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.

Emotional habits of good leaders

In Australia the numbers of employees who say they are commited to their role and organisation are consistently low. Leah Sparkes argues that developing emotional intelligence can influence engagement and performance.

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.