2009 Conference

Many of us have a view of emergent conditions such as global warming, peak oil, energy shortages, population growth, diminishing water resources, climate change, social / cultural divides and a deepening economic crisis. Our foremost leaders and thinkers are looking at these issues and challenging all of us as individuals, organisations, communities, states and nations to work to re-shape the future before it is too late.

For instance, Dr Rufus Black, the Master of Ormond College at the University of Melbourne, frames the challenge before us as the “Task of our Time” and says:

The bookmakers of history are laying odds about our survival because the natural and human ecologies of our planet are coming under unsustainable pressure. By mid-century, our population alone will expand from 6 to 8-10 billion and global economic activity will grow from $50 trillion to $400 trillion. Changing these odds requires leaders able to tackle challenges that are complex, wicked, global and that will a require transformation of beliefs.

Towards a Resilient Futures: The Task of Our Time was an invitation from the Heads of the Residential Colleges and Halls of the universities of Australia to join with leaders in business, government and community to think, link and do in new, different and dynamic ways and to create “a generation of leaders who will make a different world”.

University Colleges Australia is the network and the catalyst that can do just that. University Colleges Australia represents elite university students with residents and alumni from every discipline; hailing from every corner of Australia and the globe. Each year University Colleges Australia significantly shapes the future for thousands of the finest young people who are all eager to make a difference in the world of their re-creation

Towards a Resilient Futures: The Task of Our Time aimed to:

• Shape and sharpen our understanding of the conditions that we are facing
• Introduce us to a way of thinking about and embracing the complexity that is inherent in these challenges
• Explore the capabilities that we have to embrace and address these challenges
• Focus our attention on local action and opportunity that will help us build the leadership capability required in this context
• Align a dynamic network positioned to work, share, grow, learn and make a difference together
• Create and articulate a shared vision for the contribution that young people will make to the future.

Work with us to build a national network that embraces the challenges of our time, prepares a new generation of leaders for meaningful action in our communities and re-imagines what is possible in moving towards a resilient future.

For more information please contact:

Mr Mike Shearer

Head, Trinity

230 Hampden Rd Crawley, WA 6009
(08) 9423 9423
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