Sir Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre, Dobson Road, Sandy Bay and Online
Summary:In a changing Tasmania, how can diversity unite us?
Presenter(s):
- Kate Jenkins AO, President, Australian Red Cross
- Archana Brammall, Managing Director, The Buna Collective
- Dr Nicole O’Loughlin, Associate Lecturer in Creative Arts, University of Tasmania
- Facilitated by Sahana Sehgal, Migrant Resource Centre
2026 Red Cross Oration
As migration to Tasmania continues to grow, the need to build inclusive and welcoming communities has never been more urgent.
In this year’s Red Cross Oration, Kate Jenkins AO, President of the Australian Red Cross, draws on her extensive leadership in human rights, governance and social reform to explore the social, cultural and humanitarian dimensions of cohesion in a multicultural society. The Oration includes a panel exploring how communities, services and institutions support new arrivals, alongside the power of lived experience, storytelling, arts and cultural exchange to reduce fear, build trust and strengthen connection.
At a time of increasing global uncertainty, this year’s Red Cross Oration asks a vital question: how can diversity become a source of strength for our communities, rather than division?
Tickets are free but essential, register now to avoid missing out.
About the Speakers
Kate Jenkins AO, President, Australia Red Cross
Kate is a trusted leader and change maker.
For 30 years she has been leading individual and systemic change in corporate, government and community sectors. In executive, board and leadership roles, Kate has a proven track record of navigating complex, sensitive environments to deliver lasting reform. Kate is Australia’s foremost authority on respect and equality in the workplace, in parliament and in the community.
Kate’s diverse career roles include Australian Sports Commission Chair, Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner; Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner; Employment Law Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills; Chair of Creative Workplaces Council; Chair of Play by the Rules; Board member of Berry Street Victoria; Carlton Football Club and Heide Museum of Modern Art.
Kate has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to human rights governance, to advancing gender equity, to the promotion of inclusivity, and to the law.
Archana Brammall, Managing Director, The Buna Collective
Archana Brammall is a well-respected Tasmanian entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for cultural diversity and social inclusion. Born in Ambo, Ethiopia, to an Ethiopian mother and Indian father, she spent her early years in both Ethiopia and India before migrating to Tasmania. For over two decades she has made Tasmania, especially Launceston, her home, where she has built a vibrant life with her family and established a successful career.
As owner and Managing Director of The Buna Collective, Archana operates several venues including Sweetbrew and Tatler Lane. Through her businesses, she employs people from various backgrounds, an expression of her commitment to multiculturalism, inclusion and opportunity.
Archana’s diverse educational background includes Economics, English Literature, Project Management and Tourism Operations. She is also a graduate of the Tasmanian Leaders Program, a testament to her leadership credentials.
Beyond her entrepreneurial work, Archana plays an active role in shaping community and civic life. She is a board member of Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT), a Director of Football Tasmania, Director of the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania and was recently appointed to the Tasmanian Women’s Council.
Driven by her own multicultural roots and lived experience as a migrant, Archana is committed to building a more inclusive, diverse and welcoming Tasmania.
Dr Nicole O’Loughlin, Associate Lecturer in Creative Arts, University of Tasmania
Dr Nicole O’Loughlin is a lecturer in Creative Arts at the University of Tasmania. Her research explores participatory visual arts in cross-disciplinary projects, the benefits of arts and cultural activities, and the development of embodied knowledge through arts practice. Her PhD centred around migrant and refugee communities in Lutruwita/Tasmania, she found the value of visual arts programs to foster belonging, enhance social cohesion, and support autonomous expression of lived experiences.
Facilitated by Sahana Sehgal, Senior Executive Assistant, Migrant Resource Centre and Board Member Multicultural Council of Tasmania
Sahana Sehgal has a diverse background working in community engagement, strategic communications, policy advocacy, not-for-profit management, and grants management. Over the past decade, she has focused her efforts on people and communities – both in Australia and India. Her work has brought her in contact with sectors across community broadcasting, migration and settlement, and education reform.
Originally from India, Sahana has an undergraduate degree in Communications and moved to Australia to pursue a degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. Sahana currently works at the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania. She is a board member of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania, a member of the Glenorchy City Council - Access and Inclusion Special Committee, and a member of the Community Broadcasting Foundation - Content Grants Advisory Committee.
She is also pursuing her PhD at the Centre for Deliberative Democracy (University of Canberra), where she is investigating the enablers and barriers to intercultural engagement amongst ethnic minority groups in Australia. In her free time, Sahana is an avid reader and writer of poetry and short stories.
Pre-event refreshments:
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.
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