An Initiative of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute

Why?

Kategoria 2026 is a gathering of the LMI network — our Alumni, faculty, and friends — held at the LMI Homestead at Murrumbateman, running from Thursday evening to Saturday evening.

Why the name? Kategoria comes from the world of the Athenian agora, the public assembly where citizens gathered to deliberate. In legal practice the kategoros brought the kategoria — the case for the prosecution — and the defendant answered with the apologia, the defence. The Christian tradition has been shaped overwhelmingly by apologia: we are practised at defending the faith. Kategoria asks the next question. What would it mean for Christians to step forward not only to defend, but to prosecute a positive case — to assert what is true about human flourishing, and to make the argument for how we might live well together?

Each year we put a single question to our network, in two keys: what have you found, in your field, that the public square needs to hear? The papers you will hear over the weekend are the answers.

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The Programme

The weekend is built around seven session blocks — four on Friday, three on Saturday — bracketed by the morning theology sessions, shared meals, and a closing synthesis. Most blocks are clusters of presentations, curated into themed sessions.

Once each day, everyone breaks into small groups of four to six to digest that morning's papers together — at least forty minutes of collaborative reasoning, then a brief report-back before lunch.

Contributions take several forms: full papers, facilitated discussions, short book reviews, and creative presentations.

The Programme

Location and Facilities

The Kategoria conference will take place onsite at the Lachlan Macquarie Institute's beautiful campus located in Murrumbateman, NSW (30 mins outside Canberra)

The facility is situated upon a 20 acre rural property, surrounded by farmland and within easy distance of some of the best local wineries and vineyards.

Location and Facilities

Accommodation and Cost

Accommodation. This is not provided with your registration. We recommend booking with one of two nearby providers: the Abode Hotel, Murrumbateman, or the Murrumbateman Country Inn.

Cost. The full program is $495 per person, and day guests attend for $195 per day. LMI Alumni attend at a reduced rate, and presenters attend without a registration fee.

Accommodation and Cost

The Presenters

Our presenters come from across the LMI network — Alumni, faculty, and friends: academics, practitioners, professionals, and church leaders.

Presenters are invited directly from within the network, and will be announced once the programme is curated into themed sessions.

Testimonials

See what other people have to say about Kategoria.

(Stock photos used)

Jake
JakeDelegate 2022

“I’ve left feeling refreshed and encouraged by new friends, intellectual stimulation, bucolic scenery, incredible food, and the call to live as a wholehearted disciple of Christ. LMI is a unique place”

Mike
MikeDelegate 2022

"I've been to lots of conferences before but no Christian conferences. This was the best conference I have ever attended. So many thanks indeed."

Katherine
KatherineDelegate 2024

Such an incredible experience and I'm thankful that we heard about it. Please continue doing them, and perhaps consider marketing to Christian schools as a professional learning opportunity.

Jasmine
JasmineDelegate 2023

"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was stretched and challenged as much as I hoped I would be. Love the work you guys do."

FAQ’s

Commonly asked questions about the events.

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  • What does it cost to attend Kategoria?

    The full program is $495 per person. Day guests attend for $195 per day. LMI Alumni attend at a reduced rate, and presenters attend without a registration fee.

    The Alumni rate is confirmed when we respond to your application.

  • Who should attend Kategoria?

    Kategoria 2026 serves three audiences at once. It is a homecoming and a platform for LMI Alumni, who bring their work, research and thinking to the wider network. It is a gathering for the faculty and adjuncts who teach across LMI's programs but seldom meet one another. And it is an open invitation to anyone curious about LMI who would like to encounter the community and take the measure of its ethos and intellectual seriousness.

  • How do I take part?

    Most people come to Kategoria as guests, and you are very welcome to. You can join us for the full program, or for a single day.

    Places are limited, so we ask everyone to apply rather than simply register. Use the APPLY NOW link on this page and we will be in touch.

    Papers are presented by invitation. Our presenters are drawn from across the LMI network and are approached directly.

  • How will transport work?

    Each guest is responsible for organising their own transport to and from Canberra. We will arrange a bus collection and drop-off for those flying in and out of Canberra airport.

    There will also be a shuttle service between the LMI Homestead and Murrumbateman at the beginning and end of each day.

  • How will accommodation work?

    Accommodation is not provided with your registration. We recommend booking with one of two nearby providers: the Abode Hotel, Murrumbateman, or the Murrumbateman Country Inn.

    Please contact us if you would like assistance with a booking.

The Lachlan Macquarie Institute

Find out more about the Institute's Programs, Vision, and Mission.

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