Dine out… Help out

For the next six weeks leading up to Christmas, StreetSmart is partnering with restaurants to ask diners for a small donation. Adam Robinson set up the not-for-profit organisation to support local grassroots homeless projects.

Australia places four communities on the list of 21 to watch in 2014

It was noticeable that when this year’s 21 Intelligent Communities were chosen worldwide, four of them were Australian. Louis Zacharilla from the Intelligent Community Forum explains what it takes to become a model community for the future.

Let’s not follow Europe’s model in integrating immigrants

Australia needs a long-term vision to achieve a complete integration of its immigrants. Jean-Marie Simart shares his views on how to adopt a successful model for a harmonious and fully integrated society.

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.

Dine out and help out

For the six weeks in the lead-up to Christmas, not-for profit organisation StreetSmart partners with restaurants to ask diners to make a small donation to StreetSmart on their bill. From 11 November to 31 December every table is asked to add $2 or more to their bill. It’s a simple idea that adds up to a big impact on the lives of people who are homeless. 

Can a state provide marriage equality?

Key law-makers in NSW and Tasmania have rejected same-sex marriage bills, while the ACT’s bid is said to be doomed to fail in the High Court. Rodney Croome urges our leaders to ensure that same-sex couples have the choice to legally marry, regardless of the legislative backstory.

Change the face of men’s health

During November each year, millions of moustaches around the world are grown for Movember to raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and mental health.

Ending racism does not require respect

Today the Centre of Independent Studies discusses the importance of building a multiculturally diverse but socially cohesive society. Benjamin Herscovitch says that creating a tolerant Australia only demands benign indifference to diversity.

Fresh thinking needed on how to break the cycle of poverty

Almost one quarter of all Australians are living under the poverty line. Sally Cowling from UnitingCare shares the results of research showing a worrying trend of more children than ever before living in poverty.

The race that stops a nation

On 5 November 2013 more than 100,000 people will make the journey to Flemington Racecourse to attend the Melbourne Cup, which is in its 153rd year. The Melbourne Cup is the richest handicap race held in Australia, and the prize money and trophies make it among the richest horseraces in the world.

Numeracy the poor cousin in Australia?

Low literacy and numeracy skills hurt Australians and the economy. David Tout from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) outlines the results of an international study assessing literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in adults that give some cause for optimism but also concern.

Weekend of dangerous debates

For the 5th time the Sydney Opera House hosts this festival of ideas, conversation and debate. From 2 to 4 November 2013 speakers from around the world explore their sometimes controversial theories in over 30 thought provoking sessions.