Bystander Training Program
Throughout 2025 and 2026, the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS), in partnership with Polykala and funded by the Department of Home Affairs, offered the Bystander Intervention Program to help address the growing prevalence of Islamophobia, racism and religious discrimination. Through workshops offered across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland, the program equipped participants with practical skills to safely and effectively respond to incidents of hate and exclusion.
The program featured interactive half-day workshops that combined facilitated discussions, scenario-based learning and role-playing exercises to build participants’ confidence in responding to discrimination in everyday settings. The training encouraged participants to reflect on their role as active bystanders while exploring practical intervention techniques that prioritised safety, support and community wellbeing.
Over the two-year program, 18 workshop opportunities were offered, attracting more than 400 registrations from a diverse cross-section of the community. Participants included representatives from local and state government, education, law enforcement, community organisations, youth services, legal services, universities, faith communities and the broader public. These diverse cohorts created valuable opportunities for dialogue, learning and the exchange of perspectives on the challenges facing multicultural Australia.
Feedback consistently highlighted the program’s practical nature, relevance and positive impact. Participants reported increased confidence in recognising and responding to incidents of discrimination, while valuing the opportunity to learn practical strategies in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Beyond building individual skills, the program contributed to broader efforts to strengthen social cohesion and community resilience. By encouraging active citizenship and empowering people to challenge prejudice when they encounter it, the initiative helped foster safer, more inclusive communities where people of all backgrounds can feel respected, valued and supported.