The Peace Equation: Crafting and Connecting

The Australian Disputes Centre was proud to participate in this year’s National Mediation Conference, themed The Peace Equation: Crafting and Connecting, it was co-designed by our CEO Deborah Lockhart and Ippei Okazaki. NMC2025 invited delegates to see mediation not only as a way to resolve conflict, but as a system shaped by demographics and legislation, operating across multiple dimensions of disputation including family, community, commercial and workplace.

Mediation in the Commercial Setting

Consistent with ADC’s mission of supporting business, government and individuals in resolving commercial disputes, our CEO, Deborah Lockhart facilitated the Day-1 Commercial & Business stream. Opening with The Hon. Kevin Lindgren AM KC followed by Dr Navid Sedaghati, both delivered erudite and experienced insights on the nuances of commercial and construction mediations.

In this session, delegates also had the privilege of hearing from a panel comprising three Small Business Commissioners Dominique Lamb (QLD), Lynda McAlary-Smith (VIC), and Catherine Ellis (Acting Commissioner in NSW). Discussion ranged from comparing differences in state legislative frameworks to current issues and impacts on small businesses. The Commissioners provided insight into the effective work their contact centres undertake in resolving most matters in the first instance.

The Commissioners broke down the complexities of mediation in each of their jurisdictions, exploring emerging issues such as landlords in dispute with tenants involved in illicit tobacco trade, along with the known difficulties caused by the old chestnut of red tape. In an intersection with broader social issues, the panel highlighted the commercial realities of reviving the nighttime economy and the impacts of the loneliness epidemic.

Community Mediation

On Day-2, Deborah chaired the Keynote plenary with representatives of the Dayton Mediation Centre in Ohio, USA, speaking about their experience and process that centers around developing a mediation response unit to meet community needs. The speakers highlighted how community-centred alternatives to traditional law enforcement for nonviolent, low-level calls for help can be effective in diverting community members away from police intervention and improving access to support services that effectively encourage people’s willingness to ask for assistance.

Cherise Hairston, Michelle Zaremda and Dr Jeanne Felicity Zimmer’s presentation modelled how interventions and control in high-violence communities ensures that those involved in conflict are given effective alternative avenues of resolution where they will be heard and understood.

Following this inspiring keynote, the conference divided into multiple streams across the day creating the opportunity for delegates to take a deep dive into special interest areas including – Family Dispute Resolution; Data and Practice, Mastering Capability and Practice, Community Mediation: International Context, ADR: Credibility, Data & Learning, Mediation & Neurodivergence, Sustainable Practice, Intercultural Competence, Online Processes & Technology, and Best Practice.

It was also a day of cultural exchange at ADC! Away from the conference buzz, we hosted a group of community mediators from Elcho Island. They visited our office, immersed themselves in our Indigenous art from the Ken Hinds Collection, and got a playful taste of city mediation life. They quickly embraced the spirit of the experience, proving that great mediators are also great actors when the camera comes out!

Celebrating Connections

The Conference Gala Dinner was a buzz on the Tuesday night, tying together the threads of the conference theme. It was a golden evening of culture, creativity and sweet connections: Threads of Connection: Honey Craft & Conversation. 

MCed by Deborah, the evening opened with cocktails and an exclusive honey tasting. Guests were introduced to the hotel’s sweet sustainability initiative. Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is home to over 120,000 bees nestled in two beehives installed on the rooftop. During the dinner, John Prince, the founder and director of Rooftop Bees, spoke about his work in developing the beehives and his journey in environmental conservation. John’s mission to educate about the significance of bees in urban settings, combined with his development of innovative eco-business solutions, echoed the relatable theme of crafting and connecting.

After dinner, mediators took the dancefloor by storm to the soundtrack of the Baker Boys.

Yarning, Ethics and First Nations Mediation

The final day of NMC 2025 featured two plenary sessions, the first of which was a First Nations Yarning Circle facilitated by Melissa Stubbings, a senior Dharug woman, along with Natalie Chiappazzo. A yarning circle is an important practice in Indigenous cultures, allowing for a safe space to share knowledge, engage with your community, and build relationships. This was followed by a keynote from Stuart Wesley on Reflective practice in the corporate world.

The conference then divided into different streams for the last time, including First Nations Practice, Family Violence, Data Driven Professional Skills, Crafting Dispute Resolution, and the Bougainville Experience.

After lunch, the NMC was brought together for the final plenary, with the first session on Ethics chaired by Deborah, industry leaders, Mary Walker OAM and Prof Lola Akin Ojelabi, presented. The culminating session was chaired by Dr Alysoun Boyle, with international and local speakers sharing their experiences on working as and with minority groups and First Nations peoples. With panellists Cherise Hairston, Dr Monique Williams, Zack Smith, and ARDS Aboriginal representatives, Noelene Marika, Helen Nyomba Gandaŋu, Ted Gondarra, Lulu Guyula, the final panel was a unique opportunity to learn from both community leaders and the experts who work with those communities.

In Closing

The National Mediation Conference 2025 in Sydney was a vibrant gathering built on genuine connection and collective energy. With the guiding theme of The Peace Equation: Crafting and Connecting, mediators and dispute resolvers from around the world shared timeless wisdom and new perspectives. Thank you to everyone involved in its success. We look forward to reconnecting with the dispute resolution community in Adelaide for NMC2027.