About This Event
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.
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. 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 - 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 Projec’t (Ten) and ‘Filthy Rich and Homeless’ (SBS).
Peter Greste
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 Dhoul
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
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.”
