Big Ideas

• 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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• Acclaimed author Christos Tsiolkas on fence-sitting in a time of fracture

  When acclaimed Australia author Christos Tsiolkas was invited to give the 2025 Ray Mathew Lecture at the National Library of Australia, he had in mind what he wanted to say, as difficult as it was. Then he got a rage-filled message from a longtime friend. How did Christos respond? Is fence-sitting an indulgence in an ethically troubled, divisive, dislocated world? Or, is 'speaking across the fence' something writers and other creatives can offer us?"We're urged at all times — and for every occasion — to take a position. Yet is there a utility, both practical and ethical, in taking a breath, a pause, and refusing to land definitively on a stance?"  — Christos TsiolkasSpeakerChristos TsiolkasAuthor of The Slap, The In Between, Barracuda, DamascusPlaywright and screenwriterFurther informationMore about the annual Ray Mathew Lecture, including the transcript and video of the 2025 lecture

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• The stories we tell about cricket — with Paul Giles and Gideon Haigh

  From The Don to Warny, the Gabba to the G, from its legacy of British colonialism, to the Asian powerhouse nations of today — cricket is not just a sport, but also a reflection of the societies who play it. Drawing on a wealth of writing about the sport, including novels, biographies, and media reporting, this lecture explores the cultural and historical legacy of cricket.This event was recorded at the Australian Catholic University on 30 October 2025.SpeakersPaul Giles Professor of English, Australian Catholic UniversityGideon Haigh Journalist and author of The Cricket War, The Summer Game and On WarneEditor and host, Cricket Et Al podcast and newsletterOpening batsman, South Yarra Cricket Club

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