Cumberland City Council Regents Park Ward

A community initiative

Australian Political Engagement Network

APEN

A network supporting participation and engagement in Australian democracy, civic processes and institutions, through education and communication.

APEN - Australian Political Engagement Network logo

Activity

Events, presentations, partnerships and milestones
  1. Milestone

    APEN Brand Charter published

    Released the APEN Brand Charter, Mission and Messaging Guide, codifying our non-partisan approach to political education across Western Sydney communities.

Writing

All essays →
  1. Pathways, not personalities

    Young Muslims in this country are politically active in ways their parents' generation was not. The 2025 federal election was a test of where to put that energy. The result should change how the next decade is spent.

About APEN

Australia has one of the world's most stable democracies, but too many young people and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities feel locked out of it. APEN exists to close that gap.

Political knowledge should not be the privilege of insiders or university-educated elites. It belongs to everyone.

Our charter, in short

  • Non-partisan, by design
  • Community-led, especially Western Sydney
  • Plain English, no jargon
  • Action-oriented and practical
  • Respectful of cultural diversity

Who we serve

  • Young Australians
  • CALD communities and new citizens
  • Community and faith leaders
  • Anyone who wants to participate

Interested? Reach out.

Whether you want to attend a presentation, host one for your community group, mentor young Australians, or simply find out more, we'd love to hear from you.

  • Young Australians: Learn how to actually influence the decisions that affect your life.
  • Community leaders: Invite APEN to present at your group, masjid, church, cultural association, or youth program.
  • Volunteers and partners: Help us reach more communities. Mentors and presenters welcome.

All APEN enquiries route through my contact form. The "APEN" category will be pre-selected for you.

A note from Enver

I established APEN because, over years of work in Cumberland and Western Sydney, I kept meeting bright young people, and capable community leaders, who told me the same thing: "I'd get involved if I knew how."

That gap, between people wanting to participate and not knowing how, isn't an accident. The political system was built by insiders, for insiders. APEN is one attempt to close that gap by sharing what I've learned, plainly and without partisan pressure.

If you, or someone in your community, wants in, get in touch.