Across Australia and globally, communities were shocked this week with the heinous shooting of men, women and children celebrating Jewish New Year at Bondi Beach. On behalf of the Australian Disputes Centre, we light candles for those whose precious lives were cut short and extend our deepest condolences to those grieving the loss of their cherished friends and family. For the many who were injured that day, we wish them a strong and swift recovery, and for every member of the wider community who is reeling from grief and shock, know that we stand with you. The work of our dispute resolution community involves speaking and sharing the language of peace and every day they recommit to doing more. ADC stands with all Australian and global communities in seeking to do more to speak and share the language of peace.

Deborah Lockhart
CEO, Australian Disputes Centre

Thank you for your support throughout 2025. This year has been outstanding for ADC - marked by innovation, impact, and notable achievements. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated and talented staff, training faculty, interns, and colleagues. Your commitment and expertise are the foundations of our success and impact in the dispute resolution sector.

Throughout 2025, ADC hosted an array of thought leadership initiatives including conferences, masterclasses, addresses, and professional development programmes. These many events advanced ADR practice and showcased the talent and expertise of our community.

A standout was our annual International ADR Conference, which explored how we can address global issues using innovative ADR strategies. We are delighted to share with you in this Bulletin an absorbing video segment featuring Grahame Ayres, a passionate advocate for climate action and New Zealand’s former Operations General Manager at Scott Base, Antarctica.

I invite you to read more about ADC’s Year in Review HERE »

ADC’s commitment to high-quality education continues to empower professionals, and this summer is the perfect time to enhance your skills and meet those essential CPD requirements. Join us in January or February for ADC’s flagship Mediation Training & Accreditation programme and our focused Mediation Refresher days.

I am thrilled to see the 10th Annual Australian ADR Awards’ categories expand in 2026, and I encourage you to nominate for the vital work of a colleague or you and your team! Nominations are open until 9 February 2026.

Mark your calendars for our landmark 40th Anniversary and 10th annual Australian ADR Awards Conference and Gala Dinner on 27 March 2026, being held in the spectacular Yarramundi Rooms, Sydney Opera House. This premier event offers a unique opportunity to participate in cutting-edge discussions, expand your network and celebrate excellence. To maximise your benefits, take advantage of the current Super Early Bird Registration, available in December only. This offers a significant financial discount and secures your place at this high-demand event well in advance. I look forward to welcoming you to what will be an outstanding celebration of ADR excellence.

I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and may the New Year bring a time of renewed peace and prosperity for all.

Best Regards,

Deborah

"Receiving the Community Mediator of the Year Award at the Australian ADR Awards 2025 was a humbling and affirming experience. It reinforced the importance of principled, culturally responsive and outcomes-focused dispute resolution, particularly in complex and sensitive community and organisational contexts. For Comprehensive Mediation Services, the recognition has strengthened our commitment to delivering high-quality mediation, training and capacity-building that supports early resolution, stronger relationships and sustainable outcomes. The award has also encouraged us to continue contributing to best practice and professional development across the broader dispute resolution."

"I was delighted to be awarded ADR Practitioner of the Year in 2025. Winning this award provides recognition for the interesting and innovative work I do as an independent arbitration practitioner. I am able to include reference to this success on the bio I use for speaking engagements and on my CV and website. As this award comes from such a reputable organisation, I believe it provides clients with confidence in my abilities to assist them in resolving their disputes."

Don’t miss the opportunity to secure your 40th Anniversary seat at the Opera House at the best rate.

Why book this December?

1. Unbeatable Value: Super Early Bird pricing ends 31 December. This is the lowest rate that will be offered for this landmark event. 

2. Premier Stay: Our room block at the Sheraton Grande Sydney Hyde Park offers premium convenience at a discounted rate - but only while room supply lasts. 

3. Elite Networking: Connect with the leading practitioners and members of the judiciary shaping the next 40 years of ADR.

“The expertise and knowledge brought by [the trainers] was at a level far exceeding any training I have attended in my higher study and professional life. Extremely insightful and full tips and smarts for practical use. More than all of this the genuine passion for the subject and the genuine love for imparting their knowledge was extraordinary.” – Ravine, May 2025

Judge Suzanne Mackenzie's ADR Address offers thought provoking insights on the role of AI in the Australian government and justice system. Recognising AI’s constant development, Her Honour highlights the need for the dispute resolution industry to take the initiative in adapting to these changes and adopt an active approach in early regulation and oversight.

Read the full ADR Address HERE »

This year’s Australian ADR Awards Conference featured many brilliant sessions. Lessons from Antarctica drew many delegates into an area they had not previously considered. Titled The Blue Edge – Science and Diplomacy in Antarctica it featured Dr Annebelle Davis, mediator and expert on Antarctic diplomacy, and Graeme Ayres, ARC Services New Zealand, discussing one of the world’s most enduring joint problem-solving partnerships.

Learn more with this video segment »

Zuzanna Holmes and Deborah Lockhart

The programme not only provides a space to enhance students' knowledge on ADR, but it is also a platform to foster cross-cultural learning and professional development. In 2025 we have hosted student interns from Australia, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Every day we are grateful for the energy, unique perspectives, and fresh ideas they bring to ADC.

Meet our intern class of 2025 here »

The ADC Book Club features a reading list designed to deepen your dispute resolution knowledge and expertise. Stay current, add CPD points for your AMDRAS Accreditation and expand your professional connections in a relaxed online setting (from wherever you are!).

ADC Book Club is curated by ADC’s stellar training faculty and meets regularly.

What our Book Clubbers are saying:

It is great interacting with my peers. Great conversations are generated around the reading material we review but the real gems lie in expanded discussions around how the text can be incorporated into our practices. Phillip Dibben

Join the Conversation HERE!