In September, the Conflict Management Academy (CMA) hosted a vibrant stall at the National Mediation Conference. CMA Director Dr Samantha Hardy and Trainer & Coach Mentor Dr Judith Rafferty had a fantastic time connecting with friends, colleagues, and conference participants — and, of course, sharing our super-cool CMA merchandise! It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the wider mediation community, exchange ideas, and celebrate the growing interest in conflict management and restorative practices across Australia.
Judith jointly presented two papers as part of the conference program,. The first, co-authored with Amiel Nubaha, 2025 ADR Community Mediator of the Year, was titled “Bridging Traditional and Contemporary Mediation: Addressing Immediate Disputes Underpinned by Historical Grievance.” This presentation explored the integration of traditional and contemporary mediation approaches – a topic particularly relevant for practitioners working with diaspora communities affected by deep-rooted conflicts in their countries of origin, and for those engaging with Indigenous communities, where historical grievances continue to influence present-day dynamics.
