Big Ideas

• The role of spirituality and religion in mental health care

  The connection between body and mind is well established. But mental health expert Daniel Fung also includes the soul in this 'ecosystem' that shapes your overall wellbeing. He envisions a future for mental health services, that is person-centred, holistic and consciously uses digital tools and social media.Beautiful minds, Loving hearts: Asian Mental Health Ecosystems in 2050 was presented at TheMHS (Mental Health Services) conference 2025 in BrisbaneListen to Big Ideas — How to overcome the fear and anxiety that are holding you backSpeakersDaniel Fung - CEO Institute of Mental Health, SingaporeBarbara Disley - Board Member, TheMHS Learning NetworkFurther informationMindline - digital first-stop touchpoint for mental health in Singapore

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• A song for every feeling? Pub Choir's Astrid Jorgensen with Natasha Mitchell

  From innocently conning controversial radio duo Kyle and Jackie O as a kid, time in a Zambian convent as a teen, to nearly becoming an air traffic controller before finding her real passion - helping others find their voice - Astrid Jorgensen has quite a story to tell. Her new memoir is called Average At Best. She is anything but. She is anything but. On any one night, anywhere in the world, you’ll find Astrid on a stage in front of a few thousand people singing their hearts out. But to call Astrid Jorgensen a choir conductor doesn’t really capture the incredible global phenomenon she’s created.  She’s the founder, composer, and host of Pub Choir, described as the “world’s biggest one night stand in song”. This event was organised by Northern Books in Castlemaine and held at the Fitzroy Town Hall in Naarm/Melbourne.SpeakerAstrid JorgensenFounder and conductor of Pub ChoirAuthor, Average At Best (Simon and Schuster Australia, 2025)Further informationHow Astrid Jorgensen turned a suburban pub choir into a worldwide musical phenomenon (Australian Story/ABC News, 2025)Watch Australian Story episode about Astrid on Youtube (2025)

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• Victoria's new treaty with First Peoples — a turning point for Australia?

  Australia now has its first treaty with this country's first peoples. After nearly a decade of formal consultation and negotiation, the Victorian Statewide Treaty has become law, and will come into effect from early December. This address outlines the long road to achieving the treaty, why it's important, and what comes next.The 25th Dr Charles Perkins Oration was recorded on 28 October 2025 at the University of Sydney.SpeakersNgarra MurrayCo-chair, Victorian First People's Assembly

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• Pay attention — writer Emily Maguire finds promiscuous curiosity and cultural receptivity in the creative process

  Humans are by nature creative, but how do we turn a spark of inspiration into something more tangible? Author Emily Maguire draws inspiration from some of the world's most creative minds — from Lin Manuel Miranda, to Susan Sontag, to explore the ingredients of a truly creative life.The 2025 Colin Roderick Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Foundation of Australian Literary Studies at James Cook University in partnership with the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, was recorded on 29th July 2025 in Townsville.SpeakersEmily MaguireAuthor, Rapture, An Isolated Incident, Love Objects, and moreTeacher of writing, Writing NSWThe Vanya QuartetElder Conservatorium, University of AdelaidePlaying Saoirse, composed by Belle Smibert

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• Can science keep dementia at bay and keep your brain sharper − for longer?

  As we grow older, changes to our bodies and minds are inevitable. But what if science could help us age better? Our experts on Big Ideas uncover the latest science behind healthy brain aging. What's possible in the fight against cognitive decline and dementia? How might you live a longer, healthier, and more meaningful life?Presented by Sydney Ideas, the talk program at the University of SydneySpeakersAssociate Professor Eleanor DrummondSenior Lecturer (Neuroscience), School of Medical Sciences, University of SydneyOlivier PiguetNHMRC Leadership Fellow and Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of SydneyGilbert KnaggsSociology PhD candidate, University of SydneyElfy Scott (host)award-winning journalist, podcaster, and presenter

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