Swimming, sport and all that Jaz

Regardless of the level you reach in any sport, the life lessons and skills developed are invaluable. Jaz Forsyth from Swim Australia looks back on her own career as a competitive swimmer cut short.

Australia, we need to talk

Australians are kind and generous people, but like anyone, we are prone to fear what we do not know. Alycia Gawthorne from the community advocacy organisation GetUp says it is up to us to start changing the way we talk about asylum seekers.

Have a night in to get the word out

Friday 25 July is White Ribbon Night. The event raises funds to help stop violence against women. Communities across Australia are asked to have a night in to get the word out.

World Cup goes to Germany

Germany has won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. They beat Argentina 1-0 on Sunday evening. It’s Germany’s fourth World Cup victory. The last win in 1990 also came over Argentina.

The moment of inequality

Growing inequality is one of the big issues of our time in Australia and abroad. Don Perlgut explores why this topic captures our attention to such an extent.

From grassroots to gold: The paradox of Australian sport

Although Australia is a great sporting nation, this hasn’t recently translated into sporting success on an international level. Steve Georgakis says that school sport, the foundation of Australian sport, should be more than about finding our next elite athletes.

HECS-style loan scheme for Paid Parental Leave provides fairness for women and taxpayers

The Abbott government’s proposed Paid Parental Leave scheme remains controversial. Matthew Taylor from the Centre for Independent Studies lays out an alternative to the Coalition’s reforms.

Have a night in to get the word out

Too many women across Australia are still exposed to domestic violence. Libby Davies, CEO of White Ribbon Australia, talks about a campaign aiming to change attitudes and behaviours.

Unplug and play

It’s a big job being a child’s most important teacher. Leonie Percy invites parents to take the time to reflect, be present and find a mindful moment with their child.

Simple ways to improve well-being

Most of the research into well-being concentrates on if and how it can be increased. Justin Cole is part of a team studying the effectiveness of self-help exercises as methods for improving well-being.

The Dry July phenomenon continues to gain momentum

Dry July is a fundraiser which challenges you to go booze-free for a month to support adults living with cancer. Brett Macdonald, Dry July co-founder, explains how the initiative is going from strength to strength.

Celebrate Indigenous excellence

Every year Australia celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures with NAIDOC week. April Long from The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence says it’s a great way to foster mutual respect and understanding.