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.

Thread Together – Clothes for those who need them most

What started as a casual conversation between friends has become a not-for-profit organisation distributing new clothing for those in our community who are most in need. Catherine Fritz-Kalish shares her experiences in setting up Thread Together.

Pink Ribbon Breakfast

Pink Ribbon Breakfast is an annual, nationwide fundraising initiative of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This year’s theme is ‘storytelling’.

The Ageing Workforce – Problem or Opportunity?

Mature workers are sometimes dismissed merely based on stereotypes. Rod Irvine, managing director of Leaderboard, explains why baby boomers looking for a job should be seen as a gold mine of experience and advice.

Join the biggest dinner party in the world

On 18 October at 7pm local time the organisers of The Feast Worldwide ask people around the world to get together with friends and choose one of the following questions to discuss during a dinner party.

Project Dinnertime

The theme for this year’s National Nutrition Week is Project Dinnertime – Cook.Eat.Enjoy. The week runs from 13 to 19 October 2013.