The DCA Diversity Debate is back!
In an increasingly polarised world, where it may seem there is more to divide us than unite us, what does it take to move the dial on diversity and inclusion? Are our divisions impeding progress towards genuine equality? Or do they ignite a sense of urgency and a drive for change?
That’s what we tackle at this year’s Diversity Debate as we examine the question: Is polarisation holding diversity and inclusion back?
Join us for DCA’s Diversity Debate to find out!
If you have not been to a DCA Debate before catch a glimpse of what to expect, by watching our video highlights from the previous Debate.
When: Tuesday 22 October 2024
Time: 6.30pm to 10.00pm (AEDT)
Where: Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Level 3, 26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, Sydney, NSW
What: The event includes pre-dinner canapés and drinks, followed by dinner and debate.
Cost for DCA member organisations:
- $320 incl. GST per person or
- $3,100 incl. GST for a table of 10 guests
Cost for non-member organisations:
- $370 incl. GST per person or
- $3,600 incl. GST for a table of 10 guests
Meet our speakers
For the affirmative:
Yes, polarisation is holding diversity and inclusion back
Michael Hing (he/him)
Comedian, broadcaster, actor, improvisor, and podcaster
Michael Hing is a comedian, broadcaster, actor and podcaster. He is known for his role on Network Ten’s The Project and as one half of the iconic Triple J Drive Show duo, Hobba & Hing.
Dee Madigan (she/her)
Executive Creative Director, Campaign Edge
Dee is the Executive Creative Director and a founding partner of Campaign Edge. Dee is one of Australia’s leading campaign strategists and an award-winning creative director. She has worked on some of Australia’s largest brands and is a panellist on Gruen, The Project, and Sunrise.
Thomas Mayo (he/him)
Assistant National Secretary of Maritime Union of Australia & award winning author
Thomas is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man who lives on Larrakia land in Darwin. He is the Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, an award winning author, essayist, orator and a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
For the negative:
No, polarisation is not holding diversity and inclusion back
Niki Kesoglou (she/her)
Executive Manager Culture, Inclusion & Community, IAG
Niki is a seasoned organisational development Executive and DEI leader with a strong record of influencing sustainable culture change. She supports the Insurance Council of Australia DEI & Talent Roadmap working group, serves as an Implementation Lead with the Champions of Change Insurance Sector Group, and is an Advisory Board Member of HR Exchange Network Asia Pacific.
Graeme Innes AM (he/him)
Former Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
Graeme is the Chancellor of Central Queensland University, a member of the board of the National Disability Insurance Agency, and the State Insurance Regulatory Authority of NSW. He has been a human rights practitioner for more than forty years. He was a Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Lou Wall (they/them)
Multi-award-winning comedian, composer and content creator
Lou is a multi-award-winning comedian, composer and content creator recognised for their genre-bending, politically savvy comedy and garnering critical acclaim. Their work includes shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Melbourne and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals, a comedy album, and writing/ acting for various ABC TV programs.
Our Moderator
Patricia Karvelas (she/her) is a prominent and highly respected Australian journalist, television and radio host, podcaster, political journalist, and commentator. She currently hosts Q+A, Australia’s debate on big issues and presents the agenda-setting RN Breakfast on ABC Radio and is co-host of the Party Room podcast.
Proudly sponsored by:
© 2024 Diversity Council Australia
Arrangements for Patricia Karvelas were made through Claxton Speakers International – claxtonspeakers.com.au