Name: Making space, valuing place: in and through higher education evaluation
Start: 2026-09-18T10:30:00+0930
End: 2026-09-18T11:30:00+0930

This is the draft aes26 program, subject to change. To register for workshops and the conference, go to: https://www.aes26.aes.asn.au/

Making space, valuing place: in and through higher education evaluation

Friday September 18, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am ACST

Waterfront 3

Authors: Nathan Towney, University of Newcastle, Matt Lumb, University of Newcastle, Monica McKenzie, University of Newcastle, Rhyall Gordon, University of Newcastle, James Ballangarry, University of Newcastle
This panel explores how evaluation in higher education can actively make space for diverse perspectives while valuing place—the cultural, relational, and institutional contexts in which programs unfold. Drawing on work within the University of Newcastle’s Engagement and Equity Division, the session examines how ethical evaluation can be enacted in practice when working across complex social justice initiatives.

We argue that dominant, compliance-oriented and metrics-driven approaches often fail to recognise place-based realities, marginalise diverse knowledges, and obscure power relations. In response, the panel foregrounds evaluation as a relational and ethically situated practice that must engage with questions of voice, inclusion, and accountability. This involves not only methodological choices, but also deliberate strategies to create space for stakeholders—particularly those historically excluded—to shape how problems, success, and evidence are defined.

Panel contributions highlight three interconnected practices. First, Indigenous-led and culturally responsive approaches demonstrate how evaluation can shift from extractive processes to reciprocal, place-based relationships grounded in trust and responsibility to community. Second, critical and post-structural perspectives support evaluators to interrogate how “problems” are constructed, making visible whose values and assumptions are prioritised. Third, collaborative design processes offer practical ways to navigate competing priorities, recognise power dynamics, and uphold ethical commitments across diverse contexts.

Through examples spanning NSW school policy evaluation, university program evaluation, and cross-sector collaborations, the panel reflects on what ethical evaluation looks like in practice—particularly how evaluators can create inclusive spaces, acknowledge limitations and failures, and contribute to more just and contextually credible evaluation approaches.

Speakers

Nathan Towney

Deputy Vice Chancellor Engagement and Equity, University of Newcastle

Nathan is a Wiradjuri man from Wellington NSW and currently the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership at the University of Newcastle. Prior to joining the University Nathan worked in a variety of roles for the NSW Department of Education, finishing as Principal at... Read More →

Matt Lumb

Associate Director, Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education

Matt's interest in evaluation developed through experiences as both a community development professional and classroom teacher. With colleagues at the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education, he works to foreground the politics of value and knowledge at play in processes... Read More →

Monica McKenzie

Indigenous Evaluation Project Officer, University of Newcastle

Friday September 18, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am ACST
Waterfront 3 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT, Australia

Traditional and new ways

Format Panel
Audience Level Foundational, Intermediate
Industry Education and training, Community and social services
ID 296

aes26 International Evaluation Conference

Nathan Towney

Matt Lumb

Monica McKenzie

Get help with the event

aes26 International Evaluation Conference

Nathan Towney

Matt Lumb

Monica McKenzie

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