/or the Pacific region to share their learnings, insights, and stories and to submit an abstract for consideration.
They actively welcome and encourage submissions from researchers and practitioners across all career stages, disciplines, and backgrounds, including those from First Nation communities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, regional and remote area, and those with disability EPHEA and Western Sydney University are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible conference experience for all presenters and participants.
All abstract submissions will undergo a blind peer review process by the 2026 EPHEA Conference Committee.
Submissions close: Friday 15 May 2026, 5.00pm (AEST)
Submission outcome: Friday 10 July 2026