This month I celebrated a milestone birthday in a beautiful way surrounded by loved ones; family and friends, who had all in some way played a special part in my life through their love, support, friendship, guidance and encouragement. It was a good time to reflect on the importance of community, belonging and identity, and it turned out to be an occasion where I became aware of a common opinion held by those that knew and loved me. Everyone spoke to me or about me in terms of my ability to unite and positively impact others, and my ability to overcome adversities and turn these into posi ..read more

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and 10 October is world mental health day.  It is the day and the month that aims to raise awareness and spread education about mental health issues across the globe. World Mental Health Day was first observed on October 10, 1992, as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health. The day initially did not have a specific theme and its aim was to promote mental health advocacy and educate the public on relevant issues. Seeing the popularity of the campaign, in 1994 for the first time a theme for the day was used which was “Impro ..read more

How has this last month been for you? I know for so many lives, particularly in recent weeks, has been really challenging.  People around Australia and the world struggling with the isolation and mental anguish of lockdown and restrictions, coping with the devastation of natural disasters, paralysed by the fear of oppression and violence, and all of us still trying to navigate through constant uncertainty.  And for many of us, some days are easier to bear than others. For me and my family, September has been a tough month.  Personally and professionally I have felt inc ..read more

In the last few days, we have all been horrified and heartbroken by the chaotic, frightening and tragic scenes coming out of Afghanistan as its American-backed government fell at lightning pace to the insurgent Taliban, nearly 20 years after the US first sent troops to the country. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government took the US and most world leaders by surprise and, as always, the innocent and the brave were and are still the ones suffering the most, through fear, displacement, oppression, victimization, violence and death. When the US forces entered Afghanistan in late 200 ..read more

This month brings with it the long-awaited and much anticipated Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. For many of us, the belated Games bring a much-needed source of distraction, excitement, joy and most importantly, inspiration. I have found myself over recent days switching off from the daily news updates of COVID infection rates around the country and the world, and instead of switching to live footage and replays of remarkable sporting achievements and nail-biting competition.  But mostly I have been touched by the incredible life stories of so many of this year's Olympia ..read more

From Sunday 4 July to Sunday 11 July in Australia, we celebrate NAIDOC Week.  This week is an opportunity for all Australians to come together every year to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet. This year's theme - Heal Country - calls for all of us -Indigenous and non-Indigenous - to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. A country that is more tha ..read more

This month was a stark reminder of the amount of work there is still to be done in our country if we are to call ourselves a nation that cares about our citizens.  At the beginning of this month, the Australian Government announced a complete travel ban on all direct flights from India as a result of the rapidly growing rates of COVID-19 in the country.  The Federal Health Minister in a press conference stated that anyone, including all Australian citizens trying to return home from India, who attempted to break the rules would face a fine of up to $66,600 or ..read more

This month in Australia and New Zealand we commemorate ANZAC Day.  A significant and poignant day for our countries that in many respects, through the sacrifice of our men and women, marked our coming of age as nations. I am not an ANZAC, but I am honoured to have served as an Australian veteran, albeit with the British Army. There is so much I could say about the courage, commitment and sacrifice displayed by those for over a century who have and do serve their country, who have put themselves in harm’s way for the greater good and a higher purpose, and the broken hearts of the families ..read more

A lot can happen in a month! Last month I was writing to you from the Gold Coast, reflecting on how fortunate we were in Australia to once again enjoy the freedom of movement and travel within our country.  Now as I write to you, parts of Queensland are hours away from going into lockdown and facing an uncertain week ahead with many questions around what Passover, Easter and Ramadan for many will look like. Last month I wrote about the need for men and women to join forces to reflect on and celebrate the work that has been done to further equality, and the need to commit to the important ..read more

Last month I asked you what word or words would you choose to motivate you, guide you and inspire you for 2021, and I shared with you that for me those words would be compassion and hope. As I type this newsletter to you from my hotel room on the Gold Coast, I find myself reflecting on the fact that yesterday was the first time I flew in a plane to travel across Australia in almost a year.  Something I used to do every other week and took for granted has now become an experience I savour, marvel at and feel so much gratitude for. We are so lucky to be living in a country where o ..read more