Bastille Day – not just for the French

On Bastille Day the French remember their revolutionary past. Sharon Stratford, who is running a website for Francophiles, explains why more and more Australians are joining the celebrations.

When you’re no longer part of your football family

Manly Sea Eagles rugby player Steve Menzies has announced his retirement on Thursday two months before turning 40. Having had the personal experience, Stefan Grun explores what is left once the active sporting career is over.

Children in detention: child rights not refugee fight

The new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has set the issue of asylum seekers high on his political agenda. Leila Druery, a refugee advocate for activist group GetUp!, describes the plight of children in mandatory detention and argues that their rights should come before political considerations.

Celebrate NAIDOC week

It’s NAIDOC week from 7 to 14 July. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.

A Canadian’s Guide to Canada Day

The national day of Canada is celebrated every year on 1 July. Laura Ballantyne, a Canadian living abroad, provides an overview of all things Canadian – eh to z.

Wear jeans and fight childhood disease

Jeans for Genes Day is a national day when people are invited to wear their jeans to raise funds for research into birth defects and diseases such as cancer, epilepsy and a range of genetic disorders. On Friday 2nd August workplaces, schools and streets will become a sea of denim in a united stance against childhood disease. The money raised goes to the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).

Go wild and silly for a serious cause

Today SIDS and Kids celebrates the 26^th Red Nose Day, their not-for-profit’s major fundraiser. Leanne Raven, CEO of SIDS and Kids, explains why support for this event is so important.

Sexual assault does not happen in a vacuum

After Jill Meagher's rape and murder there have been suggestions that the justice system is failing victims of sexual assault. Karen Willis, Executive Officer of NSW Rape Crisis Centre, says we need to change the attitudes that create the culture in which sexual assault occurs.

The relationship between the ‘good’ parent and parent fatigue

Modern parents are expected not only to participate in their children’s lives, but to perform. Dr Kym Macfarlane, senior lecturer of Child and Family Studies at Griffith University, argues that we should make time to play and relax.

Lessons from the Middle East in Restoring Hope for refugees and asylum seekers

Last week’s Refugee Week celebrated the contribution of refugees rebuilding their life far from home. Phil Glendenning, president of the Refugee Council of Australia, argues that we should measure up to the generosity of Middle Eastern countries in supporting refugees.

The Edward Snowden impact on intelligence

There has been some controversy about Edward Snowden’s motives to share classified information regarding the National Security Agency with the press. Dr Patrick Walsh, senior lecturer for intelligence and security studies at Charles Sturt University, speculates about the consequences of this intelligence leak.

Find a Grandparent – Connecting Surrogate Grandparents with Young Families

Grandparents play an important role in raising children. Cate Kloos explains how her not-for-profit organisation helps families that are looking for a caring grandparent.