Moments that take your breath away

Art evokes a range of feelings and emotions. Anne Fritz, who has spent more than three decades exploring the arts, invites us to allow this emotional experience to happen and thus make our life richer.

World religions – Is there a meaning for you?

Knowing more about the beliefs people hold has benefits for all of us. Ronald Forbes has written his book about world religions from a sincere appreciation of what each faith offers.

Happy Australia Day!

26 January is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788. Today Australia Day not only marks this historic event though. It’s a day to reflect and look ahead, be proud of what we have achieved as a nation while not forgetting our shortcomings.

Join the party

Sydney celebrates again this January. The Sydney Festival offers a diversity of international visual and performing arts, coming together in an exciting flurry of artistic activity.

Year in review 2013

I would to thank you, the Open Forum community, for all the support you have shown throughout 2013. As readers and bloggers you play a major role in shaping the content of this website.

Food to nourish the body and soul

More than seven years ago, six women sat down to gather recipes that tell the story of their community. Lisa Goldberg shares memories – and a delicious recipe – from her sisterhood, the ‘Monday Morning Cooking Club’.

The Australian love affair with all things French

Australia has embraced French culture in many ways. Sharon Stratford from French Desire explores the growing affinity with France and its influence on Australia.

Coming together as a nation

As a nation we are becoming more multicultural. Alok Ralhan urges Australians to build on common interests instead of focussing on differences that may hold us back.

A home for Brisbane’s multicultural community

The Multicultural Community Centre in Brisbane has re-opened its doors. Director Jeannie Mok invites the public to be part of the centre’s mission to support our multicultural communities.

The Importance of Cultural Exposure

Getting access to different cultures is important in appreciating the positive aspects our multicultural society has to offer. Laurence Strano shares his experiences in a life-long exposure to a multitude of cultures.

On ‘How are you’ and ‘Good thanks’

Speaking another language isn’t just about memorising a range of words, but also about challenging your values and expanding your culture. Ina Thiel talks about conversations in supermarkets and growing as an individual and consequently a society.

Multiculturalism in Australia the road to success

Significant advancements in the multicultural landscape as well as some of the most divisive debates have been seen in recent years. Pino Migliorino from FECCA (Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia) raises some of the key issues being addressed at their multicultural conference.