The importance of purpose

We all have a fundamental need for community and purpose. Stephanie Byrne says when young people are connected to networks in the community and engage with a wider sense of belonging and achievement, they become more resilient and can begin to flourish.

Bystander survey: Help to redefine what it truly means to be Australian

Did you know that the most common form of racism in Australia is everyday racism? And it nearly always involves bystanders witnessing it. A research team at CQUniversity is currently recruiting participants to share their experience through an anonymous online journal.

NAIDOC week: A celebration of culture and connection

NAIDOC stands for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. April Long from the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence invites all Australians to join in the celebration of culture and connection.

Celebrate NAIDOC week

It’s NAIDOC week from 3 to 10 July 2016. NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Kids Giving Back – creating the next generation of generosity

Kids Giving Back provides volunteering opportunities for young people to give back, grow community and develop a strong sense of self. Co-founder Ruth Tofler-Riesel urges us all to help nurture tomorrow’s change-makers and empower them to make a difference.

With courage let us all combine

It’s Refugee Week from 19 to 25 June 2016, where we are invited to celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society with theatre, music, dance, film and other events all over Australia.

All young people should have a voice

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey is currently open to all Australian young people aged 15 to 19 years. Dr Joann Fildes says we need to encourage young people to speak up and really listen to their views.

Australian Youth

Young people identified alcohol and drugs, equity and discrimination, and the economy and financial matters as some of the most important issues in Australia today.

Can reflecting on the past help to design a better future?

How can we promote a culture of diversity and inclusion in the workplace? With her “Beyond Bias” training group, Ilana McCorquodale from the Sydney Jewish Museum uses history as a gateway to teach and inspire.

ANZACs and sports stars: Room for both?

Heroes come in many shapes and forms – on the sporting field, in emergency services, the general community and of course the military. For this year’s ANZAC Day Brigadier Tim Hanna says there is room in our society to respect the courage and determination of our forebears as well as that of today’s sports stars.

Who needs the anti-social grip of gambling?

Gambling hopefuls are often prepared to venture big sums in the pursuit of a fortune the easy way – with sometimes tragic consequences. Leicester Warburton wonders how so many people can refuse to believe a mathematical fact.

Your heritage… pass it on!

Australian Heritage Week runs from Saturday 16 April to Sunday 24 April. It is an annual event for Australians to join together and celebrate our unique and special heritage. All communities are encouraged to get involved by hosting a variety of activities to feature your local heritage to our nation.