Kimberley trip shows how lives are changed

Indigenous communities across Australia are facing pressing social and financial problems. Anna Green from The Boston Consulting Group went to the Kimberley region and shares what happens when passionate and smart people work at a grass roots level and let local people lead the way.

This is Sydney in Summer

Every January, Sydney celebrates culture and big ideas with the Sydney Festival. From 8 to 26 January there are around 370 performances and 100 events performed by over 700 artists in more than 30 venues. The program ranges from circus and cabaret over theatre and dance to opera, classical and contemporary music.

Looking back on 2014

I would like to thank you, the Open Forum community, for your support and engagement throughout the year. You are instrumental in shaping this website with your blogs, ideas and comments.

OzHarvest – Give a little love

OzHarvest is a food rescue organisation collecting quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it free of charge to charities across Australia. Lisa Dainty explains how businesses can get involved.

The power of oldness – maintaining employability after the age of 50

The nature of work in Australia is changing. The type of work available has also changed. But that doesn’t mean you are unemployable once you are over 50. Sue Ellson has 10 tips that could help you secure your future.

Terrorists do not belong to any religion

Muslim scholar Dr Recep Dogan condemns the siege in Martin Place, Sydney, that ended in tragedy. He hopes that Australians of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds will be able to come together and engage in a dialogue of love and mutual understanding.

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 again has the 12 dos of Christmas to inspire Aussies to celebrate a Christmas with more joy and less waste.

Dine out and help out

There is still time to take part in the DineSmart initiative. Until 31 December StreetSmart partners with restaurants to ask diners to make a small donation to StreetSmart. Every table is asked to add $2 or more to their bill, not even the price of a coffee. It’s a simple idea that adds up to a big impact on the lives of people who are homeless. 

Banning video games – taking responsibility as a society

Target Australia recently pulled the R-rated video game Grand Theft Auto V from its shelves following feedback about the game's depictions of violence against women. Angela Borbilas says it’s time for the community to come together and recognise that we all have to do our part.

My year of wonder – discovering mindfulness in business

Wonder and amazement can be found in the most unlikely places. Leah Sparkes is observing a mindful revolution in corporate Australia.

What to give a child who can’t read?

The results from the latest NAPLAN show that large numbers of students in Years 3 to 9 in Victoria have profound problems with literacy and numeracy. Jennifer Buckingham says Victorian families deserve much better than what both the Labor and Liberal parties have promised.

Good privacy is good business

Privacy should not be underestimated or taken for granted. Following the Privacy @ Play Summit last month, Malcolm Crompton explains why good privacy is good business.