On the Future of Australia

We have to manage our economic interests, recognise opportunities and act on them when they arise. Peter Fritz identifies four initiatives for action now.

Creating a better community for everyone

Today is the International Day of People with Disability. The Patron of this event, Emeritus Professor Ron McCallum, urges us as a community to become more aware of persons with disabilities.

Attitudes and evidence will underpin disability reform

There still remain a lot of barriers in our urban landscape for people with a disability. Craig Wallace would like to see a national survey on community attitudes towards disability to give us solid evidence about what these attitudes are and what could leverage change.

Tips to reduce stress

Occasional moments of stress are normal, but they shouldn’t be our constant state of being. Edwina Griffin suggests how we can reduce stress and stay healthy.

What is really important?

Surviving cancer shifts one’s perspective. Meiron Lees shares his attitude to life that offers new meaning, purpose and appreciation of what truly matters.

Make a commitment

In the festive season Australians buy more, travel more and eat more than at any other time of the year. This can take a strain not only on our wallets, but also on the environment. Planet Ark introduces the 12 dos of Christmas to inspire Aussies to celebrate a Christmas with more joy and less waste.

Thank you

The team at Open Forum would like to thank our readers, contributors and partners for your support this year. We look forward to discussing a wide range of issues in 2014 with your help.

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’.

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.

Why most training programs are doomed to fail

A lot of training programs don’t actually lead to a better performance back at the workplace. Michael Stuer explains how organisations can encourage a transfer of training to the work environment.

Strata law wars: Why neighbours can now force you from your home unit

The NSW Government is reforming its strata and community scheme laws. Darren Moffatt from Housenet hopes that the new laws will be fair for all lot owners.