What is OpenForum?

Open Forum is an independent collaborative think-tank built around an interactive discussion website hosted and moderated by Global Access Partners (GAP). It provides a platform for focused dialogue on social, political, economic, ecological and cultural issues and challenges.

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Kiss Goodbye to MS


An initiative of MS Australia, Kiss Goodbye to MS calls on people with multiple sclerosis (MS), their friends, family and colleagues to raise funds for vital research into a cure of the disease. During the month of May, MS Australia asks everyone to wear red lipstick, dare others to go red and share the message with special Kiss Goodbye to MS events throughout Australia.


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Have we got a story for you!


Sydney Writers' FestivalThe Sydney Writers Festival 2013 takes places on 20 to 26 May 2013. It is an annual literary festival that includes author talks, conversations, film screenings, panels, readings, workshops and various events for children.


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Photographic Competition


Do Something Near YouThe Do Something Near You organisation invites everyone to embrace their creative urges and help celebrate volunteers. In an attempt to influence Australians to explore, engage, and empower change through volunteering in their local communities Do Something Near You is holding a photo competition.


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Blog of the Day

Dominique Chaleyers picture

Racing toward a cure


posted by Dominique Chaleyer, May 22, 2013

There doesn’t seem to be an obvious link between the desire to help sufferers from multiple sclerosis and a passion for racing cars. Dominique Chaleyer manages to combine the two as an ambassador for MS Research Australia, raising funds by racing a red vintage Alfa Romeo.

We all grow up with dreams, and mine has long been to help people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) … and to race vintage cars with dad. I wondered if I could somehow intertwine these passions.

The hurdle to my first dream was to realise that I’ll never be a neurologist or scientist of any kind; in fact I flunked math and science at school. So any ambitions becoming a nurse or researcher were quickly quashed.

Secondly – I’m not Nuvolari or Schumacher. So, pursuing motorsport as a career was out of the question. Here is a girl with a degree in film production, a huge imagination and a mighty lead foot. So, ‘good luck with all of that’, I’m sure the man upstairs said.


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Featured Forum

Productive Ageing


As a growing number of still active people in their mid-60s reach retirement, they are no longer content to '’keep busy'’ with hobbies, travel, volunteering and grandchildren.

Many seek a life of extra purpose, meaning and personal fulfillment. In stark contrast with the dream of earlier generations to finally achieve “the freedom from work”, the aspiration of many in this new wave is “the freedom to keep working”.

Ahead of the GAP/ACHR A Future without ‘Age’ Conference  to be held in the Legislative Assembly Chamber of NSW Parliament House at the end of May, Open Forum will explore the social implications and economic opportunities created by Australia's ageing population.

The profound change in life expectancy generated by medical advances and higher living standards over the past six decades have created a new period of life of some 20-30 years between the traditional retirement age of many people and their dotage. A new ‘age’ has evolved, wedged between middle-age and old age.

Keeping people of mature age in the workforce for longer has been a policy goal of successive Australian governments. However, most initiatives to date have focused on the years leading up to retirement, including an extension of the superannuation guarantee and remedial employment services for older job seekers after redundancy.

There has been no attempt to determine why redundancy occurs in the first place.

There are no formal resources to help the increasing number of senior Australians seeking a productive “third age”. This remains a journey without a map.

If you’d like to share your thought and ideas on productive ageing or be involved in the Conference, please contact Helen at hhull@openforum.com.au.


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Productive Ageing

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