Inform and inspire

The Sydney Opera House will again be the home for TEDx Sydney on Saturday, 26 April. TED is a not-for-profit enterprise that aims to broadcast ‘ideas worth spreading’ and invites the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes.

Do bicycle advocates need to act like Hollywood?

What does Hollywood have to do with bike riding? Rachel Smith says we all need to get involved in collecting data if we want to see our dream of more people cycling come true.

Conversation at the end of a life well lived

Watching a loved person die is painful and confronting. Don Campbell urges patients and their families to have their own difficult conversations in advance to help doctors provide compassionate care at the end of a life well lived.

From Darfur to Cipayung: refugees are left stranded

Prime Minister Tony Abbott recently marked 100 days without an asylum seeker boat arrival. Antje Missbach follows up what happens to those asylum seekers who don’t make it to Australia.

The light rail extension from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill

Many cities have already introduced light rail networks as an alternative transport solution. Daniel Kogoy remembers a grassroot campaign that has helped to bring trams back to Sydney.

Remember the past, contemplate the present

Anzac Day is an occasion to reflect on the complexity and contradiction of war. As Australia remembers the past and contemplates the present, it is also a time to recognise the involvement of indigenous soldiers, the contribution of women in the war and the reality of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Explore the show

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is running from 10 to 23 April 2014. It celebrates Australian culture, from rural traditions to modern day lifestyles. It is Australia’s largest annual event, attracting close to 900,000 people each year.

The use of Victim Impact Statements in a NSW homicide trial

The NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson has proposed changes to legislation that forces courts to consider Victim Impact Statements when sentencing violent offenders. Amber McKinley argues that this raises questions about the value of one life compared to another.

Our voice. Our impact.

It’s National Youth Week (NYW) from 4 to 13 April 2014, the largest celebration of young people in Australia. Thousands of young people aged 12-25 from across Australia get involved in NYW each year.

In defence of shyness – but there’s a downside

Being shy can be quite charming, but also isolating. Leicester Warburton says that when we look up, smile and show a genuine interest in people, we realise we are not alone.

Coaching conversations – The intention to give attention

In our busy lives it is rare that we take the time to engage meaningfully with each other at the workplace and at home. Organisational coach Clive Leach says that being present and suspending our own agenda and needs for a few minutes is an act of kindness that has benefits for both giver and receiver.

On creativity and sleepwalking

Creating any form of artwork can be a long and sometimes painful process. Ursula Kolbe recounts how her book about children’s art came to life once she stopped trying too earnestly to be rational.