From dialect to dialogue: How language builds civic trust

What if city planning spoke more than English? A conversation on how written and spoken language shapes trust, participation, and belonging.

Language shapes cities in quiet but powerful ways, influencing how people experience place, participate in civic life, and connect with one another.

Inspired by work in Nijmegen in the Netherlands, where the world’s first city linguist is mapping hidden linguistic diversity, this Salon Canberra Ideas Forum asks what listening more closely might reveal about Canberra. With more than 86 languages spoken across the city, how might language be better recognised as a civic asset and a democratic force?

This conversation will explore how multilingualism, Indigenous language, and everyday communication - from consultation and wayfinding to public signage and storytelling in the built environment - can strengthen belonging, participation, and trust. It will also consider whether roles such as a “city linguist” or language custodian could help shape a more inclusive civic culture in the nation’s capital.

Presented by Salon Canberra in partnership with AECOM, this forum brings diverse perspectives together to reflect on how language can help build a more connected city.

Our expert speakers:

Stephen Callaghan, Technical Director - Design + Planning, AECOM

Stephen is a landscape architect with more than 26 years of experience shaping public domain environments. His career has been defined by major contributions to public transport networks, including the Sydney Metro program and light rail projects in Canberra, Sydney, and Parramatta. Across these initiatives, he has led precinct design, planning, and integrated design teams.

Stephen is a strong advocate for customer‑focused transport experiences, recognising that stations and stops are not just infrastructure but essential elements of place‑making. He brings a deep understanding of how well‑designed transport environments can create seamless connectivity and enrich the everyday life of cities.

Throughout his career, Stephen has championed cross‑disciplinary collaboration to resolve complex interfaces and navigate highly contested urban spaces. His leadership helps clients and stakeholders realise ambitious project visions while delivering outcomes that enhance both function and delight in the public realm.

Chris Mercer, Managing Director, Yerrabingin

Chris is Managing Director at Yerrabingin and brings a broad range of experience across arts, culture, and the built environment. Previously, he was Chief Experience Officer at the National Film and Sound Archive, where he co-designed the place strategy and led the renewal of the institution’s award-winning heritage building. Earlier, at global design and engineering firm Arup, he led the Australasian Arts & Culture business, connecting best practice design, engineering, and technology with evolving artistic practice to support the delivery of major arts and culture infrastructure projects. His career also spans senior production roles with Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Chunky Move, National Theatre (UK), and lighting design credits with Julian Storenam and Associates, Chunky Move, Opera Bordeaux, and Guts Dance. Chris co-authored the Creative Space Guidelines for Creative Victoria and the City of Sydney to guide good decision-making in the planning and delivery of creative space projects, and the Theatre Green Book Australia to support the performing arts sector's transition to sustainable practices.

Jessica Stewart, Head of Sustainability and Community Development, Ginninderry

Jessica Stewart is the Head of Sustainability and Community Development at Ginninderry – a 30 year project which will ultimately be home for 30,000 residents in the Capital Region. Ginninderry is Australia’s only cross-border master-planned community – extending across the ACT border into NSW.

Jessica holds tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Science from the Australian National University, majoring in Materials and Mechanics, Renewable Energy Systems, Sustainability Science and Science Communication.

Prior to commencing with Riverview Projects to deliver Ginninderry in late 2016, Jessica worked for five years with the ACT Government’s Land Development Agency in their Sustainability and Innovation section and as an Energy Auditor throughout the ACT and regional New South Wales.

Jessica has a passion for building strong, resilient communities and exploring the reasons why people love (and hate) the places that they live, work and play. Through education and energy efficiency, Jess aims to raise the bar for new developments and Ginninderry in particular, by ensuring that residents maximise their assets, reduce their running costs and design smarter homes.

Jessica has been awarded the National Association of Women in Construction ACT Emerging Leader Award and was named the Property Council of Australia’s ACT Future Leader of the Year in 2017. Jessica was also acknowledged as a Green Star Champion by the Green Building Council of Australia in 2020.