Big Ideas

The racism and resilience Padma Raman’s parents experienced lit a social justice fire in her early on. She landed on the sunny shores of Sydney in the 1980s and watched both her parents face racism and discrimination seeking work.  She’s gone on to dedicate her career to making the world a better place for women and girls. It’s taken her to the halls of Federal Parliament and the United Nations. The Pamela Denoon lecture is presented by the ANU Gender Institute and the National Foundation for Australian Women. SpeakersPadma Raman PSMExecutive Director Office for Women at the Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetAkrti TyagiHead of Digital at Girls Run the World Sally MoyleDeputy Chair of the National Foundation for Australian Women

Australians have a hardcore addiction to fast fashion. That means dyes in our waterways, microplastics in our bodies, and hundreds of thousands of tonnes of textiles dumped in landfill. Fashionista or not, do you feel powerless to change an industry dominated by global fashion giants making giant profits? Meet four passionate crusaders with fashion, finance, tech, textile, and industry know-how who are already finding ways.They join Big Ideas host Natasha Mitchell at the 2025 Ocean Lovers Festival at the Bondi Pavilion on Gadigal Country.SpeakersDr Christopher HurrenAssociate Professor in Textile ResearchInstitute for Frontier MaterialsDeakin UniversityDanielle Haj-MoussaInvestor, technologist, and co-founder of Tech for Social Good non-profitLeader of Fashion Collective portfolio with deep tech fund Main Sequence VenturesDr Lisa LakeDirector, Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion + TextilesUniversity of Technology Sydney and TAFE NSWKit WillowFashion designer and sustainable fashion pioneerCreator of international labels Willow and KitXFounder, CirkitThanks to Lorna Parry and Carolyn Grant at the Ocean Lovers Festival for curating this event.Further information:Uluu (biodegradable materials start-up)Alt.leather (start-up company developing 'leather' made from plants)Samsara eco (start-up company developing plastic eating enzymes)Xefco (start-up company developing new ways of dying and processing materials)Newera Bio (start-up company developing new dyes and pigments for textiles)Nanollose (company turning liquid waste into rayon fibres for clothes)Blocktexx (company recovering polyester and cellulose from textiles and clothing)Project Boomerang (plans for a textile recycling plant run by the Salvos)

Warren Ellis is best known as the charismatic violinist with legendary Australian instrumental rock trio Dirty Three and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Justin Kurzel's new documentary Ellis Park is a both portrait of Ellis as he comes to terms with his Ballarat childhood, and a film about the devastating impacts of wildlife trafficking, and why Ellis was driven to buy land in Sumatra to home rescued animals.The pair join the ABC's Zan Rowe at the film's premiere to talk about their collaboration, the act of creation, and of giving back.This conversation was recorded at the Melbourne International Film Festival.SpeakersWarren EllisMusician, Dirty Three, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and moreFilm score composerAuthor, Nina Simone's Gum: A Memoir of Things Lost and FoundJustin KurzelDirector, Ellis Park, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, True History of the Kelly Gang, Snowtown and moreZan Rowe (host)Presenter, Take 5, Double J and ABC TV

How do nations work together to control access to our vast universe, negotiate who gets what resources, or even who gets to set up new colonies on far away planets? And how do we ensure that we don’t just export earthly conflicts on take-off? ‘Unlocking Cooperation: Space Diplomacy’ is a talk from the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. SpeakersDr Diane HowardFormer Director of Commercial Space Policy at the National Space Council in The White HouseMai'a CrossDirector at the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures at Northeastern UniversityAnn C ThresherAssistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University

What's happening in Gaza is horrifying and shocking. As the world watches on, how are different Jewish communities reckoning with a war being waged in their name by Israel, against Hamas and the Palestinian people?This event was recorded at The Wheeler Centre on 27 May 2025 in partnership with the Jewish Council of Australia.SpeakersPeter BeinartAuthor, Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning and The Crisis of ZionismProfessor of Journalism and Political Science at the City University of New YorkEditor-at-Large of Jewish Currents MagazineFellow, Foundation for Middle East PeaceRegular contributor, New York Times and MSNBCSarah Schwartz (host)Co-founder, Executive Officer, Jewish Council of AustraliaLegal Director, Human Rights Law CentreLecturer, University of Melbourne Law School

Join Kaya Barry, a cultural geographer focusing on seasonal migrants, and Nunes Cosbar, a Timorese musician on a PALM visa, as they dive into the unseen experiences of temporary workers in Australia. They discuss the emotional challenges and aspirations faced by these workers in agriculture, alongside Ken Dachi and Ema Vueti, who advocate for community connections. Explore the complexities of the PALM scheme, including exploitation, family separations, and the cultural contributions that enrich rural communities.

Terry O'Connor and Tim Etchells, co-founders of the acclaimed British theatre company Forced Entertainment, dive into the intricate relationship between performance and authorship. They explore how a performer embodies another's words, creating emotional connections in the process. The discussion highlights the ethical nuances of voicing diverse narratives and the collaborative spirit that enriches theatrical work. Technology's role in rehearsal and the profound themes of communication and intimacy in performance further illuminate the creative landscape they navigate.

Gina Chick, author of 'We Are the Stars' and winner of Alone Australia, shares her profound journey of resilience after facing unimaginable hardships. Alongside Hugh Van Cuylenburg, founder of The Resilience Project, she discusses the transformative lessons learned from 'dark nights of the soul.' Their conversation touches on the healing power of storytelling, embracing uniqueness, and the joy found in life’s challenges. They humorously recount childhood adventures and the complexities of sibling dynamics, offering insights into self-acceptance and growth.

Mark Maguire, an anthropology professor at Maynooth University, and Setha Low, a psychology and anthropology expert at CUNY, join sociologist Alex Vitale to discuss the troubling rise of 'security capitalism.' They explore how our fear of crime drives consumer behavior, creating a paradox where perceived safety yields increased anxiety and isolation, particularly in gated communities. The conversation questions the effectiveness of surveillance technologies and advocates for community-led safety solutions that foster social solidarity, dispelling the notion that more security equals less fear.

Tasma Walton, an actor and author known for 'I Am Nannertgarrook', alongside Darren Rix and Craig Cormick, co-authors of 'Warra Warra Wai', explore the reclaiming of Indigenous narratives and identities. They discuss the impact of colonialism on First Nations families and the urgent need to restore traditional place names. Anthony Sharwood shares insights from his work on the Polish freedom fighter connected to the mountain. The conversation highlights storytelling's power in fostering cultural understanding and the emotional resilience inherited from women's histories.