Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC is excited to be hosting Changing the Conversation: Who Are We?: Identity in a Multicultural Australia, the third in our 2024 series of thought-provoking discussions exploring key issues in our increasingly multicultural society.
What does it mean to be Australian today? Engage in a conversation with our panel about our national identity as we explore the reality of our present-day cultural diversity and unravel ideas of belonging, heritage and collective identity. How do we come to terms with an ever-changing idea of what it means to be ‘Australian’ that is moving away from the traditionally accepted stereotypes of a Euro-centric, monolingual population to a much more diverse face of Australia? Explore the dimensions of historical roots, multicultural influences and contemporary values that are shaping our understanding of Australia’s national identity.
Who Are We? – Identity in a Multicultural Australia is supported by the Department of Multicultural Affairs as part of Multicultural Queensland Month.
Click on ‘Book Now’ to be directed to QPAC ticket sales – it’s essential that tickets are pre-booked.
Bringing together thought leaders from academia, government, business, and the community to engage in robust discussions about multiculturalism in the Australian context, the Changing the Conversation series – presented by Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC – explores issues of who and where we are as a nation and what we need to do to create a society that better reflects and cares for all its people. Who Are We?: Identity in a Multicultural Australia is the third of four events in this series to be held in 2024.
We look forward to you engaging with this conversation.
Yumi Stynes is a broadcaster and author. She has been working in Australian media for more than two decades, first as a music reporter, arts reporter and pop culture interviewer to working now as a writer and authority on sex education, consent, women’s issues, race issues, food and art. She is the face and voice of the hugely popular ABC podcast, ‘Ladies, We Need to Talk’, ‘I Heart Trivia’ on I Heart Radio, the podcast ‘SEEN’ on SBS, and the popular food podcast ‘5 Minute Food Fix’.
Yumi is the co-author of the acclaimed ‘Welcome To’ book series which shot to fame (and best-seller lists) in 2023 when right-wing fascists tried to have ‘Welcome to Sex’ withdrawn from sale.
She also released a spin-off book from her food podcast in 2023, called The Food Fix.
An accomplished MC, facilitator and speaker; Yumi hosted recent events including the 2023 Sydney Writers Festival Great Debate, the Newcastle ‘New Annual’ multicultural arts and music festival in 2023, She Leads Conferences, Art After Hours at AGNSW, Rural Sexual Health Conference, Women in Leadership Symposium and NSW Western Region Primary Principals Association. This year (2024) you will continue to hear Yumi on her podcasts while she works on her next two books.
Dinesh is a doctor, lawyer, disability advocate, and researcher. While in medical school, he was involved in a car accident that caused a spinal cord injury. He was Queensland’s first quadriplegic medical intern.
An award-winning individual both professionally and personally, Dinesh was the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service’s Junior Doctor of the Year in 2018. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019. He was the third Australian to be awarded a Henry Viscardi Achievement Award. He was the 2021 Griffith University Young Alumnus of the Year. Dinesh was the Queensland Australian of the Year for 2021. In 2022, Dinesh was listed as number 33 in the Courier Mail’s top 100 power list for Queensland’s most influential in health and wellbeing. His autobiography, Stronger, was published by Pan Macmillan in 2022.
He is a strong advocate and leader for human rights and inclusion, serving in many capacities to build the understanding and capability of the Queensland community regarding people with disabilities.
Courtney Stewart is an acclaimed director, dramaturg, actor and teaching artist with a deep passion for intercultural works and multicultural dramaturgies. She is the current Artistic Director and CEO of La Boite Theatre.
A proud Queenslander, Courtney started her professional career as an actor before honing her talents as a director, dramaturg, diversity advocate, and change maker for some of the country’s most prolific companies and organisations, including Sydney Theatre Company (as Directing Associate and Richard Wherrett Fellow), Belvoir, and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (as Artistic Associate).
Courtney was previously Chair of the Equity Diversity Committee, a delegate to the National Performers Committee, and a former board member for Contemporary Asian Australian Performance.
Dr Indigo Willing is the creator and co-founder of award-winning community projects focused on diversity and inclusion.
Her activities span social worlds that reflect her diverse background and lived experiences as a Vietnam War orphan and adoptee, an Asian Australian, academic and skateboarder.
She is a co-founder of the women and Queer-led networks – Consent is Rad, and We Skate QLD – and is a part of the Skating/Sustainability/Health Research/Environmental Design (SSHRED) team. She is also the Co-Chair of the International Advisory Board for Skateistan. Reflecting her other community connections, she is also the founder of the Adopted Vietnamese International (AVI) network, and convenes the Asian Australian Films, Forum, and News Network.
Murray Benton is an Aboriginal Barkindji Koori man from Central West New South Wales. He is a valued part of the leadership team with Q Shelter, a peak body working to influence solutions to housing need and homelessness in Queensland.
He is a member of the Child Death Review Board with the Queensland Family and Child Commission, a Board Director of Bendigo Bank Gympie Branch, and a Community Partner with White Ribbon Australia.
Murray holds an impressive record of working closely with government departments and non-government agencies to deliver specialist homelessness and dignity services. His experience spans crisis response and accommodation programs, case management and risk, state and federal emergency relief, primary sexual and reproductive health and antenatal care, natural disaster response, domestic family and sexual violence supports including refuge, multicultural migrant services, community housing organisations, and more. He is also a fierce advocate in first nations space and achieved international exposure through his advocacy in youth mental health and suicide prevention. He has overcome many adverse childhood experience shaping the person he is today.
See why previous attendees love the Changing the Conversation Series:
“An amazing night where I heard inspiring speakers and listened to a future that filled me with hope for a new direction.”
“…extremely worthwhile. Some extremely interesting speakers from across the age range. I am looking forward to the next event.”
“…the Multicultural Australia panelists were brilliant.”
Celebrate the cultural diversity of the Gold Coast with food and performances from around the world, and an opportunity to walk in our parade, spreading the message of welcome to new members of our community.
A must-do event in the Queensland calendar, the LUMINOUS Festival celebrates Queensland by focusing on the many cultures, languages and worldviews that make up our state.
In 2024, our LUMINOUS in the Regions and Neighbourhoods run from April to August and culminate in a community led lantern procession in South Bank showcasing the diversity and creativity of Brisbane’s greatest assets – its people. LUMINOUS at South Bank will be held on Saturday 3 August 2024.
LUMINOUS attracts supporters across the community – from government, corporate and community organisations to indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, religious organisations, school groups and more. The procession culminates with a wide range of performances that showcase the talent and contribution of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Multicultural Australia’s MOSAIC Festival celebrates Queensland’s cultural diversity in the performing, creative and culinary arts with a curated lineup of live music, dance, arts and craft, sports activations, workshops and food from around the world.
This year’s event will once again feature the Cultural Kitchen – a series of cooking demonstrations and storytelling sessions delivered by home chefs from the multicultural community – and a brand-new Connecting Through Arts space, featuring an exciting program of dance and music workshops.
Now Queensland’s largest multicultural festival, this family-friendly event attracts more than 8,000 festivalgoers in a splendid celebration of Brisbane’s rich social fabric.
MOSAIC is proudly supported by Suncorp, the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council. Register for updates.
The Community Grants Hub will connect you to GrantConnect, the Australian Government’s centralised grants information system. It is the authoritative source for grants information, where you can search for opportunities. The Hub also contains information and fact sheets to support people and organisations interested in applying for community grants to develop and submit their applications.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus hendrerit. Pellentesque aliquet nibh nec urna. In nisi neque, aliquet vel, dapibus id, mattis vel, nisi. Sed pretium, ligula sollicitudin laoreet viverra, tortor libero sodales leo.
A must-do event in the Queensland calendar, the LUMINOUS Festival celebrates Queensland by focusing on the many cultures, languages and worldviews that make up our state.
LUMINOUS attracts supporters across the community – from government, corporate and community organisations to indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, religious organisations, school groups and more. The procession culminates with a wide range of performances that showcase the talent and contribution of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
See some of Queensland’s best comics (yes, they are all female!) at Multicultural Australia’s Stand Up for Women at the Sit-Down Comedy Club fundraiser.
Hosted on International Women’s Day, the event is a celebration of our diverse communities through the stories and experiences of a stellar line-up of comedians – from Alexandra Hudson and Anisa Nandaula to Emma Zammit, Jo Gowda, Rachael Hornbuckle and Georgina Humphries. Plus, your hostess with the mostest, Fiona McGary.
Fiona McGary
Alexandra Hudson
Anisa Nandaula
Emma Zammit
Jo Gowda
Rachael Hornbuckle
Georgina Humphries
You’re hostess with the mostest, Fiona continues to have a hugely successful stand-up career, spanning over 20 years and remains fascinated in the science behind understanding our ‘sense of humour’
Making her comedy debut in 2020, Alexandra shares entertaining stories about her experiences as a disabled woman and her observations of the world she lives.
Anisa is a nationally recognised spoken word poet, play writer, educator and published author. She is is also the co-founder of the arts collective Voices of Colour which creates spaces for migrant, refugee and first nations artists to share their work.
Emma began her stand up career in 2008. Wither a relaxed and relatable style, her observations on parenthood, people and everyday life make her a highly entertaining performer.
Jo is an Indian born comic and uses her humour to break barriers between her background of strong south Indian traditions with her new Australian life.
Rachael is an incredibly funny, Brisbane based comedian that will have you in stitches with her take on life, love and everything in between.
Georgina is determined to put her small town of Millaa Millaa on the map and is passionate about bringing her tales of rural antics to city crowds.
A must-do event in the Queensland calendar, the LUMINOUS Festival celebrates Queensland by focusing on the many cultures, languages and worldviews that make up our state.
LUMINOUS attracts supporters across the community – from government, corporate and community organisations to indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, religious organisations, school groups and more. The procession culminates with a wide range of performances that showcase the talent and contribution of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC is excited to be hosting Changing the Conversation: Changing the Game – Sport, Women and Culture, the first in our 2024 series of thought-provoking discussions exploring key issues in our increasingly multicultural society.
The world of sport has the power to shape culture by teaching us about the rules of fair play, respect for opponents and resilience in the face of challenges. Sport is also influenced by cultural norms, and we often see issues of structural inequality for women and girls, and incidents of racism, discrimination, and systemic bias both on and off the sporting field. Immerse yourself in a challenging conversation with our panel about what happens when the world of sport, the world of women and the world of multiculturalism collide, opening up a space to explore the power of sport as a catalyst for inclusion, empowerment and breaking barriers.
The event will include a curated performance by Women of the World (WOW) Australia, a proud supporter of the event.
Click on ‘Book Now’ to be directed to QPAC ticket sales – it’s essential that tickets are pre-booked.
Bringing together thought leaders from academia, government, business, and the community to engage in robust discussions about multiculturalism in the Australian context, the Changing the Conversation series – presented by Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC – explores issues of who and where we are as a nation and what we need to do to create a society that better reflects and cares for all its people. Changing the Game – Sport, Women, and Culture is the first of four events in this series to be held in 2024.
We look forward to you engaging with this conversation.
Benjamin Law writes books, TV screenplays, columns, essays and feature journalism. Most recently, Ben edited the collection of stories, ‘Growing Up Queer’ in Australia and was also a researcher and associate producer on Blackfella Films’ ‘Deep Water: The Real Story’ (SBS) and a writer on Endemol Shine’s ‘Sisters’ (Ten).
Recently he starred in the ABC’s two-part documentary series ‘Waltzing the Dragon with Benjamin Law’, where he travels from China to Arnhem Land to explore the history, unpack the present, and look to the future of Australia’s relationship with China. Every week, Benjamin co-hosts ABC RN’s weekly national pop culture show ‘Stop Everything’. He also co-hosts online startup and tech TV show ‘That Startup Show’, and you can catch him on TV shows like ‘Q&A’ (ABC), ‘The Drum’ (ABC), ‘The Project’ (Ten) and ‘Filthy Rich and Homeless’ (SBS).
Brazilian-born football player Mariel Hecher is Vice Captain of the Brisbane Road A-League Women’s team. A passionate sportswoman and team player, Mariel holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Brazil’s Universidade do Valo do Paraiba, and a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and Master of Osteopathic Medicine from Southern Cross University.
Melbourne-born lawyer Azmeena Hussain OAM is a Principal at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Non-Executive Director at the Victorian Institute of Sport, Chairperson of the Islamic Museum of Australia and member of the SBS Statutory Community Advisory Committee. She was appointed an Ambassador for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Professor and Head of the QUT Graduate School of Business, Dr Sarah Kelly is an experienced commercial lawyer and non-executive director across the sport, technology and professional services sector. She is a member of the Brisbane 2032 Games Organising Committee board, and Deputy Chair of the Brisbane Lions AFL Football Club.
See why previous attendees love the Changing the Conversation Series:
“An amazing night where I heard inspiring speakers and listened to a future that filled me with hope for a new direction.”
“…extremely worthwhile. Some extremely interesting speakers from across the age range. I am looking forward to the next event.”
“…the Multicultural Australia panelists were brilliant.”
Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC is excited to be hosting Changing the Conversation: Culture in Conflict – Talking about world news when it hits home, is the second event in our 2024 series of thought-provoking discussions exploring key issues in our increasingly multicultural society.
Australia is a globally connected nation and a country of migrants. Global conflicts reverberate locally in many ways, affecting our economy and national security, and sometimes creating divisions within local communities, especially for groups with ties to conflicting regions, faiths or ideologies. Hear diverse perspectives from our panel about how we can have culturally sensitive conversations that promote mutual respect, empathy and how we can build bridges to peace rather than barriers between cultures and within community.
Click on ‘Book Now’ to be directed to QPAC ticket sales – it’s essential that tickets are pre-booked.
Bringing together thought leaders from academia, government, business, and the community to engage in robust discussions about multiculturalism in the Australian context, the Changing the Conversation series – presented by Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC – explores issues of who and where we are as a nation and what we need to do to create a society that better reflects and cares for all its people. Culture in Conflict: Talking About World News When it Hits Home is the second of four events in this series to be held in 2024.
We look forward to you engaging with this conversation.
Benjamin Law writes books, TV screenplays, columns, essays and feature journalism. Most recently, Ben edited the collection of stories, ‘Growing Up Queer’ in Australia and was also a researcher and associate producer on Blackfella Films’ ‘Deep Water: The Real Story’ (SBS) and a writer on Endemol Shine’s ‘Sisters’ (Ten).
Recently he starred in the ABC’s two-part documentary series ‘Waltzing the Dragon with Benjamin Law’, where he travels from China to Arnhem Land to explore the history, unpack the present, and look to the future of Australia’s relationship with China. Every week, Benjamin co-hosts ABC RN’s weekly national pop culture show ‘Stop Everything’. He also co-hosts online startup and tech TV show ‘That Startup Show’, and you can catch him on TV shows like ‘Q&A’ (ABC), ‘The Drum’ (ABC), ‘The Projec’t (Ten) and ‘Filthy Rich and Homeless’ (SBS).
Professor Peter Greste is an award-winning foreign correspondent who spent 25 years working for the BBC, Reuters, and Al Jazeera in some of the world’s most volatile places.
From Afghanistan, to Latin American, Africa and the Middle East, he reported from the frontlines and beyond, although he is best known for becoming a headline himself, when he and two of his colleagues were arrested in Cairo while working for Al Jazeera, charged with terrorism offences and imprisoned for more than 400 days.
He has written about his experiences in Egypt and what he regards as the global war on journalism in a book, The First Casualty.
Amok Dhuol is a South Sudanese-Australian, deeply involved in mentoring young people in her own family and the broader community through her work and advocacy with the Queensland African Communities Council (QACC).
Growing up in Australia, but deeply connected to her South Sudanese roots, Amok understands the challenges faced by young immigrants as they settle into their new home.
She is completing tertiary studies in Government and Policy and is a member of Multicultural Australia’s Future Leaders Advocacy Group (FLAG).
Arunn Jegan works as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Australia’s Head of Mission and Humanitarian Affairs. He has worked in Yemen, Syria, Venezuela, Bangladesh, and Palestine for MSF and in Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey for other international NGOs.
He specialises in social research, conflict/political analysis, complex project management, and humanitarian crisis coordination of public health emergencies.
Arunn is also a curator for Tedx Sydney, and co-directs a community arts centre in Marrickville.
See why previous attendees love the Changing the Conversation Series:
“An amazing night where I heard inspiring speakers and listened to a future that filled me with hope for a new direction.”
“…extremely worthwhile. Some extremely interesting speakers from across the age range. I am looking forward to the next event.”
“…the Multicultural Australia panelists were brilliant.”
A must-do event in the Queensland calendar, the LUMINOUS Festival celebrates Queensland by focusing on the many cultures, languages and worldviews that make up our state.
LUMINOUS attracts supporters across the community – from government, corporate and community organisations to indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, religious organisations, school groups and more. The procession culminates with a wide range of performances that showcase the talent and contribution of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
‘Our Journey’ is a celebration of the spirit and courage of refugees.
We invite you to join Multicultural Australia at Brisbane’s iconic La Boite Theatre to watch an exclusive screening of LIMBO, an award-winning feature film about an extraordinary group of refugees and asylum seekers on a remote Scottish Island. A winner of two BAFTA awards and numerous nominations around the world, Limbo is a ‘must see’.
View the trailer here.
The afternoon will celebrate the experiences of settlement with musical and spoken word performances.
How do I register?
‘Our Journey’ is a free event, however as the film is ticketed with a limited number of seats within La Boite Theatre, it is essential to register through this event page.
Any questions?
Contact events@mcaus.org.au and our events team will be in touch.
‘Our Journey’ is held in partnership with La Boite Theatre, Brisbane City Council and migrant and refugee communities and individuals who have dedicated their support to our organisation.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus hendrerit. Pellentesque aliquet nibh nec urna. In nisi neque, aliquet vel, dapibus id, mattis vel, nisi. Sed pretium, ligula sollicitudin laoreet viverra, tortor libero sodales leo, eget blandit nunc tortor eu nibh. Nullam mollis. Ut justo. Suspendisse potenti.Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus hendrerit. Pellentesque aliquet nibh nec urna. In nisi neque, aliquet vel, dapibus id, mattis vel, nisi. Sed pretium, ligula sollicitudin laoreet viverra, tortor libero sodales leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus hendrerit. Pellentesque aliquet nibh nec urna. In nisi neque, aliquet vel, dapibus id, mattis vel, nisi. Sed pretium, ligula sollicitudin laoreet viverra, tortor libero sodales leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus hendrerit. Pellentesque aliquet nibh nec urna. In nisi neque, aliquet vel, dapibus id, mattis vel, nisi. Sed pretium, ligula sollicitudin laoreet viverra, tortor libero sodales leo.
Multicultural Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today.
As the world’s oldest living cultures, we recognise that Australia always has been and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
We who come from many places pay our respects to Elders throughout all time and commit to learning from the knowledge, traditions, stories, spirituality, and experiences of Aboriginal people as we learn to live on their land.
We walk together in solidarity of the pain of the past, and in shared hope for the future.
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