What 2013 brought us: A brief sketch

As we start a new year, it is worth reflecting on events in the last twelve months here and abroad. Binoy Kampmark shares a few memorable moments of 2013.

Heal our past, build our future together

Six years ago, on the 13^th of February 2008, the Australian Government wrote history: For the first time a formal apology was offered for the trauma and suffering of Australian and Torres Strait Islander children, the Stolen Generations, who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

Happy Australia Day!

26 January is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788. Today Australia Day not only marks this historic event though. It’s a day to reflect and look ahead, be proud of what we have achieved as a nation while not forgetting our shortcomings.

Ride to cure diabetes

At this fundraising event people from all over Australia meet from 17 to 19 January, for just one day or the whole weekend, to cycle through the beautiful Barossa Valley. Participants can choose between 35, 80 or 160 kilometres.

Proudly supporting Thread Together

In the spirit of giving Open Forum, GAP and First 5000 have donated to Thread Together, a not-for-profit-organisation distributing new clothes for those in our community who are most in need.

Year in review 2013

I would to thank you, the Open Forum community, for all the support you have shown throughout 2013. As readers and bloggers you play a major role in shaping the content of this website.

Bringing Christmas wishes to kids in need

Leading up to the festive season, the Starlight Children’s Foundation is working hard again to make wishes come true for hundreds of children battling a chronic or life-threatening illness. Louise Baxter asks everyone to ‘Join the Mission’ this Christmas.

Future options for child care

The Productivity Commission has released an issues paper to support its inquiry into child care and early childhood learning. This is the first public examination of Australia’s child care and early childhood learning system since the 1990s.

Food security in China: the opportunities for Australia

China’s internal food production will not be able to keep up with their growing population. Georgina Murray outlines Australia’s opportunity to capture a niche market producing clean, green and high-value products.

Trending in the right direction – but a long way to go

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has recently launched two reports on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Jane Powles says that while they indicate a trend in the right direction, we need ongoing commitment from the government, all states and territories.

Grow your life and business by nurturing those around you

Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours. John Carpenter provides a glimpse into how nurturing, developing and caring about the people around you will accelerate your own growth and life.

The most important decision I didn’t make

Australians are among the highest consumers of alcohol worldwide. Leicester Warburton has a very personal reason for urging us to better educate our children on the perils and damage of uncontrolled drinking.