Standing Up to Discrimination: AIS and Polykala Deliver Bystander Intervention Training Across NSW and VIC

The Australian Intercultural Society (AIS), in partnership with Polykala, has delivered 11 sessions of bystander intervention training workshop across New South Wales and Victoria, helping participants develop practical skills to respond safely and effectively to Islamophobia and racial or religious discrimination.

Funded by the Department of Home Affairs, the program has run seven sessions in NSW and four sessions in Victoria, attracting participants from Local Councils, NSW Police, the NSW Department of Education, universities, community organisations, youth services, and legal services. These half-day workshops combine interactive activities, open discussions, and role-plays, creating a safe environment to explore real-world situations and build confidence to act.

Participants described the sessions as “fantastic and engaging,” “open and safe,” and “highly relevant to the current climate of racism and Islamophobia.” Many valued the opportunity to practice different intervention strategies and hear diverse perspectives, with one attendee calling the experience “so valuable and transformative.”

Looking ahead, additional sessions will take place in Victoria in early 2026, including Carlton, Ballarat, and Dandenong. Sessions are also planned for Brisbane and Adelaide later in the year.

The program doesn’t just build individual skills, it fosters stronger community connections, encourages dialogue, and helps create safer public spaces for everyone.

Together, we’re standing up to discrimination and standing stronger as a community.

Spaces are limited — register now to participate ⭐ [Registration link] ⭐