What is OpenForum?

Open Forum is an independent collaborative think-tank built around an interactive discussion website hosted and moderated by Global Access Partners (GAP). It provides a platform for focused dialogue on social, political, economic, ecological and cultural issues and challenges.

User login

Site News

Energy Futures Enquiry completed


The Futures Project has launched its report following the Energy Futures Enquiry, run in association with AGL.

The motivation of the enquiry was to capture the wisdom of crowds and identify consumer preferences in regard to energy delivery technology in the future.

 


read more »

Kiss Goodbye to MS


An initiative of MS Australia, Kiss Goodbye to MS calls on people with multiple sclerosis (MS), their friends, family and colleagues to raise funds for vital research into a cure of the disease. During the month of May, MS Australia asks everyone to wear red lipstick, dare others to go red and share the message with special Kiss Goodbye to MS events throughout Australia.


read more »

Have we got a story for you!


Sydney Writers' FestivalThe Sydney Writers Festival 2013 takes places on 20 to 26 May 2013. It is an annual literary festival that includes author talks, conversations, film screenings, panels, readings, workshops and various events for children.


read more »

Blog of the Day

Charles Passis picture

Why National Sorry Day is still important even after the Apology


posted by Charles Passi, May 24, 2013

This Sunday is National Sorry Day, when Australia acknowledges the forcible removal of indigenous children from their families and communities. Charles Passi from the Healing Foundation asks all Australians to contribute to the collective journey of healing and recognition.

As the Chair of the Healing Foundation I’ve been given a responsibility and challenge to lead the nation to a place where all Australians, especially the Stolen Generations, can heal from the pain of the past. I have a vision that on National Sorry Days to come we will remember how we moved forward from the national Apology, how we were given a Healing Foundation;  and how these two events signified the start of a new journey, not only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for the whole country.

Getting to a point where we see this day as a day of celebration will take a lot of work from each and every one of us.  Healing is not easy; healing can be painful. It’s like getting a splinter caught in your finger. To make it better you first have to yank the splinter out, and that’s going to hurt. 


read more »

Related Blogs ›

Featured Forum

Productive Ageing


As a growing number of still active people in their mid-60s reach retirement, they are no longer content to '’keep busy'’ with hobbies, travel, volunteering and grandchildren.

Many seek a life of extra purpose, meaning and personal fulfillment. In stark contrast with the dream of earlier generations to finally achieve “the freedom from work”, the aspiration of many in this new wave is “the freedom to keep working”.

Ahead of the GAP/ACHR A Future without ‘Age’ Conference  to be held in the Legislative Assembly Chamber of NSW Parliament House at the end of May, Open Forum will explore the social implications and economic opportunities created by Australia's ageing population.

The profound change in life expectancy generated by medical advances and higher living standards over the past six decades have created a new period of life of some 20-30 years between the traditional retirement age of many people and their dotage. A new ‘age’ has evolved, wedged between middle-age and old age.

Keeping people of mature age in the workforce for longer has been a policy goal of successive Australian governments. However, most initiatives to date have focused on the years leading up to retirement, including an extension of the superannuation guarantee and remedial employment services for older job seekers after redundancy.

There has been no attempt to determine why redundancy occurs in the first place.

There are no formal resources to help the increasing number of senior Australians seeking a productive “third age”. This remains a journey without a map.

If you’d like to share your thought and ideas on productive ageing or be involved in the Conference, please contact Helen at hhull@openforum.com.au.


read more »

Productive Ageing

Related Content ›


Recommended Articles

Proposed Darling Harbour redevelopment needs to be rethought

Thu, 23/05/13- Ed Truscott
Ed Truscott's picture

In March, the NSW state government unveiled its plans for the redevelopment of Darling Harbour. Pyrmont resident Ed Truscott makes a passionate case for leaving Darling Harbour exactly as it is.

Racing toward a cure

Wed, 22/05/13- Dominique Chaleyer
Dominique Chaleyer's picture

There doesn’t seem to be an obvious link between the desire to help sufferers from multiple sclerosis and a passion for racing cars. Dominique Chaleyer manages to combine the two as an ambassador for MS Research Australia, raising funds by racing a red vintage Alfa Romeo.

Microfinance – contributing towards a better world

Tue, 21/05/13- Rob Haggett
Rob Haggett's picture

It has been hailed as a ‘miracle cure’ to end global poverty. Rob Haggett from microfinance initiative Good Return explains how microfinancing has the potential to be a powerful tool in helping poor people around the world.

Genocide in Guatemala: The Conviction of Efrain Rios Montt

Thu, 16/05/13- Binoy Kampmark
Binoy Kampmark's picture

A Guatemalan court has sentenced Efrain Rios Montt, the former Guatemalan military dictator who ruled during a brutal civil war, to 80 years in prison for genocide and crimes against humanity. Binoy Kampmark from RMIT University provides some background to the landmark ruling.

Immunisation saves lives

Wed, 15/05/13- Steve Hambleton
Steve Hambleton's picture

New figures for national immunisation rates have raised concerns about Australian parents failing to immunise their children. Dr Steve Hambleton, federal president of the Australian Medical Association, urges all families to follow vaccination guidelines.
 

Are senior Australians being squeezed by the cost of living?

Tue, 14/05/13- Tim Adair
Tim Adair's picture

The cost of living remains a major political and social issue for older Australians. The rising cost of health care in particular is a concern for an ageing population, says Dr Tim Adair from the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre.