The Contemporary Restorative Practices Conference in Canberra took place from November 21 to 23, 2024, and brought together a diverse community of restorative justice practitioners, academics, and advocates. Attendees explored how to shift from theoretical awareness to the real-world application of restorative approaches, with interactive panels, case studies, and group discussions forming the core of the event. The third day featured an Open Space Technology format, enabling participants to self-organise and dive deeply into the topics most relevant to their work.
Over the course of the conference, keynote presentations set the tone for progressive thinking and practical solutions. Prominent thought leaders illuminated pathways for advancing restorative justice in various contexts, including education, workplaces, and criminal justice settings. Workshops and plenary sessions addressed everything from redress and youth conferencing to the development of workplace cultures grounded in restorative principles, giving participants rich insights into how to effectively implement these values across different sectors.
By the final day, the conference had successfully facilitated a platform for collaborative learning, with participants sharing innovations in practice and forging new partnerships. Special sessions dedicated to topics like environmental restorative justice, trauma-informed educational settings, and international perspectives on gendered violence demonstrated the breadth and depth of restorative approaches. Reflecting on the event’s overall impact, attendees left with renewed commitment, a deeper understanding of restorative methods, and a strengthened network of peers dedicated to fostering positive change in their respective communities.
