Diversity Festival 2026

Online panel discussion | Wednesday 23 September | 2pm - 3:30pm AEST

Back by popular demand, the 7th Annual Inclusive Education Showcase! This year we are hosting the event online so more people can join us. We welcome educators, students and the wider community to join us as we share the latest insights into universal design for learning, inclusive education in practice and tips to ensure that all students thrive in educational settings. With speakers from across the University, there is something for everyone. The signature inclusive pedagogy event at UNSW is not to be missed. Register now to secure your free ticket.

Organised by the Disability Innovation Institute UNSW (DIIU).

VR experience | Wednesday 23 September | 10am - 3pm

Discover how the VIA Character Strengths framework transforms personality into everyday choices. Move beyond theory and feel the difference. Explore the Six Strengths for Inclusion — Kindness, Compassion, Perspective, Fairness, Open-mindedness, and Humility — and understand how habits, experiences, and circumstances influence your actions. Don’t just learn about character, live it: step into our interactive VR module to experience these strengths firsthand in a virtual world designed to foster understanding and community.

“Every choice is an opportunity to practice character. Inclusion begins with you.” Organised by the UNSW Values in Action Project.

Panel | Wednesday 23 September | 10am - 11am | Tyree Theatre

Equitable Learning Services is hosting Ask Us Anything: Disability, inspired by the ABC’s You Can’t Ask That. Hear directly from a panel of speakers with lived experience of disability answer questions you’ve always wanted to ask. Throughout the event, our panellists will generously share their lived experience of disability, as they shape the narrative on their own terms, in a safe and candid space. You will have the opportunity to learn about experiences of disability, both visible and invisible. You are invited to submit your questions ahead of the event, when you register.

Organised by Equitable Learning Services / PVCE / Student Learning.

Panel | Wednesday 23 September | 5:00pm - 7:30pm | MCIC, UNSW Kensington

As part of UNSW Diversity Festival, join us for an inspiring panel exploring how identity, culture and lived experience shape the ideas we build. Hear from entrepreneurs whose unique perspectives have driven innovation, challenged assumptions and created meaningful impact. Whether you’re already building or simply curious about entrepreneurship, this is a chance to see how different paths lead to powerful ideas. What’s on: a founder panel on diversity and entrepreneurship, stories of innovation shaped by lived experience, and networking with the UNSW startup community.

Organised by the UNSW Founders Program.

Film screening |  Wednesday 23 September, 1pm for a 1:30pm start, finishing by 5pm, EG02, UNSW Paddington Campus

Experience the story behind one of the most significant disability rights movements in modern history. Deaf President Now! celebrates the student campaign that transformed a university and helped reshape disability rights around the world. Join us for a free screening, followed by powerful conversations with d/Deaf, disabled and ally voices from film, academia and the broader disability community, exploring leadership, representation and the ongoing pursuit of equity. Each screening concludes with food and informal conversation in an inclusive, welcoming environment.

Organised by the UNSW Disability Scholars Network, the DIIU and the Disability Collective, in collaboration with UNSW FilmSoc, DEI, the Media Futures Hub and the School of Arts & Media.

Art exhibition | Wednesday 23 September - Friday 25 September | Scientia Foyer

Artworks are like windows to the soul, multi-faceted and ever-shifting. We have a collection of art pieces from the UNSW community for you to wander through, each one hoping to ask you something. Our theme was chosen as an avenue for reflecting on our places in the world. We also have a colouring board prepared, with templates that will let you leave your own mark on our exhibition. You can take home your artwork, or display it on a board and see how your vision differs to the people around you. Come down to the Scientia Foyer any time from Wednesday to Friday for some peace and introspection!

Organised by UNSW Drawing Society.

Interactive workshop | Wednesday 23 September | 11am - 2pm

Join us for an interactive workshop on building respectful, inclusive workplaces. Through hands-on group activities, participants will explore how to recognise workplace discrimination and bias, practise responding to it with confidence, and think through what an inclusive team culture looks like in practice. The session is discussion-based, practical, and open to all, no prior experience needed. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of how to speak up respectfully and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds, along with a personal action plan to take into your next workplace.

Organised by the UNSW Business School EDI student subcommittee.

Online conversation | Wednesday 23 September | 4pm - 5pm AEST

Join Inclusive Communities for a warm, grounded 45-minute online conversation between Neha Madhok and Jackie Turner, two national changemakers in anti-racism and trans justice. Neha and Jackie will discuss the importance of connecting with other people and acknowledging our shared systems of inequity in helping combat divisive narratives. Neha Madhok (they/them) is a seasoned community organiser, anti-racism strategist, and political communicator. Jackie Turner (she/her) is the Director of Trans Justice Project, the first trans-led national campaigning organisation. The conversation will be followed by a Q&A session.

Organised by UNSW Diversity & Inclusion.

Panel discussion & museum tour | Wednesday 23 September | 12pm - 2pm | Museum of Human Disease, Ground Floor Samuel’s Building

Join the Museum of Human Disease and DonateLife NSW for an engaging panel discussion exploring organ and tissue donation through the lens of LGBTQIA+ health, identity and inclusion. Hear from DonateLife NSW clinicians, community representatives and lived experience voices as they challenge common misconceptions, discuss donation eligibility, and explore how inclusive healthcare can build trust and improve understanding. Following the discussion and audience Q&A, continue the conversation over light refreshments and explore the Museum’s powerful displays on the impact of disease on the human body.

Organised by UNSW Museum of Human Disease.

Q&A panel | Wednesday 23 September

Join a riveting Q&A panel of members with various forms of hearing loss involved in the Deaf community, discussing their lived experience and their Auslan journey, and reflecting on its power to connect, empower, and transform. Our Journey in Auslan is a dynamic panel event designed to spark curiosity, foster inclusion, and celebrate the richness of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as a vital part of Australia’s cultural and linguistic landscape. Hosted by UNSW’s own Professor Alastair McEwin AM, panellists include Dr Ayah Wehbe, Christopher Makin and Luka Philios.

Organised by the Division of Research & Enterprise.

Interactive workshop, panel discussion & networking | Wednesday 23 September

Seen, Heard, Included explores what belonging means in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Drawing on research into gender equality, recruitment and resume-screening bias, and the ways large language models respond to names, gender, culture and identity, this interactive event examines how technology can influence who is seen, heard and given opportunities across workplaces, professional sectors and communities. Through expert talks, real-world research examples, an interactive workshop and panel discussion, participants will explore how social bias can be reflected or amplified through data, algorithms and everyday decision-making.

Organised by the Computer Science and Engineering faculty.

Workshop | Wednesday 23 September | 2pm - 4pm

Explore how the decisions researchers make throughout the research process shape the way people and communities are represented. From the language we use and the data we collect, to how findings are interpreted and communicated, these decisions influence who becomes visible, whose experiences are captured, and how research is understood. This interactive workshop explores how representation is shaped throughout the research lifecycle. Whether you’re involved in public health, clinical, social or community-based research, this workshop will help you reflect on your own research practice. Join us afterwards for tea, coffee, biscuits and informal networking (4:00pm - 4:30pm).

Organised by the Kirby Institute EDI Committee.

Interactive Pop-Up Stalls | Wednesday 23 September, 11am – 3pm | University Walk

The Hidden Loop: Understanding OCD Beyond Stereotypes pop-up stalls invite the UNSW community to engage with interactive activities that challenge common misconceptions about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and build a more informed understanding of how OCD can affect people’s lives.

Through accessible activities, information and conversation, the stalls aim to strengthen mental health literacy, encourage greater empathy and understanding, and help participants learn more about OCD beyond the stereotypes often associated with it. Participants can drop by, take part at their own pace and find out more about pathways to support across university, community and professional settings.

The pop-up stalls form the first two parts of The Hidden Loop Series, leading into a concluding panel discussion bringing together perspectives from research, university wellbeing and community support.

Stall | Wednesday 23 September | 12pm - 2pm | University Walk

Balancing study and family life is no small feat. Visit the Parenting While Studying stall at Diversity Festival to connect with support available for students who are parents and discover services, programs and communities designed to help you and your family thrive at UNSW.

Chat with our friendly Student Support Advisors and student representatives, explore helpful online resources, and subscribe to our student parent newsletter. As a special activity, create a custom gift for your child by choosing a bucket hat or tote bag and decorating it with fun iron-on patches.

Organised by PVCSS - Student Life.

Stall | Part of the Diversity Festival Quad Takeover | Wednesday 23 September | 10am - 3pm

The ActivateUNSW stall will be facilitated by the student mentors of the ActivateUNSW disability peer support program, and supported by the UNSW Peer Connections team. Participant engagement opportunities include providing feedback for the ActivateUNSW program, a “What Accessibility Means to Me” activity where students write short reflections for display, giveaways of stickers and fidget toys, and student support information.

Organised by ActivateUNSW and the Peer Connections team, Student Life/PVCSS.

Booth | Part of the Diversity Festival Quad Takeover | Wednesday 23 September | 10am - 3pm

Accessibility shouldn’t be a treasure hunt. Think finding a toilet is easy? Think again. Take on fun challenges, test your knowledge and discover how something many of us take for granted can become a daily barrier for others. Through games, conversation and a campus mission, you’ll explore how accessible design shapes dignity, independence and belonging at UNSW. Come curious. Leave with a new perspective.

Organised by the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture.

Sensory space | Part of the Diversity Festival Quad Takeover | Wednesday 23 September | 10am - 3pm | SRC Disability Room

The Student Sensory Space will provide a space for students to restore regulation, autonomy, and safety. Features include a quiet and low-sensory space away from the crowds, calming activities that can be completed with others or alone such as colouring-in, craft and puzzles, comfortable seating, snacks and water/juices, and access to tools/resources such as fidgets.

Organised by the Peer Connections team, Student Life/PVCSS and SRC Disability Collective.

Ethical market stall / pop-up | Part of the Diversity Festival Quad Takeover | Wednesday 23 September | 10am - 3pm

Vibe, thrift, and make a tangible impact right in the heart of campus! The Conscious Closet is a lively, community-centred outdoor pop-up market that raises vital funds for youth-led health advocacy. Browse a curated selection of pre-loved vintage clothes, retro jewellery, second-hand books, collectible toys, and custom handmade goodies. Stop by our $5 face-painting and glitter station, pick up free health resource kits, or connect with friendly student volunteers.

Organised by SHARE and the Faculty of ADA.

Quad activation | Part of the Diversity Festival Quad Takeover | Wednesday 23 September | 10am - 3pm

Visit us to learn from people with intellectual disability about accessible communication and how to become a stronger ally. Take on a Plain Language challenge by matching technical words to everyday language, then test yourself with myth busters about intellectual disability. Through short activities and conversations, you will discover how the way you communicate can help more people understand information, take part and feel included. Everyone is welcome.

Organised by the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health.

Interactive performance | Part of the Diversity Festival Quad Takeover | Wednesday 23 September | 10am - 3pm

Popular music from different countries will be played throughout the event. Everyone passing by is invited to move, dance or simply enjoy the music. Whether you join in, cheer on the dancers or listen from the sidelines, everyone is welcome. This event aims to promote the communication of music and dance between cultures.

Organised by UNSW Media student Yao Ma.

Drop-in collaborative art | Part of the Diversity Festival Quad Takeover | Wednesday 23 September | 11am - 3pm | Helen Maguire Lawn (Quad Lawn)

Join us for a hands-on drop-in collage activity and help create a big collaborative artwork. Create a collage that represents something about you — what matters to you, what inspires you, or a message you’d like to share. Add your creation to the growing artwork, where individual pieces connect to reflect the diversity of the UNSW community. Stop by for a few minutes or stay a while. All materials are provided, no artistic experience is needed and everyone is welcome.

Organised by Amy Corcoran, AGSM MBA student.

Panel discussion and debate | Australian Human Rights Institute Provocation Series

The Australian Human Rights Institute’s Provocation Series returns in 2026 with a debate about the future of human rights in the age of AI. The advance of AI systems presents growing challenges at the intersection of law, politics and rights. This discussion will explore how we can protect ourselves from technology that can easily manipulate public discourse, increase digital surveillance, impact our environment and reinforce inequalities and discrimination. It will also seek to address whether we are underutilising AI tools that could improve access to justice.

Speakers include Samantha Yorke (ACMA’s inaugural Chief AI Officer), Professor Toby Walsh (leading UNSW AI expert), Professor Justine Nolan (Moderator; Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute), and Professor Vlado Perkovic (Introduction; UNSW Provost).

Organised by the Australian Human Rights Institute.

Phone collection | From 7 September | Locations across UNSW Kensington campus

Your unused mobile phone could make a meaningful difference to someone experiencing domestic or family violence. From 7 September 2026, DV Safe Phone collection boxes will be available at locations across the UNSW campus. Instead of leaving an old phone sitting unused at home, donate it and help give it a new purpose.

Before donating, please follow the QR code instructions displayed on the Campus Phone Donation Map to prepare your phone. Refer a friend, colleague or classmate and encourage them to donate too — together, our UNSW community can turn unused technology into connection, safety and a fresh start for people who need it.

Organised by Stephan Tseng, an initiative supported by UNSW Business School Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).