Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for a successful 2026.

ADC has rung in our 40^th Anniversary year with its flagship mediation training and accreditation programme. Our January 2026 course was a special reminder of the first mediation course we ran in January 1986, with Chief Justice Sir Laurence Street as trainer.

Nominations are still open for the 10th Annual Australian ADR Awards but only until 9 February.

The Australian ADR Awards are open to all Australia-based individuals and teams. The awards are an exceptional opportunity to highlight the vital work you have undertaken over the past 12 months. In 2026 there are 30 ADR Award categories. Please do not miss the deadline with your submissions.

ADC is excited to have you join us and the dispute resolution community in celebrating this year’s incredible milestones - at one of the world’s most famous locations!

We are thrilled to invite you to the Sydney Opera House and its spectacular Yallamundi Rooms, on 27 March, for ADC’s 40^th Anniversary and the 10th annual Australian ADR Awards Conference and Gala Dinner.

To help celebrate these landmark events the conference includes an incredible line-up of eminent ADR leaders and award-winning speakers. It is a time to connect and celebrate, culminating in the prestigious Gala Dinner on the sparkling shores of Sydney harbour.

I look forward to you joining us for this unique opportunity, with dispute resolution practitioners showcasing their expertise and celebrating 40+ years of impact across Australian civil society.

After 13 years as Chief Justice of South Australia, His Honour, Chief Justice Chris Kourakis is retiring in February 2026. ADC congratulates His Honour for his unwavering commitment to justice, including his advocacy for and implementation of best-practice ADR in his multi-ADR Award winning South Australian courts.

ADC is privileged to have worked with Chief Justice Kourakis in presenting the annual ADR Address Series of the Supreme Court of South Australia over the past six years. Many of you would have had an opportunity to hear the Chief Justice speak on dispute resolution, most recently at ADC’s International ADR Conference in 2025. ADC is thrilled to feature a video of his conversation with ADC’s Director, Michael Talbot in this Bulletin.

ADC extends its warm congratulations to Justice Laura Stein for her upcoming appointment as Chief Justice of South Australia. The appointment recognises her outstanding legal career, deep commitment to justice and respected leadership within the profession and marks an important moment for the South Australian judiciary, with Justice Stein being the first woman to serve as the state’s Chief Justice.

ADC continues its commitment to high-quality professional development in 2026, equipping professionals with key ADR skills.

As we mark ADC’s 40th year of world-class training programmes, now is a perfect time to be a part of that legacy. ADC’s professional development courses are available throughout 2026 - with full details linked below through our website’s Events Calendar.

For your In-House Team Training, please feel free to get in touch directly to discuss. ADC’s In-House courses are second to none and we work with you to tailor a programme to your needs.

For now, I wish you a relaxing long weekend, and may the New Year bring a time of renewed peace and prosperity to all.

 

Best Regards,

Deborah

The Australian ADR Awards celebrate excellence and the significant contributions to the field of ADR by Australia-based practitioners.

Recognition in the ADR Awards is more than just an accolade; it is an independent validation of your core commitments to your clients: saving time, money, and stress, while preserving their business relationships and reputations.

In a complex legal landscape, effective dispute resolution requires highly skilled professionals. Being recognised by your peers, clients, and stakeholders in the Australian ADR Awards confirms your dedication to world-class standards.

This is a timely opportunity to ensure that you and you team’s exceptional work receives the industry-wide recognition it deserves.  NOMINATE TODAY!

In this edition of the ADR Awards Winner profile series, ADC was in conversation with Dr Rajesh Sharma about his experience as an ADR academic, including his research areas and the impact of the ADR Awards on his profession. Read more about his insights on how to cultivate the next generation of ADR leaders along with key developments in the dispute resolution industry amidst evolving technologies.

Read the interview here »

WHY REGISTER TODAY?

1. Unparalleled Line-up of Speakers & Facilitators: Gain insights and debate forward-thinking topics with an exceptional line-up of industry-leaders and award winning speakers

2. Iconic Venue:  Experience a landmark event in the breathtaking Yallamundi Rooms, Sydney Opera House - an unforgettable setting to connect and celebrate

3. Premier Stay: Secure premium comfort, convenience, and exclusive cost-savings at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park until 24 February – rooms are limited 

4. Elite Networking: A unique opportunity to connect with industry peers and leading practitioners from across the spectrum of dispute resolution who are shaping the next 40 years of ADR

5. Unbeatable Value: Maximise your savings! Register by 20 February 2026, to secure the heavily discounted Early Bird rate for both the Conference and Gala Dinner

We are pleased to share this compelling feature video from ADC’s 2025 International ADR Conference, with Chief Justice Chris Kourakis in conversation with ADC Director Michael Talbot as they explore innovation and the evolving role of ADR in improving access to justice, with reflections on how these expanding mechanisms are used in South Australia. Insightful, thought-provoking and timely, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the art of advocacy and promoting fair resolutions both inside and outside of courts.

Focus on your future. Take time this summer to learn how to conduct each step of the Mediation Process in line with Australian and international standards, strengthen your interest-based negotiation skills and hone your online communication skills.

ADC’s accelerated multidisciplinary course enables you to facilitate the resolution of disputes across a diverse range of business, cultural and social settings with the advantages of ADC’s prestigious ‘Mediator Accreditation’ and eligibility for AMDRAS accreditation and the NSW Law Society LMA Scheme.

“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       Read More Testimonials Here –>

Meet your mediator accreditation requirements and prepare your skills for the year ahead: Summer is the perfect time to complete your CPD hours with ADC’s convenient one- or two-day online formats to suit your schedule.

Gain practical experience with ADC’s Expert Coaching: Participate in simulated disputes with immediate, personalised feedback from ADC’s highly regarded coaches and trainers.

Choose from the Refresher Training dates linked below:

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 or LMA Scheme 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!