2025 Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism
OFFICIAL PROGRAM
3–5 September 2025
Gold Coast, Queensland
About the Summit
The 2025 Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism is a landmark event — the first of its kind in Australia — bringing together over 200 mayors, councillors, and community leaders in a united stand against rising antisemitism and hate.
Held on the Gold Coast from 3–5 September 2025, the Summit will showcase the vital role of local government in confronting antisemitism, fostering social cohesion, and strengthening inclusive, resilient communities. Through keynote addresses, expert panels, interactive workshops, and cultural programming, participants will gain practical tools, fresh insights, and a renewed commitment to building a more tolerant future together.
WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2025
Welcome Cocktail Reception
6:00 - 7:00 pm
A relaxed networking event to open the Summit, giving participants the opportunity to meet civic leaders and international guests in an informal setting.
Opening Gala Dinner
7:00 - 9:30 pm
The official launch of the Summit featuring high-profile speakers, a cultural welcome, and musical entertainment, setting the tone for the conference.
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2025
Buffet Breakfast
7:30 - 8:30 am
A casual start to the day for attendees to connect and prepare for the sessions ahead.
Opening Addresses
8:30 – 9:00 am
Formal welcome from CAM and government representatives, highlighting the urgency of antisemitism awareness at the local government level.
Understanding Antisemitism Today
9:00 – 10:00 am
A global and local overview of antisemitism trends, featuring expert analysis and data to equip attendees with a comprehensive understanding.
Morning Tea & Group Photo
10:00 – 10:45 am
Light refreshments and an official group photograph of all delegates.
Mayors in Action: Defending Social Cohesion Locally
10:45 – 11:30 am
Local Strategies for Interfaith & Cross-Cultural Engagement
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Practical initiatives that foster respect and partnership across diverse communities, presented by leading interfaith educators and advocates.
Lunch & Holocaust Centre Exhibition
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Delegates enjoy lunch while engaging with an educational travelling exhibition from the Queensland Holocaust Centre.
Securing Communities: Law Enforcement & Digital Threats
1:00 – 1:45 pm
Law enforcement and digital experts discuss antisemitism as a security issue, highlighting community protection and online threat mitigation.
Council Leadership in Action
1:45 – 2:15 pm
Councils present their formal antisemitism strategies and lessons learned from implementation.
Break
2:15 – 2:30 pm
Short recess for networking and refreshment.
Mayors Workshop: Building a City Action Plan
2:30 – 4:15 pm
Interactive working session for mayors to develop tangible local responses to antisemitism based on CAM’s Municipal Action Plan.
Closing Remarks
4:15 – 4:30 pm
Reflections on the day and outline of Friday’s sessions.
Gala Reception & Dinner
7:00 – 10:00 pm
A celebratory evening showcasing local Jewish culture, community voices, and entertainment.
FRIDAY 5 OF SEPTEMBER 2025
Optional Morning Activities
7:00 – 8:00 am
Choose between a guided beach walk commemorating the Gold Coast–Netanya sister city agreement or a peaceful morning stretch session.
Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 am
Enjoy breakfast with fellow participants at local Gold Coast cafés.
Four thematic breakouts will be held across two rounds to allow delegates to attend multiple sessions.
Breakout Session One:
9:30 – 10:20 am
Breakout A:
Indigenous and Jewish Community Collaboration: Exploring the shared leadership of First Nations and Jewish communities in fighting hate and fostering reconciliation.
Breakout B:
Cybersecurity and Local Government: A look at emerging digital threats and the proactive role councils can play in building cyber-safe communities.
Breakout Session Two:
10:20 – 11:10 am
Breakout C:
Church, Shule & Mosque: Interfaith collaboration to build bridges between religious groups and unite around shared civic values.
Breakout D:
Leveraging the Third Space to Enhance Social Cohesion: Featuring Shalom Collective, this session explores how creative communal spaces promote identity, expression and intercultural understanding.
Final Morning Tea & Farewell
11:10 – 11:30 am
Final reflections and thanks from CAM organisers as the Summit concludes.
Delegate Departures
From Midday
Recommended departure window.