Roy Bradley Oration 2026 – Saara Sabbagh

The 8th Roy Bradley Oration was delivered by Saara Sabbagh OAM on Sunday, 30 August 2026 – 3 pm AEST via Zoom. See below for oration recording.

Australian Muslim community leader, interfaith advocate, and international speaker, Saara addressed the topic of Mercy in a Fractured World: An Islamic Perspective of Care and Community. She explored an Islamic ethic of mercy as a moral framework for responding to social fragmentation through care, community, and human flourishing.

Saara has more than 30 years’ experience advancing social cohesion, faith-based leadership, and community wellbeing. As the Founder and Chair of Benevolence Australia, she has led pioneering initiatives that support Australian Muslims, strengthen families, empower women and young people, and foster resilient, inclusive communities through education, mentoring, counselling, and leadership development.

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the Muslim community, Saara works collaboratively with government, interfaith groups, and community organisations to address issues of multiculturalism, religious literacy, and social inclusion. She is a respected voice in national and international dialogue on the role of faith in building compassionate, resilient societies. Drawing on decades of Islamic education, community leadership, and studies in counselling and psychotherapy, Saara brings a distinctive perspective that integrates spiritual wisdom with practical approaches to human flourishing. Her keynote presentations inspire audiences to explore how faith, compassion, and shared values can strengthen communities and contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world.