About This Event
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.
About Changing the Conversation
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 - Facilitator
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).
Mariel Hecher - Panelist
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.
Azmeena Hussain OAM - Panelist
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.
Dr Sarah Kelly - Panelist
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.”
