Student Accommodation Association Industry Lunch in Melbourne, VIC
The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) is delighted to invite you to its Industry Lunch in Melbourne, VIC for an afternoon of insightful discussion, expert perspectives and meaningful industry engagement. Held at Crowne Plaza Melbourne on Thursday, 8 October 2026, this event brings together leaders from the student accommodation, education and government sectors, alongside specialist service providers, for a focused look at implementing the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.
The Code is now in effect. From Code to Practice moves the conversation from policy intent to operational reality, with insights from the Regulator, frontline responders and specialist consultants on what safe, consistent and practical implementation looks like within student accommodation. Join us to understand what meaningful implementation requires and take away practical actions your organisation can apply.
Registration closes on COB Friday, 2 October 2026.
Keynote Presentations
The Lunch will feature a series of keynote presentations and a panel discussion, providing expert insights into the future of student accommodation in Melbourne.
Setting the Standard: The National Code and the Future of Safe Student Accommodation
Michele Clark, Assistant Secretary, Higher Education Gender-based Violence Regulator, Australian Government Department of Education
A regulatory perspective on the intent and expectations of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence, with a particular focus on safe student accommodation. It will explore key requirements, and what meaningful implementation might look like in practice.
At the Front Line: Building an Effective Operational Response to Gender-Based Violence
Matt Borg, Chief Executive Officer, Constant Security Services
Drawing on frontline experience supporting universities, residential colleges and private student accommodation providers, Matt will examine how policy translates into practice when incidents or concerns arise outside standard operating hours. He will explore the importance of clearly defined roles, sound decision-making, effective reporting and escalation pathways, and coordination between frontline teams, institutional leaders and specialist services.
Discussion Panel:
'Closing the Gap: Governance, Capability and Frontline Delivery'
Facilitated by Professor Kent Anderson
- Michele Clark, Assistant Secretary, Higher Education Gender-based Violence Regulator, Australian Government Department of Education
- Matt Borg, Chief Executive Officer, Constant Security Services
- Kim Copeland, Principal Consultant, Avyon Consulting & Avyon Training Solutions
Tickets
Includes a two-course meal, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
SAA Executive Members
$120
per head (incl. GST)
SAA Non-Executive Members
$140
per head (incl. GST)
Non-Members
$175
per head (incl. GST)
As places are limited, tickets should be purchased strictly in advance by Friday, 2 October 2026.
Why Attend?
The Code is now in effect. How do we translate its expectations into safe, consistent and practical action within student accommodation?
The conversation about gender-based violence has established why change is needed. From Code to Practice focuses on implementation by bringing together the Regulator’s voice, operational experience and specialist expertise. The programme will explore:
Whether your organisation is developing, embedding or refining its approach, this programme provides an opportunity to examine current practice, hear different sector perspectives and identify areas for further improvement. We encourage you to bring members of your team who will be directly involved in implementing the Code, including those working across student safety, wellbeing, operations, complaints and incident response, so they can hear directly from the experts, ask practical questions and better understand what effective implementation means for their role.
Leave with a clearer understanding of the operational questions your organisation needs to address and the practical actions that can strengthen its journey from code to practice.
Register Now
The SAA wishes to acknowledge the financial and practical support of the following Corporate Sponsors.
Gold Corporate Partner
Gold Corporate Partner
Gold Corporate Partner
