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Australia is poised at, what Dr James O’Donnell (our Mapping Social Cohesion Report lead author) calls, a ‘critical junction’. In an ever-shifting global context, we find ourselves navigating rapid technological advances, changing demographics, and the pressing mandate of environmental action.

While many might perceive these macro challenges as the domain of policymakers in distant corridors of power, the reality is that their actions echo profoundly within our communities, homes, schools, and workplaces. They influence every facet of life in Australia.

So, what does the roadmap look like for our nation? What key policy decisions will define our trajectory in the next decade? How do we build bridges between the present challenges and a vision of an Australia that is prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable?

In the final episode of Season 2 of our podcast, we delve deep into these critical questions, guided by the insights and expertise of our distinguished guest, Danielle Wood former CEO of the Grattan Institute and newly appointed Productivity Chairperson.

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Now available with video also, in addition to audio-only!

We’d love to hear from you! You can also share your thoughts with us via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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As recent data from the Australia Bureau of Statistics suggests, the spiritual landscape of our nation is undergoing a profound shift.

With Christianity still the dominant faith, a rising 38.9% of Australians now identify as non-religious, while other faiths, such as Hinduism and Islam, continue to grow.

How does this reflect the evolving dynamics of Australia's social fabric? What does it mean for social cohesion, individual rights, and community harmony in our increasingly multicultural society?

To delve deeper into these compelling questions, we've invited two extraordinary guests to our conversation today.

In this episode we discuss:

Generational differences around practicing religion
Politics and Religion
Multifaith initiatives to drive social cohesion
Diversity in religion and intellectual diversity

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Today, we’re focusing on Discrimination: How does it influence our society, and what should we do to move from acknowledging its existence to taking action against it?

Research from the Diversity Council Australia found notable disparities in discrimination and harassment rates amongst various groups, from our First Nations People to individuals with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community. A similar ABC News survey revealed that a significant 76% of Australians acknowledge the prevalence of racism, further solidifying the urgent call for action.

Addressing discrimination isn't just about redressing past and present wrongs. It's about ensuring a future where everyone can participate fully and fairly in contributing to a society where understanding and respect prevail.

In this episode our discussion centres around this pressing issue, exploring ways we can actively challenge and overcome discrimination, fostering an inclusive society that celebrates diversity and champions equity.

Join our host Anthea and guest Dr Mario Peucker, Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Livable Cities (ISILC) at Victoria University who discusses:

The role of allies in tackling discrimination/racism
How to address different forms of racism
How to address underreporting of racism
What we should do as a society to support communities address these issues

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Now available with video also, in addition to audio-only!

We’d love to hear from you! You can also share your thoughts with us via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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There are few more critical aspects at the heart of our democracy than the levels of trust we have in our institutions and the degree to which we participate in Australia’s political system.

Politics is not a remote game, played in the distant halls of power. It shapes our daily lives, impacts our personal freedoms, and moulds our society's future. The need for meaningful political engagement and active civic participation cannot be overstated.

The results of recent Mapping Social Cohesion surveys have shown an alarming drop in public trust in political institutions. This decline is a call to action, a signal that we must all work to strengthen the ties between the public and the political world.

At the centre of this work is strengthening political participation, especially in our diverse local communities. When our political representation mirrors the complexity and richness of the Australian population, it fosters a more inclusive and robust democracy. It ensures that all voices are heard, and all perspectives are considered.

Today we’re looking at the intersection of public trust, political engagement, and inclusion. We'll examine how these elements interact, what's at stake, and how we can foster an environment where all Australians can trust in the integrity and inclusivity of our political system.

In this episode we discuss:

What makes for successful politics
Trust in government
Recurring themes in our political evolution
Dai’s story of entering politics
Representing a diverse and socially cohesive electorate
Dai's aspirations for Fowler

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode, we turn our attention towards the not-so-silent giant that is climate change. However, our focus shifts away from statistics and environmental impacts. Instead, we delve into the often-overlooked human side of this vast issue: local and cultural community adaptation, educational campaigns, resilience, and more.

Climate change is not just a scientific concern; it's a social one. Our very ways of life, our cultures, our communities, are under threat from its unrelenting progress. Indeed, according to the most recent Mapping Social Cohesion results, climate change stands as the second-largest concern for Australians, superseded only by Australia-China relations.

Yet, in this crisis, there is also an opportunity. An opportunity for meaningful change and resilience. An opportunity as informed and engaged communities to build a sustainable future for us all.

In this episode we discuss:

How different societies tackle climate change
How we should find a role for all Australians in the climate conversation
Innovative practices to combat climate change

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Consider this: a striking 44% of Australians have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life. With mental health challenges spanning from anxiety to depression, millions fight these invisible battles daily.

Alarmingly, the suicide rate among First Nations People is almost double that of non-indigenous individuals, a stark reminder of the urgent need for targeted support.

Furthermore, the lack of data on mental health within migrant and refugee populations underscores the call for extensive research and culturally sensitive approaches.

Our society's pulse is intrinsically linked to our collective mental well-being - it shapes our social interactions, strengthens our communities, and constructs the bridges of understanding and cooperation that foster social cohesion.

With our host Anthea Hancocks and guest Tigist Kebede, we turn our attention to mental health, a topic that weaves itself into every corner of our society. As we unravel the intricate tapestry of mental well-being in Australia, we examine the prevalence of mental disorders, spotlight disparities in different communities, and discuss strategies to foster resilience and happiness.

In this episode we discuss:

What is culturally responsive practice
How someone's identity impacts how they experience the world
How we should reframe ‘resilience’
Understanding intersectionality and self - there is no single path to getting help

Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion.

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Now available with video also, in addition to audio-only!

We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au

You can also share your thoughts with us via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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The most recent Mapping Social Cohesion surveys tell us that economic concerns have surged to the forefront of many Australians' minds.

Unemployment and the rising cost of living are not distant worries but real and present issues for many Australians. An increasingly uncertain global economic climate only compounds these worries, with 76% of respondents expressing significant concerns about a potential downturn.

But perhaps even more distressing is the increasing financial stress borne by everyday Australians. An alarming 37% of people reported struggling to pay their bills in 2022, marking a significant rise from 31% the previous year.

As if this weren't challenging enough, the Poverty and Inequality Report of 2023 lays bare a stark reality. Our nation, long hailed as the land of the 'fair go', is grappling with profound economic disparities. The data is as clear as it is unsettling. A startling one in eight people in our country live below the poverty line, while the top 20% earners account for almost half of all income.

These figures serve as a sombre reminder that, despite our shared aspiration towards fairness, inequality persists in casting a long and deepening shadow over our society.

In today's episode with guest Matt Grudnoff - Senior Economist at the Australia Institute we aim to explore the contours of this inequality, understand its far-reaching impacts, and discuss potential pathways towards a more economically inclusive future.

In this episode we discuss:

Matts research on the patterns of economic growth
Changing voting patterns amongst younger people
The biggest indicators of poverty
How economic policies have profound impact on intergenerational inequality
The economy is there to serve us not for us to serve the economy
Why its important to engage in economic debate

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au

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In a nation where over 300 languages reverberate from homes, workplaces, and public spaces, language is more than just a communication tool—it's a cultural lifeline that bridges our diverse communities.

Our linguistic diversity isn't just colourful, it's vital and influential. It's a Punjabi in radio podcast serving up global affairs alongside local news, it's a crucial health announcement rendered in Somali to ensure every community member is informed, it's the heart-warming banter between a shop owner and customers in Italian, across a bustling Lygon Street in Melbourne.

This linguistic diversity shapes our individual identities, our daily experiences, and the character of our public discourse. Yet, the role and influence of non-English languages continue to prompt discussions that stretch into the heart of cultural integration, societal cohesion, and the concept of belonging.

In this episode, we delve into the nuances in Australia’s linguistic diversity, exploring their far-reaching impact from business interactions to media broadcasts and government communications, and their ripple effect on our society's cohesion and shared, multicultural story.

We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au

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Our sense of belonging is vital, as it provides us with a sense of identity, social support, safety, opportunities for civic engagement, and personal well-being. It helps build stronger communities, promotes unity, and enhances the overall fabric of society.

But there remain some concerns. The most recent results from the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s Mapping cohesion surveys reveal a decline in Australians' sense of belonging, especially among the young and economically disadvantaged. Yet, interestingly, despite Australia’s rapid demographic shifts, a strong sense of community persists within neighbourhoods.

In this episode, we will explore these changes in the context of Australia's fast-growing regions.

We're unpacking the implications of Australia's evolving neighbourhoods and demographic changes on our sense of belonging, both on a national and local scale. And most importantly, we'll discuss how we can ensure no communities in our rapidly expanding regions are left feeling disconnected or overlooked.

Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion.

In this episode we discuss:

How social and community infrastructure plays a role in community connectedness
Looking at opportunities in outer suburban areas
The role of volunteers in building neighbourhoods
The cultural shift moving away from CBDs to achieve the ‘city’ experience
How community services need to reimagine how they engage with young people

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au

Like and follow us on Insta, Linkedin and Facebook for more updates @ Scanlon Institute

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Except for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, every Australian traces their roots to somewhere else. Since the time of Federation, the politics of who gets to start anew in this land has been a dominant theme.

According to recent results from the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s Mapping Social Cohesion survey’s, there has been a significant increase in positive attitudes towards migrants in Australia. 76% of people agreed that “immigrants make Australia stronger” in the 2022 survey, up from 63% in 2018, and 94% agreed that born outside of Australia can be just as good citizens as those born within the country.

However, an ever-developing housing crisis, an increase in the expected number of migrants for the year 2023, and a comprehensive overhaul of the migration system announced by the Albanese Labor government has brought further complication to the conversation surrounding migration in Australian.

Together, our guests delve into the nuances of Australia’s migration system, the impacts migrants have on our communities, and the necessary reforms needed to build a more cohesive society.

Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion.

In this episode we discuss:

Perspectives from two different migrant journeys
Challenges and opportunities for migration
How people’s attitudes have shifted over the years towards migrants including misconceptions about migration
Finding commonality to connect with one another
Applying a strength-based approach to supporting people of refugee backgrounds

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au

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In the final episode of the first series of the Voices of Australia podcast, Dr. James O'Donnell shares his insights on the current state of social cohesion in Australia. A lecturer at the Australian National University, Dr. O'Donnell is the author of the 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion Report.In this episode, we chat with James about:

Why he transitioned from working as a labour market economist to a career studying social cohesion.
What the key findings from 2022 mapping social cohesion report tell us about Australia today.
The key trends that make James optimistic about the future of social cohesion in Australia.
What we as a society should pay attention to in 2023.

Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Want to contribute to the conversation? Send us your reflections and comments to: info@scanloninstitute.org.auYou can also Tweet us @Scanlon_Inst

Meet our guest: Dr James O'Donnell

Dr. James O’Donnell is a Lecturer at Australian National University’s School of Demography within the College of Arts and Social Science.

James is currently working on the School of Demography’s ANU Social Cohesion project. This project involves researchers from disciplines across the University working to measure and analyse social cohesion within neighbourhoods and communities across Australia.

James is the winner of The Australian Population Association’s 2014 WD Borrie Prize and was awarded a PhD in Demography in 2019.

He was recently the author of the 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion Report published by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute.

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On the eleventh episode of the Voices of Australia podcast, Vedran Drakulić helps us navigate the relationship between philanthopy and social cohesion. Vedran Drakulić OAM is the CEO of Gandel Foundation, one of the largest private family foundations in Australia.In this episode, we chat with Vedran about:

How Vedran's career began as a fixer for Sports Illustrated magazine at the Sarajevo '84 winter Olympics.
Vedran's story of settling his family in Australia.
The challenge of paternalism and the saviour syndrome in not-for-profit sectors.
The cultural shifts taking place in the philanthropic space.
The importance of organisational listening and when to accept you're not the expert.

Meet our guest: Vedran DrakulićVedran Drakulić OAM is the CEO of Gandel Foundation, one of the largest private family foundations in Australia. Vedran was born and raised in Bosnia and left Sarajevo while it was under siege, in 1995. During the conflict, he served with the Red Cross as a logistics officer, interpreter and press officer. He worked on both sides of the frontline, providing humanitarian assistance to those in need. Since arriving in Australia as a refugee, Vedran has remained a true humanitarian, committed to promoting social justice and social cohesion. He has spent more than 15 years working in communications, marketing, and fundraising in the humanitarian sector, with Red Cross in Australia and overseas, and with Oxfam Australia, followed by a senior role in the corporate sector and then philanthropy. Vedran is a proud “Bossie” (Bosnian Aussie) and is committed to giving back to his community. He actively supports many community organisations, including the Vinnies’ CEO Sleepout, where in the past eight years, he individually raised over $1 million for their homelessness programs. Vedran received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017 for his service to the community

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'Organisations don't do things because it's the nice thing to do...change happens when we put pressure on.'In this episode of the Voices of Australia podcast, Professor Nareen Young helps us navigate how Australian workplaces can become more diverse and inclusive. Nareen is Professor for Indigenous Policy and Indigenous Workforce Diversity at the Jumbunna Institute at the University of Technology Sydney. In this episode, Nareen sheds some light on:

How forces like BLM and D&I have impacted workplaces across the globe.
Why young people are pushing the dial on social issues.
The inadequacies of current D&I practices and frameworks
Why corporate Australia still has an issue with tokenism and stereotyping.
The need for middle management to show initiative in their advocacy for inclusion.

Meet our guest: Nareen Young

Professor Nareen Young is one of Australia’s leading and most respected workplace diversity practitioners and thinkers. Professor for Indigenous Policy at the UTS Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, Nareen leads Jumbunna's highly innovative Indigenous People and Work Research and Practice Hub. Professor Young has previously led and managed two diversity peak bodies (Diversity Council Australia and NSW Working Women’s Centre). She has also worked as the Director and Employment Lead at PwC’s Indigenous Consulting for three years. She is influenced by both her Indigenous and culturally diverse heritages in this work and has received numerous awards and acknowledgements, including the inaugural Westpac 100 Women of Influence honour for diversity.

Nareen is an author of Gari Yala (Speak the Truth): Centering the experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians at work, which is said to be the largest survey of the experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people at work published.

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'I don't need to copy the Jamaicans...I just need to be myself. When you're trying too hard to be someone else, it takes so much energy.'Have you wondered what it might feel like to run 800m at the Olympics for your country? Would you believe us if we told you that superstar Peter Bol considers himself an introvert?In this episode of the Voices of Australia podcast, Olympian Peter Bol helps us explore the role sport plays in fostering social cohesion. Peter shares stories about his family's journey to Australia, running in an Olympic final, and becoming the fastest Australian 800m athlete in history.In this episode, we chat with Peter about:

How the decision to leave basketball allowed him to travel the world and experience new cultures through athletics.
Making a career in sports when your family pushes you towards education.
The inspiration that drove him to be the fastest in his school, state, and then country.
The role sport plays in helping migrants navigate their identity.

Meet our guest: Peter Bol

Peter Bol was born in Khartoum to a Sudanese mother and a South Sudanese father. After traveling through Eygpt at the age of 4, Peter and his family first arrived in Toowoomba when he was 8, before finally settling in Perth. Peter captured the hearts of Australia in the Tokyo Olympics by finishing 4th in the men’s 800m final where he was watched by over 2 and a half million people and produced the best result by an Australian male in an individual track event since 1988. It is not a surprise then that this was the most-watched event of the Tokyo Olympics. Ranked 19th going into Tokyo, Peter set the national record in his heat, and then won his semi-final in another national record time of 1:44.11. This year Peter won his third consecutive national 800m title and become the first-ever Australian to qualify for a world championship final in the 800m. And, of course, most recently, Peter won silver at the Birmingham Olympic Games. On and off the track, Peter is an extraordinary athlete, an accomplished public speaker, and has recently taken on the role of Ambassador for the community organisation, Youth Activating Youth.

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The media provides a major avenue for working through debates about social issues and the values of Australian society in the public sphere. But there is a fine line between facilitating debate and causing division.

CEO of Media Diversity Australia, Mariam Veiszadeh joins us on the podcast to explore the critical relationship between social cohesion and the media in Australia.

Guest biography

Mariam Veiszadeh is an award winning human rights advocate, lawyer, diversity and inclusion practitioner, contributing author and media commentator.

Mariam was most recently an Executive Director at Diversity Council of Australia, founded the Islamophobia Register Australia, and has held multiple board positions.

She has delivered a TEDxSydney talk advocating for greater cultural diversity, was featured as an Anti-Racism Champion by the Australian Human Rights Commission and currently sits on the Commission’s Expert Advisory Group for the Workplace Cultural Diversity Tool as well their Multicultural Advisory Group. Mariam has worked as radio commentator for the ABC radio and as a columnist for Fairfax media.

With many accolades to her name including the Fairfax Daily Life 2016 Woman of the year, the 2015 Westpac Woman of Influence and Welcoming Australia Life Member Award in 2021, Mariam is renowned for influencing positive change both in the workplace and in society more broadly.

Mariam was born in Afghanistan and came to Australia in 1990 with her family as a refugee.

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What does a genuinely inclusive political system really look like?

Joining the podcast to help us unpack this question is Dr. Marija Taflaga, a lecturer in the School of Politics and International Relations and co-host of the Democracy Sausage Podcast.In this episode we ask Dr. Taflaga:

What is political participation and why is it important to social cohesion and our democracy?
What insights can we draw on from the 2022 Federal election and the rise of independents?
Should political leaders change the way they engage with cultural communities?
What impact do political campaigns and advertising have on social cohesion?

Guest Biography

Dr Marija Taflaga is the Director of The Australian National University (ANU) Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a lecturer in the ANU School of Politics and International Relations. Her research area covers Australian political history and systems and the relationship between the executive and parliament.Recently, she has begun researching the career paths of political elites to better understand how previous related political experience impacts prospective politicians’ overall success in elected politics.Marija is also the co-host of Democracy Sausage podcast which covers Australian Politics.

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What is the relationship between social cohesion and concepts such as multiculturalism?

Joining us in this episode is the CEO of Welcoming Australia, Aleem Ali to help us unpack the concepts of social cohesion and multiculturalism and discuss how Australia can become a more welcoming society.

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'A cohesive society doesn't box people into one identity.'Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Office Commissioner, Ro Allen, joins hosts, Anthea Hancocks and Lydia Tesema on the podcast. In this episode we discuss:

How fear and ignorance prevent an inclusive society.
How Ro's experiences in the church helped shape their commitment to social justice.
The need to better appreciate intersectionality and the burden of continually asking communities to educate others about their culture.
How to leverage your privilege without being patronising.

Want to contribute to the conversation? Send us your reflections and comments to: info@scanloninstitute.org.auYou can also Tweet us @Scanlon_Inst

Guest Biography: Ro Allen

Ro Allen is the Commissioner at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

A longstanding advocate for LGBTIQ Victorians and has held leadership positions in the community and government sectors. [Ro has been a member of three Victorian Government LGBTI ministerial advisory groups and chaired the ministerial advisory committee on LGBTI Health and Wellbeing between 2007 and 2009.

As founding CEO of UnitingCare Cutting Edge, Ro established Victoria’s first rural support group for young LGBTI people, giving Ro a deep understanding of the issues faced in rural and regional areas.

Ro has been recognised for extensive community service and is the recipient of a Centenary Medal in 2003 and in 2009 was inducted into the Victorian Government Honour Roll.

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How can decision-makers empower communities? What do we gain from better appreciating our shared interests and aspirations?

Joining us in the fourth episode of the Voices of Australia Podcast, Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen and Youth Activating Youth Programs Manager Hanad Hersi help us reflect on what strengthens social cohesion within and between communities.In this episode we cover:

The key blocks to building new migrant communities in Australia.
Why sport is a common second language in Australia and the time Hanad’s mum ran onto the street to celebrate that famous John Aloisi penalty ⚽
The roles safety and identity play in social cohesion.
The lessons Vivienne and Hanad learnt from working on the ground during the public housing hard lockdowns in 2020.

Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion.We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.auYou can also Tweet us @Scanlon_Inst

Guests Biographies

Vivienne Nguyen - Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission

For over 25 years Viv has been a leader in corporate, community and government settings, applying her business knowledge and technical expertise to work with community organisations to advance their social objectives. She held executive roles at AustChoice Financial Services, AMP Asset Management and ANZ Banking Group, where she led their global diversity strategy. At the community level, Viv led the Vietnamese Community in Australia’s Victorian Chapter from 2015 to 2019, where she ran the Vietnamese Australian Museum Project and strengthened the Dual Identity Leadership Program.

In 2002, Viv was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll for advocating for women’s leadership and supporting young Vietnamese people. In 2003, she was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal and in 2021 was awarded the Australian Order in the AM division for advancing multicultural Victoria.

Hanad Hersi - Programs Manager, Youth Activating Youth

Hanad Hersi a youth advocate, works tirelessly to ensure that young people from diverse backgrounds have access to opportunities and are given the resources they need to prosper and lead fulfilled lives.

Hanad became interested in social services because of his love of travelling. For the past five years, Hanad, a grassroots community advocate, has worked to ensure that the voices of diverse community groups are heard, valued, and included in decision-making processes. Hanad has worked in the development and youth engagement space.

A member of the VMC's regional advisory council, Hanad collaborates with community organisations, councils, and businesses to promote multiculturalism and increase social cohesion.

Programs Manager at Youth Activating Youth, Hanad spends his days working with vulnerable young people who are at risk of disengaging from the education system, or who are at risk of coming in contact with the criminal justice system

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What does it look like when people trust others, feel like they belong, and participate in their community? Are these the only ways to understand social cohesion?

Joining us in the third episode of the Voices of Australia Podcast, Professor Kate Reynolds and Fred Alale help us reflect on what we mean when we strive for a cohesive society.In this episode we discuss:

How a quick google search helped convince Fred Alale to move to Australia.
Social cohesion as an outcome of great intergroup relations.
Why it’s sometimes easier to understand social cohesion by examining workplaces and sports teams.
The role individual identity and experiences play on social cohesion.
The new phase of Australia’s ‘integration’ journey post-covid.

Guest Bios

Professor Kate Reynolds

Kate Reynolds is a Professor of Psychology at the Australian National University (ANU). Her research addresses group processes and intergroup relations and it is informed by a social identity perspective. She is interested in broad research questions about the impact of groups and group norms on individuals’ attitudes, well-being and behaviour. Kate has published over 100 journal articles, book chapters and co-edited book volumes and her research has appeared in highly regarded scientific journals and has received attention from the media. She is currently involved in a large scale inter-disciplinary study on social cohesion, diversity and integration, which looks to better understand social cohesion and how to strengthen it by working closely with public policy, social and business enterprises, local government and community organisationsFred Alale Director, Policy, High Risk Industries Operations at Department of Justice and Community Safety, VictoriaFred Alale is a public service senior professional with over 20 years policy, project management and system-wide improvement experience across the public and private sectors (including Big 4 Management Consulting – EY, KPMG & Deloitte) in Australia and the UK. He is currently working as part of Victorian government efforts to keep Victorian businesses compliant with the Public Health Officer Directions as a Director, Policy and Enforcement Review Office.Fred is also active within the African Australian communities where he serves on a number of Boards including, Chair of the African Music and Cultural Festival and the Treasurer of Africa Day Australia Incorporated. He is also a member of the Government’s Victorian African Communities Action Plan (VACAP) implementation committee.

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Emeritus Professor Andrew Markus AO joins hosts, Anthea Hancocks and Lydia Tesema for the second episode of the Voices of Australia Podcast.

Professor Markus takes us through an overview of what 15 years of measuring social cohesion has taught us about Australia.

Andrew Markus AO Biography:

Andrew Markus, is an Emeritus Professor at Monash University’s School of International, Historical and Philosophical Studies. His research specialisation is in the field of racial and ethnic relations, ethnic communities, and immigration policy.Since 2007, Professor Markus has been the author of this globally recognised, ground-breaking analysis of Australians' perceptions of migration, multiculturalism, trust in government and indicators of social cohesion.The exceptional work is the only ongoing study of its kind in the world, charting the Australian population’s views every year. This study has received national and international recognition for this ground breaking research. Markus authored the unparalleled Australia@2015 project.This landmark research initiative included a survey in 20 languages, completed by more than 10,000 respondents, and more than fifty focus groups conducted in four states. More recently, Professor Markus designed and implemented the inaugural Australian Cohesion Index.

His first survey of Australian attitudes towards immigrants was conducted in south-east Melbourne in the 1990s.He has led two national surveys on attitudes within the Jewish community. Since 2004 he has been a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia

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Australian Multicultural Foundation's Dr Hass Dellal joins hosts, Anthea Hancocks and Lydia Tesema for the very first episode of Voices of Australia to discuss Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Institute podcast hosted by Anthea Hancocks and Lydia Tesema about all interesting things related to the world of social cohesion. In this episode we discuss:

How Dr Hass Dellal defines social cohesion.
What impact his family's move to Turkey at 12 years old on his life?
What social cohesion looks like in practice?
Who is responsible for promoting social cohesion?

Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.auYou can also Tweet us @Scanlon_Inst

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What is social cohesion? Is it a feeling, a goal, or a process? Depending on who you ask you’re likely to get a different answer. To help us navigate this topic, this week we are launching the Voices of Australia Podcast– a podcast exploring all things interesting about social cohesion in Australia. Hosted by the Scanlon Institute CEO Anthea Hancocks and Below the Surface magazine founder, Lydia Tesema, this podcast is filled with insightful perspectives from a range of diverse voices on how to create a cohesive society. The first series unpacks the question: ‘What is Social Cohesion?’ With the help of fascinating guests that come from a range of diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, we challenge listeners to rethink this all-encompassing term and reflect on their own personal and professional relationships with social cohesion.

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In this episode Senior Researcher Trish Prentices discusses her recent essay for the Institute titled ‘From the far side of the world to the corner of your street’. Trish interviews some of the migrant small business owners featured in the essay to explore the social role that small businesses play in our neighbourhoods.

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Writers James Button and Julie Szego discuss the Institute's latest narrative, exploring the rapidly-shifting context in which students from the People's Republic of China (PRC) come to Australia.

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Stefan Delatovic speaks to Walkley award winning journalist James Button about the current landscape of English language learning among migrants and refugees in Australia and, in particular, the state of Australia's Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

Scanlon Foundation Research Institute: Recent Episodes

Scanlon Foundation Research Institute