The SAGE National Network

When you join SAGE, you become part of a nationwide community of practice, working to drive change at the institutional and sector level. Together, we build relationships with government, industry and other stakeholders to collectively advocate for the change the tertiary education and research sector needs.

View notes from past meetings

SAGE Regional Networks

Australia’s a big country. SAGE Regional Networks allow institutions in the same region to work together to discuss local issues and opportunities, undertake collective advocacy, co-create good practice and resources, and provide peer support.

Regional Network Meetings happen quarterly, but these formal opportunities are not the only opportunity to connect. Many members maintain regular contact with each other, as they enjoy collaborating with and learning from their peers.

View notes from past meetings

Engagement Opportunities

From their Athena Swan Award applications, we know that many SAGE subscribers identified similar systemic barriers to attraction, retention and progression within their institutions. Dismantling these barriers can be a difficult and time-consuming exercise, but our subscribers don’t have to do it alone, because they have access to thriving communities of practice within the SAGE network.

In a Working Group, members from different institutions pool their resources and expertise to tackle a specific problem.

A Community of Practice provides a facilitated space where institutions can share what is happening in a specific focus area, network with peers who are working on similar topics, collaborate and share resources.

Gender-Based Violence Community of Practice

This Community of Practice supports higher education and research organisations to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. It helps institutions meet the requirements of the National Higher Education Code and Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act, promoting proactive measures to create safe, respectful workplaces. The CoP fosters collaboration, shares resources, and provides a space to co-design innovative solutions that strengthen organisational capacity and compliance. Meetings are currently held monthly via Teams.

Ethno-Racial Diversity and Anti-Racism Community of Practice

This Community of Practice brings together colleagues in higher education and research committed to advancing equity and addressing systemic racism. We share institutional experiences, exchange practical strategies, and connect with others facing similar challenges. This is not for ‘lived experience’ consultation or personal questions; members are responsible for their own learning and must uphold respect and care. By building a supportive network, we aim to strengthen collective capacity for meaningful, lasting change. We warmly invite new members to join this collaborative, action-oriented community.

Regional Working Group

The Regional Working Group was established in response to sector feedback highlighting unique challenges faced by organisations in geographically dispersed areas. This group is open to all SAGE subscribers and aims to create meaningful, relevant solutions by addressing barriers linked to regionality and shaping an effective structure and approach. Initial discussions will focus on identifying key challenges, determining the group’s format, such as a working group, community of practice, or special interest group, and agreeing on logistics, including meeting frequency. The goal is to foster collaboration and ensure support is available for those addressing regional barriers.

Research Grants and Funding Advisory Group

The Research Grants and Funding Advisory Group meets on an ad-hoc basis, as needed, to discuss current challenges in research grants and funding and to advise SAGE on how to best work with funding bodies, taking the needs of the SAGE network into consideration. The Group serves as a sounding board, providing valuable insights and feedback to the SAGE team to ensure that submissions to the Australian Research Council and other funding bodies reflect the needs and perspectives of the SAGE network.

National and Regional Network meetings

Regional Network Meetings (RNM) are held quarterly and organised by geographic region. These meetings provide a forum to connect with SAGE and peers, exchange institutional updates, and learn from other initiatives. They foster collaboration and strengthen sector-wide engagement. National Network Meetings occur three times a year and offer a strategic overview of SAGE activities. Administrative contacts from each institution are automatically invited to both Regional and National Meetings.

Past SIG – Cultural Diversity

The Cultural Diversity SIG developed the Championing Ethno-Racial Diversity and Anti-Racism in Higher Education and Resource Guide, which is now available for SAGE subscribers to utilise in their institutions. With the conclusion of the valuable project, the Special Interest Group voted to become a Community of Practice moving forward.

Past SIG – Workload Allocation

The Workload Allocation SIG developed a principles-based matrix for equitable workload allocation which can be used in conjunction with current Workload Allocation Models at institutions.

The matrix includes case examples of good practice. Its underlying principles can be applied across all levels of an institution, whether it’s from the perspective of senior leadership, local managers or staff members.

Join a Group

If you’d like to join or contribute to an existing Community of Practice or Working Group, send us an email and we’ll put you in touch with the group lead.

Form a new Group

SAGE subscribers who are interested in forming a new SIG should contact the SAGE team. We can help you find collaborators and coordinate Group activities.