Voices of Australia

S3 E10 | Health and social cohesion: A symbiotic relationship

In Episode 10 of Voices of Australia, Scanlon Institute's CEO Anthea Hancocks unpacks the interdependency of health and social cohesion with two highly respected public health physicians.Healthcare leader and infectious disease expert Associate Professor Kudzai Kanhutu from the University of Melbourne and Royal Australasian College of Physicians, together with Professor Benjamin Cowie Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Infectious Diseases Physician at Doherty Institute, discuss the critical nature of access to primary healthcare and learnings gained from the healthcare response during Covid-19 through the lens of social cohesion.With an insightful discussion, A/Prof Kanhutu and Professor Cowie analyse aspects of the current healthcare system and where there is room for improvement as it relates to building a cohesive community.
Catchup on all our episodes: https://scanloninstitute.org.au/podcast

S3 E9 | The impact of inequality on Australian society

This episode features Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute interviewing journalist Peter Mares and Dr Cressida Gaukroger on the escalating issue of inequality in Australia, and its multifaceted impact on society, democracy, and social cohesion. The conversation explores the ways in which inequality is manifesting, particularly through the housing market, and the implications this has on Australian society.

S3 E8 | Building social capital and active citizenship

In this episode, Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute chats to Grace Williams, founder of Citizen Tasmania about the organisation's work and its efforts to support migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in resettling in Tasmania. The conversation delves into the challenges these individuals face, the role of education and social capital in their integration, and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in a new environment. Citizen Tasmania's mission is to empower these communities to gain social capital, express themselves, and feel part of Australian culture, addressing the gaps in resettlement that hinder their ability to thrive.
Grace shares that her strong belief in the power of education, ingrained during her upbringing in West Africa, played a crucial role in her resettlement experience in Tasmania. She explained that being literate allowed her to better understand and engage with her new environment, making her transition easier compared to others who might lack such skills. This experience fuelled her passion for advocating education as the foundation for successful resettlement, as it provides the necessary tools to reflect, ask questions, and make informed choices. As a law graduate and winner of a social justice bursary, Grace worked to amplify the voices of those less literate in human rights, further deepening her commitment to supporting educational attainment for others.

S3 E7 | The role of businesses and industry in fostering community cohesion

Episode 7 of the Voices of Australia podcast looks at the impact of businesses and industry on creating a socially cohesive community. Join Scanlon Institute's CEO Anthea Hancocks, as she discusses the topic in depth with Prisma Legal founder and Chair of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce, Fotini Kypraios, and Deakin University Industry Professor Robin Scott (former Minister of Victorian Parliament). Together they unpack how businesses can contribute to social cohesion, who should be responsible and why its important businesses consider social cohesion, and how Government can partner with industry to create tangible outcomes. Fotini and Robin provide also provides insightful discussion about the importance of embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in organisational culture which in turn drives a more cohesive society.  

S3 E6 | Preparing for the future: Education, social cohesion and the power of social enterprise for young people

In this episode, Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute talks to Nathaniel Diong, founder and CEO of Future Minds Network on the transformative power of education and social enterprise in preparing young people for an uncertain future.
Nathaniel shares his personal journey of overcoming a sense of helplessness after high school and discusses the pivotal role of education in fostering social cohesion. He discusses the need for young people to develop empathy, communication, and conflict resolution skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world where many future jobs don't yet exist. He also highlights the impact of his Malaysian Australian heritage on his sense of belonging and connection within society. We hear how at only 16 Nathaniel founded and became CEO of Future Minds Network (FMN), an award-winning youth engagement and training organisation.
Listen now to explore how we can equip the next generation to thrive in a world where many future jobs don’t yet exist. 
 
 

S3 E5 | Social cohesion begins in neighbourhoods

In episode 5, Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute talks to Em James (Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association) and Rosita Vincent (Neighbourhood Collective Australia) about the important role neighbourhood houses play in building social cohesion.  
You will hear from two different perspectives on how neighbourhoods activate to respond to community needs - one being through the lens of regional town Bendigo, Victoria and the other, more broadly sharing unique insights into how its down across Queensland neighbourhood house. 
During a cost of living crisis, does your neighbourhood play a role in helping those most in need? Who's responsibility is it to maintain levels of social cohesion within neighbourhoods?
Tune in to hear our guests' thoughts!

S3 E4 | Fostering Trust: Keys to Economic Growth and Community Harmony

Fostering Trust: Keys to Economic Growth and Community Harmony
Episode 4 of the Voices of Australia podcast explores the crucial role of trust in nurturing economic prosperity and social unity. Hosted by Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI), this episode features Ian Harper AO, a renowned economist, academic and distinguished public commentator.
Ian shares profound insights drawn from navigating pivotal decisions during the pandemic, emphasising the significant responsibility inherent in influential economic roles. He passionately advocates leveraging privilege to serve broader societal goals, a principle he has instilled in his students. Ian’s reflections on the intersection of economics, social cohesion, and understanding individuals' positions offer a compelling exploration of how trust is key to economic sustainability.
 
About the Podcast:
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. 

S3 E3 | Building social cohesion through the power of sport

In Episode 3 of the Scanlon Institute’s Voices of Australia podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the acclaimed AFLW player Emma Kearney. Join our host, Anthea Hancocks, as they delve into a conversation about the role of sport in breaking down barriers and fostering community.
We know that sports have the power to bring people together, but through our guests, we explore this impact even further. Anthea and Emma examine the broader benefits of sports beyond the competitive realm, focusing on its educational and social advantages, such as enhancing youth engagement and improving academic outcomes.
Emma also shares insights on how sport’s unifying power transcends language barriers, providing a sense of belonging and identity for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Tune in to discover more in this thought-provoking episode!

S3 E2 | The role of media and social cohesion

In the second episode of Season 3 of the Voices of Australia podcast, we explore the influence of media/social media on social cohesion. Host Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, is joined by guests Jon Faine AM, former ABC radio presenter and author and Misha Ketchell, Editor of The Conversation AU and NZ.  Through the lens’ of two of Australia’s well respected journalists, together with our Host Anthea, we unpack how the media landscape has changed with the rise of social media and what the media’s responsibilities are in the context of social cohesion.  Join us for an insightful exploration into how media dynamics shape social cohesion and public understanding.  Be sure to tune in every Thursday at 10AM for a new episode!
 
About Misha Ketchell
 
Misha is the Editor of The Conversation Australia and New Zealand. He has been an editor and journalist for more than 25 years.
 
He was founding editor of The Big Issue Australia and editor of Crikey, The Reader and The Melbourne Weekly.
 
He was also a reporter and feature writer at The Age and also worked at the ABC where he was a TV producer on Media Watch and The 7:30 Report and an editor on The Drum.
 
 
About Jon Faine AM
 
Jon Faine is a Vice Chancellors Fellow at the University of Melbourne for 2022 and 2023, attached to The Melbourne Law School but with a roving commission across the entire university.
 
Until October 2019 Jon Faine was the host of the agenda-setting morning broadcast for ABC Radio in Melbourne for over twenty years. Before joining the ABC in 1989 to host ‘The Law Report’ on Radio National, Jon had  practised for seven years in both commercial litigation and as a legal aid/human rights advocate. Countless conference presentations, panel moderations, MC duties, guest lectures and public events complement his legal and media career. Add to that a best selling travel book, several oral history publications, multiple opinion and commentary pieces for major newspapers, regular TV appearances and guest radio spots, as well as being script advisor for several films completes his diverse career.
 
For over thirty years, Jon has been in demand for conference keynote speeches, presentations, facilitation, and panel moderation. Specialising in complex matters of public policy, strategy, legal issues, technological challenge or cultural clashes, his work has covered every imaginable field.
 

S3 E1 | The role of humour in creating a more cohesive society

Join us for the Scanlon Institute's Voices of Australia Podcast Season 3 debut episode, where we delve into the intersection of social cohesion and humour with our guest, Diana Nguyen. Hosted by Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, this episode promises a lively exploration of how laughter can bridge cultural divides and strengthen community bonds.
In this episode, Diana shares her insights on the power of comedy in fostering social harmony. From her experiences hosting The SnortCast to her role as co-creator of #PhiandMeTV, Australia's first Vietnamese Australian family comedy series, Diana illustrates how humour can transcend cultural barriers and challenge stereotypes. She reflects on her personal journey, including her acclaimed work on stage and screen, highlighting the importance of representation and storytelling in building a more inclusive society.
Throughout the conversation, Diana's infectious enthusiasm and passion for community shine through. Whether she's discussing her latest creative projects or the impact of laughter on individual lives, Diana brings a refreshing perspective to the ongoing dialogue on Australian identity and social cohesion.
Join us as we delve into Diana Nguyen's inspiring story and discover how laughter can bridge divides and empower communities.
About Diana Nguyen 
Diana Nguyen is a dynamic creative entrepreneur known for her roles as a comedian, writer, personal branding consultant, theatre maker, guest speaker, MC, and performer. Dubbed #DancingDiana, she has a strong LinkedIn following and founded The Launch Off, a Personal Branding business. Diana's career highlights include receiving the Overall Asian Australian Leadership Award in 2021. She adapted Alice Pung's novel "Laurinda" for Melbourne Theatre Company and is currently developing "Phi and Me Too," a TV show supported by Screen Australia. As co-creator of #PhiandMeTV, Australia's first Vietnamese Australian family comedy series, Diana continues to push boundaries in entertainment. Her engaging presence extends to television appearances and extensive tours across Australia and internationally. Offstage, Diana enjoys basketball and mastering surfing.