Building bridges: Social cohesion takes centre stage at 2026 Menzies Oration
In a world increasingly marked by division and polarisation, the challenge of strengthening social cohesion and bridging divides has never been more urgent.
These challenges will be confronted head-on at the 2026 Menzies Oration, hosted by Federation University in partnership with the Menzies Leadership Foundation.
This year’s theme, Social Cohesion and the Future of Australia: Leadership, Civility, and the Greater Good, will be explored by the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and guest orator, Hugh de Kretser.
A respected advocate for human rights and justice, Mr de Kretser will share his experience and insights on how people, communities and institutions can build trust, connection and social cohesion.
The event will also highlight inspiring examples of citizen leadership from across the country, demonstrating the power of everyday Australians in shaping our nation’s future.
The Oration will coincide with the daytime launch of the Civility Exchange – a new community-led effort focused on strengthening the relationships that help communities remain connected.
The Civility Initiative responds to growing national concern about declining trust and social fragmentation and the need to strengthen our shared capacity to engage constructively, listen deeply and act together for the greater good.
Led by the Menzies Leadership Foundation in partnership with the Ballarat Foundation, the Initiative will work with local communities through the Ballarat Civility Exchange to strengthen social cohesion in Ballarat.
Learnings from this place-based work will help inform a broader national approach, supported by a National Civility Taskforce chaired by General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC CVO MC (Retd).
Ballarat has been selected as the first community trial through the Civility Exchange, reflecting its strong civic culture, rich democratic history and the leadership already being shown by local organisations and community members.
The Menzies Leadership Foundation and Federation University first partnered in 2022, sharing a commitment to impactful education, public dialogue and community-based leadership.
The 2026 Menzies Oration will be held at Federation University’s SMB Campus, 107 Lydiard Street South, on Wednesday, 18 February at 6pm.
Tickets for both in-person and online attendance are free and can be secured at https://events.humanitix.com/the-menzies-2026-oration-social-cohesion-and-the-future-of-australia-leadership-civility-and-the-common-good/tickets
Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley
“As uncertainty and division grow, the Menzies Oration is an opportunity to find common ground.”
“Federation University is honoured to once again host this event, creating a platform for dialogue, connection and leadership.”
Quotes attributable to President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Hugh de Kretser
“To strengthen our social fabric, we need to work together to build trust and understanding underpinned by a commitment to justice.”
“The Menzies Oration provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can all help shape the kind of society we want to live in.”
Quotes attributable to Menzies Leadership Foundation CEO Liz Gillies
“The Menzies Oration provides a national platform to elevate ideas that strengthen our society, linking local community leadership with a broader conversation about Australia’s future. In an increasingly polarised world, our theme of social cohesion could not be more urgent.”
“Ballarat has a strong tradition of civic participation and community leadership. The launch of the Civility Exchange and the Menzies Oration reflect the city’s commitment to building dialogue and connection.”
About the Menzies Leadership Foundation
The Menzies Leadership Foundation is a national philanthropic organisation committed to fostering outstanding leadership for the greater good. The Foundation believes leadership is not confined to formal positions, but is expressed in communities, institutions and everyday civic life. Working across research, innovation and public engagement, the Foundation partners with communities, educators and leaders to build leadership capability, strengthen social cohesion, and support Australians to act with integrity and shared purpose in the face of complex challenges.