2024 Report from the Chair
2024 Report from the Chair
Embedded Files
As we come together for our Annual General Meeting, I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support and engagement of Mediators Beyond Borders Oceania (MBBO) members over the past year. This year has seen a number of collective efforts that have resulted in great cross pollination of ideas, stories, and practices of peacebuilding and conflict resolution across borders. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, and passion and generosity of our Directors and Executive Committee.
Thank you for being a vital part of the MBBO community. I am excited to engage with many of you in the year to come as we build on our shared vision to promote the principles and practices of peaceful conflict management and resolution in Oceania communities.
Warm Regards,
Claire Holland
Chair, MBBO
Our leadership Team
Our leadership Team
Information about the Directors:
Chair
Claire Holland
Vice Chair
Judith Rafferty
Secretary
Susan Hayes
Acting Treasurer
Ken Waldron
Director
Rose Adams
Director
Joanne Law
Information about the Executive:
Chair
Claire Holland
Vice Chair
Judith Rafferty
Chair, Partnership Working Group
Susan Hayes
Chair, Training and Capability Working Group
Ken Waldron
Chair, Communication, Marketing, and Membership Committee
Rose Adams
Chair, Experiential Learning Working Group
Joanne Law
Chair, Environment & Climate Change Working Group
Jacqueline Townsend
Our Strategic Plan for 2024
Our Strategic Plan for 2024
Cross fertilisation and sharing of knowledge, skills, and techniques across countries, cultures and communities in appropriate conflict management and resolution methods to develop peacebuilding capacity in our region.
Being a voice of conflict management and resolution with influencers in the region (regulators, government, NGO’s, community leaders, world leaders and corporate organisations).
Engaging broadly with our regional conflict management and resolution communities.
Providing MBBO members with opportunities to deploy their conflict management and resolution skills across borders and in broader regional spaces, the Oceania region, and other international spaces.
Actively engaging in networking, sharing of resources and expertise, and facilitating opportunities for exchange and learning from each other.
Identification, coordination, and delivery of regional projects that meet our vision and mission criteria.
Fundraising and engagement with corporate partners, including identification and application for grants to raise funds for the delivery of regional projects.
Promotion of peace and conflict theories and processes, as well as advocacy for positive engagement with non-adversarial, collaborative and dialogue-based methods across diverse contexts.
Encourage active engagement and participation of MBBO members with relevant boards, bodies, and representatives of government and community leaders.
Our Activities
Our Activities
MBBO Virtual Open House
MBBO Virtual Open House
At the beginning of the year, MBBO hosted a Virtual Open House, facilitated by the Chair, Claire Holland, inviting all members and potential members to participate. This online event served as both an introduction to MBBO’s plans for the year and a platform for building connections across our community.
The session featured an overview of the MBBO Strategic Plan for 2024, outlining the key objectives and initiatives that will drive the organisation’s activities in the coming year. Attendees were also introduced to the diverse range of working groups planned for 2024, with each working group chair delivering a presentation on their focus areas, goals, and opportunities for member involvement.
Transition from NMAS to AMDRAS in Australia
Transition from NMAS to AMDRAS in Australia
Joanne Law, MBBO Director and Board Member of the Australian Mediator Standards Board (AMSB), delivered an insightful and highly informative webinar on the transition from the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) to the Australian Mediation and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS). This event was a valuable opportunity for members and practitioners to deepen their understanding of the evolution of mediation standards in Australia and the implications of these changes for the profession.
Joanne began the webinar by presenting an overview of the history and development of mediator standards in Australia, tracing the journey from NMAS to AMDRAS. She detailed the extensive consultation process and rigorous research that informed the updates, emphasising the commitment to elevating professional standards and aligning practices with contemporary needs.
Community Peacebuilding on Smith Street
Community Peacebuilding on Smith Street
The Experiential Learning Working Group hosted a compelling webinar featuring Hieng Lim, who shared his transformative experience as part of the Smith Street Working Group in Melbourne. This initiative, facilitated by the Neighbourhood Justice Centre in Collingwood, sought to address persistent conflict and unrest on Smith Street through the implementation of community-driven peacemaking and conflict management strategies.
Hieng’s presentation highlighted the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders, community leaders, and justice practitioners to create meaningful and lasting change. He detailed the journey of Smith Street, once troubled by conflict, to its remarkable transformation into a thriving and harmonious neighborhood, ultimately earning global recognition as the "Coolest Street in the World."
The webinar underscored the critical role of grassroots initiatives in promoting justice and building cohesive communities. It served as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when innovative approaches to conflict management are paired with strong community collaboration. Attendees left with actionable insights and ideas to apply in their own contexts, reinforcing the importance of shared learning and practice among peacebuilding professionals
Tools for Communities Facing Climate Adaptation
Tools for Communities Facing Climate Adaptation
The Environment & Climate Change Working Group hosted a webinar featuring Jane Borthwick, an Environmental Mediator from New Zealand and a former judge of the Environment and District Courts. With extensive experience presiding over environmental litigation and mediating complex disputes, Jane brought a wealth of expertise to the discussion.
International Mediation Awareness Week
International Mediation Awareness Week
As part of International Mediation Awareness Week, MBBO hosted two webinars in November, showcasing diverse skills and knowledge in mediation and conflict management practices. One of these webinars, organised by the Training and Capability Working Group, provided a platform for knowledge-sharing, particularly aimed at emerging mediators and individuals seeking deeper practitioner insights.
Facilitated by Claire Holland and Judith Rafferty, the webinar featured contributions from 10 experienced practitioners, each sharing a top tip for mediators. These tips ranged across critical aspects of mediation practice, offering practical guidance and reflections from diverse contexts. Topics discussed included the benefits and dynamics of co-mediation, strategic use of breaks during mediation to maintain energy and momentum, the importance of understanding cultural nuances and exploring the backgrounds of parties in diverse settings, such as those encountered in PNG. Tips also included strategies for mediators to prepare effectively for their role, emphasising the importance of self-care and thorough pre-mediation preparation.
This interactive session highlighted the richness of global mediation practices and underscored the importance of continual learning and reflection in the field. By fostering dialogue and sharing actionable insights, the webinar contributed to building capacity and confidence among emerging mediators and reinforced MBBO’s commitment to promoting principles and practices of peaceful conflict management.
Mediations Beyond Borders
Mediations Beyond Borders
Judith Rafferty and Claire Holland hosted a webinar titled Mediations Beyond Borders: Witchcraft, Adultery, and Other Practices as part of MBBO's ongoing efforts to share global mediation insights. This event brought together MBBO members and Conflict Management Academy (CMA) colleagues who have worked in diverse and challenging contexts, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Sierra Leone, Ukraine, and other multicultural and multilingual environments.
The webinar provided a platform for seasoned mediators to share their experiences of working in cross-cultural settings where conflict resolution often takes on unique and complex dimensions. Topics addressed included navigating cultural norms, managing perceptions influenced by traditional practices such as witchcraft, and addressing deeply personal disputes such as adultery in a culturally sensitive manner. Participants explored how mediating beyond familiar borders often requires mediators to adapt their approaches significantly compared to practices within their own cultures. The panel shared strategies for building trust with parties, understanding cultural and historical underpinnings of conflicts, and balancing respect for local customs with effective conflict resolution principles.
Sorcery and Mediation
Sorcery and Mediation
As part of the Training and Capability Working Group's efforts to explore innovative mediation practices, Chair Ken Waldron conducted an insightful interview with Craig Jones, an accredited mediator with extensive experience in Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Craig's three-decade career includes mediating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia and working in the Pacific, particularly in PNG.
The webinar centered around Craig's recently published 2024 article, co-authored with PNG lawyer, mediator, and lecturer Michael Wagambie, titled Mediation in Matters Involving Sorcery in PNG Villages and Remote Australian Indigenous Communities. In the article and interview Craig explores the application of mediation to address sorcery-related conflicts and violence, a pressing issue in some remote communities in PNG and Australia.
Craig emphasized the value of a Hybrid Mediation Approach to manage these culturally sensitive and deeply rooted disputes. Unlike conventional mediation processes, this approach reimagines the stages of mediation as flexible design parameters.
Engagement Activities
Engagement Activities
Members of MBBO supported the Asia Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition (APCMC) as judges and mediators for its 8th annual competition. The APCMC attracts students across Australia, Asia, the South Pacific, India, the Americas, and Africa to practice negotiation skills in a commercial mediation setting. The competition represents a great opportunity for MBBO members to engage with the alternative dispute resolution community of the Asia Pacific region.
The Training and Capability Working Group hosted an intern from the James Cook University Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Conflict Management and Resolution, Anne Maingi. Born and raised in Kenya, Anne is helping to develop a suite of interviews with mediation practitioners to showcase examples of practice across diverse settings.
MBBO executive members were present across a range of conferences and conversations throughout the year. Engagement at the Australian Institute of International Affairs national conference, Resolution Institute and Regional Arbitral Institute Conference, Conflict Management Academy working groups, and through the Australasian Dispute Resolution Research Network has reinforced MBBO's mission to advocate for culturally responsive mediation and conflict management practices, and empower practitioners working in diverse and sensitive environments through ongoing dialogue and education.
Our Partnerships
Our Partnerships
In 2024 MBBO entered into an MOU with the Peace and Conflict Resolution Foundation (PCRF) based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). PCRF was founded in South-Kivu in 2006 by Samuel Muderhwa and his wife Faida Mutula Rachel, both originally from the Eastern provinces of DRC. The foundation focuses on educating people, promoting the principles of self-determination and responsibility. Between the years 2008 and 2013 the founders were trained as mediators and peacebuilders in Nairobi and Cyprus. PCRF believe in the importance of collaboration and aim to build strong networks with partner organizations, among other institutions who share some vision of peace building and providing humanitarian support.
In 2024 MBBO entered into an MOU with the Peace and Conflict Resolution Foundation (PCRF) based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). PCRF was founded in South-Kivu in 2006 by Samuel Muderhwa and his wife Faida Mutula Rachel, both originally from the Eastern provinces of DRC. The foundation focuses on educating people, promoting the principles of self-determination and responsibility. Between the years 2008 and 2013 the founders were trained as mediators and peacebuilders in Nairobi and Cyprus. PCRF believe in the importance of collaboration and aim to build strong networks with partner organizations, among other institutions who share some vision of peace building and providing humanitarian support.
PCR have sought to engage with MBBO to provide guidance and technical knowledge in the development of a school of mediation in the DRC. Drawing on partnerships, skills, and knowledge from the Oceania region, MBBO is furthering its vision to provide knowledge sharing and thought-leadership beyond borders.
To support the mission of PCR, MBBO provided a donation to support the delivery of food, clothes, and basic supplies to widows and vulnerable children in Mugogo Village in the Walnugu Territory. The event was held in October 2024. PCRF works in the region to empower communities and support leaders in peace consolidation and conflict resolution.
Our Communication
Our Communication
The Communication, Marketing, and Membership Committee, under the leadership of Rose Adams and Rachel Blaire, has been a driving force behind MBBO's enhanced visibility and member engagement in 2024. This team has spearheaded several critical initiatives to modernise and streamline communication channels, making it easier for members and the wider public to stay informed about MBBO's activities.
One of the standout achievements has been the revamp of the MBBO website, now hosted at www.mbbo.au. The redesigned platform serves as a central hub for all things MBBO. A significant milestone was also achieved with the transition of MBBO's LinkedIn presence from a personal to a business page. This move has created a professional and dynamic platform to increase follower engagement and raise awareness about MBBO's mission and activities. Regular updates, event announcements, and thought leadership content are shared to broaden MBBO's reach and foster connections across the mediation and conflict resolution community.
A cornerstone of MBBO’s communication strategy is the seasonal newsletter, published quarterly. This publication provides members with a comprehensive overview of MBBO activities, upcoming events, and other relevant updates. Meanwhile, the LinkedIn business page serves as a more immediate channel for advertising events, meetings, and opportunities for participation.
Looking ahead to 2025, MBBO plans to further enhance member engagement by launching a dedicated members-only space on the website. This secure area will provide paid members with exclusive access to shared documents, resources, and tools, supporting their professional development and facilitating deeper collaboration within the MBBO community.
Our Vision for 2025
Our Vision for 2025
The proactive efforts of the Executive Committee and all MBBO committee and working group Chairs have been instrumental in strengthening MBBO’s outreach and creating a vibrant, connected community. In 2025, we aim to increase membership for each working group and committee, and continue to encourage members engagement with MBBO activities. We will aim to strengthen ties with the Oceania community and increase membership across borders. These initiatives will continue to promote the vision and mission of MBBO and also reinforce its role as a community of interested citizens, peace seekers, and leaders who promote the principles and practices of peaceful conflict management, engagement, and resolution in Oceania communities and across borders.
2023 Report from the Chair
2023 Report from the Chair
Watch the recap of the MBBO 2023 year in the Chairman's address.
2021 Report from the Chair
2021 Report from the Chair
Watch the recap of the MBBO 2021 year in the Chairman's address.
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