Shaping Hopeful Futures: A Celebration of Community & Education

Join us as we celebrate the future of education and community impact

How can education ignite positive change in our communities? The Australian National University proudly invites you to the official launch of the ANU McCusker Institute—a bold new chapter in transdisciplinary education that centres collaboration between students and multi-sector partners to address real-world challenges.

The McCusker Institute represents a commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers and leaders. Our celebration will provide an opportunity to connect with our vibrant community of learners, academics, partners, friends and supporters; engage in an exploration of the education we need in times of change; and to be inspired by our speakers on the opportunities we have to create hopeful futures.

Join us to discover the impact of collaborative action, adaptive and experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom, as well as the role you can have in turning today’s headwinds into tomorrow’s opportunities through life-long learning.

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The ANU McCusker Institute develops community-minded leaders with the knowledge, skills and experiences to create positive social change. We cultivate transdisciplinary learning that bridges academic research and teaching with impactful opportunities for ANU students and community to be active contributors to pressing societal issues facing local, national, and global communities.

This event is proudly supported by Pearson.

Pearson is a leading global learning company dedicated to helping people make progress in their lives through access to better learning. Their current research explores how more effective learning and clear skilling pathways accelerate progress for people, business and society.

Program:

4:00–5:30pm Formal proceedings followed by refreshments 5.30 -6.00pm.

Key Speakers:

• Hon. Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC - Chair, McCusker Charitable Foundation

• Satara Uthayakumaran - Australian United Nations Youth Representative 2025 & ANU Student

• Joan Leach - Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of The Australian National University

• Melanie Wilde - CEO, Foundation for Social Health

• Taha Haidermota - Australia Country Head and Vice President Legal, APAC at Pearson

• Laura Nuttal MLA - Member for Brindabella, ACT Greens

• Genevieve Jacobs AM - CEO of Hands Across Canberra

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Please register to inform our catering and meet your accessibility requirements.

Image credits: Vitaly Gariev