University Colleges Australia
2026 Forum
Healthy Colleges, Healthy Communities
Positioning Residential Colleges as Transformational and Human in an Age of AI, Influencers, and Constant Disruption
Celebrating 60 Years of University Colleges Australia (1966 - 2026)
Overview
The 2026 University Colleges Australia Forum brings together college leaders and sector experts to explore why tertiary residential colleges are essential to transformative education in this age of disruption. The forum centres on three themes: transformation in an age of disruption; positioning your college as integral to a disrupted higher education experience for students ; and building a sustainable institution for an uncertain future.
The program begins with the students we serve — their influencers, their relationship with the future, their employability — and how a residential college can be genuinely transformational in their lives. It then turns to positioning: how we articulate and communicate the unique value proposition of residential education. Finally, we explore how colleges can build institutions that endure, by deepening trust beyond the gate through alumni engagement, philanthropy, civic partnerships, and social impact.
Forum Dates
Tuesday 29 September - Thursday 1 October 2026
*Optional Melbourne Colleges Tour on Monday 28 September
Location
Park Hyatt
Melbourne, VIC
Enquiries
Indicative Program
Indicative program only. The final program is yet to be confirmed, and session times, speakers and details may change.
Monday 28 September
Optional: Tour of Melbourne Colleges and Lunch
Tour of select Melbourne Colleges (sometime after midday - details to follow)
Express your interest here
*Please note that delegates must purchase a separate ticket for this event.
Tuesday 29 September
Forum Day 1
Theme: Transformation in an age of disruption
Featured: Simon Kuestenmacher, Dan Principe and Dr Krista Fisher
Connect: Partnership Corner, lunch and roundtable discussions
Evening: Welcome Reception sponsored by Marts & Lundy
Wednesday 30 September
Forum Day 2
Theme: Positioning your college
Morning: Future Leadership breakfast masterclass with Adam Kyriacou, Liam King and Dr Amanda Bell AM
Featured: Prof. Sharon Pickering, Dr Pat Norman and Didier Elzinga
Connect: Partnership Corner, lunch, afternoon tea and roundtable discussions
Evening: Free evening
Thursday 1 October
Forum Day 3
Theme: Leading a sustainable institution
Morning: #MyMorningsMatter with Ashley Gurney and UCA AGM
Featured: Michele Clark and Fiona Crowe
Panel: Philanthropy conversation with Nik Velde, Will Beresford and Ann Badger
Evening: UCA 2026 Forum Gala Dinner at NGV (Gala Dinner Address by Ben Hamer)
We are delighted to announce that the Gala Dinner will be held at the iconic National Gallery of Victoria. The venue has a capacity of 120 guests. Based on attendance over the past five years, this is not expected to pose an issue; however, if capacity is reached, tickets will not include the Gala Dinner.
Key Speakers
Dr Amanda Bell AM
Simon Kuestenmacher
Dan Principe
Dr Krista Fisher
Prof. Sharon Pickering
Dr Pat Norman
Didier Elzinga
Michele Clark
Fiona Crowe
Ben Hamer
Accommodation
UCA has secured a block of 80 rooms at the Park Hyatt Melbourne at a special discounted rate of $330 per night (single occupancy), including breakfast. UCA Forum delegates can access this rate by booking through the link below.
This discounted rate is available until Friday, 19 June, or until the room allocation is fully booked—whichever comes first.
We strongly recommend booking early, as Melbourne will be especially busy due to major sporting events taking place immediately before and after the Forum.
Room details
-
1 King Bed: $330 per night (single occupancy, including breakfast) OR $370 per night (breakfast included for two people)
-
Maximum occupancy: 3 guests per room (rollaway beds available at $60 per night)
Guests will also have access to the hotel’s facilities, including a fitness centre, indoor pool, spa, sauna, and steam rooms. The hotel is centrally located and surrounded by parks and historic landmarks.
Additional information
-
Check-in: from 3:00pm | Check-out: 11:00am
-
Self-parking available onsite at $22 per day for UCA guests
-
15% discount on spa treatments for UCA guests
To access the early-bird accommodation rate, please book using the link below:
https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/MELPH/G-UCAU
As the Gala Dinner will take place on the last night of the Forum, we encourage delegates to depart on the morning of Friday 2nd October.
Sponsorships
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
University Colleges Australia is proud to partner with individuals and organisations who share our commitment to leadership, learning and community in the university residential college sector. Sponsorship plays a vital role in supporting our annual Forum.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like to explore partnership opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact our Executive Manager at executive.manager@universitycollegesaustralia.org.