As we approach what is now a somewhat contentious Australia Day the question of what it means to be an Australian has never been more important..

In the past this topic has been a dog whistle to racists and xenophobes but in 2025 it is remains a very important question that transcends tawdry negatives.

My three year old granddaughter and I love the Seekers song:

“We are one and we are many and from all the lands on earth we come.

We share a dream, and sing with one voice

I am, you are, we are Australian”

Perhaps I am naive; the issue is of course “what “dream" do we share and to what extent do we “sing” as one?

Western Sydney University chancellor Jennifer Westacott has urged Australians to use the celebration to rediscover civility and our larrikin sense of humour, saying the nation is losing its ability to engage in a contest of ideas

I also think Noel Pearson said some very wise words in 2014, at the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Australian newspaper

Our nation is in three parts,” he told the audience. “There is our ancient heritage, written in the continent and the original culture painted on its land and seascapes. There is our British inheritance, the structures of government and society transported from the United Kingdom fixing its foundations in the ancient soil. There is our multicultural achievement: a triumph of immigration that brought together the gifts of peoples and cultures from all over the globe, forming one indissoluble commonwealth."

Answering the question “What does it mean to be Australian” may also help us move forward in managing the unresolved issues that follow on from the failed “Voice” referendum.

Please join us for an “internal” discussion of this topic.

Michael Ondaatje, long a supporter of Tuesday Dialogues and head of the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science at Griffith University will lead the discussion with me.

What do you think?

We really look forward to your participation and hearing your thoughts on Tuesday February 4th

First Tuesday Club General

Arrive from 5.30pm to meet and catch up with TBD people (active volunteers and supporters, partners, sponsors and previous speakers). Guests are free to leave from 7pm but the discussion always continues. Location to be detailed on confirmation emails.

First Tuesday provides a safe space for free speech from differing perspectives and of course The Brisbane Rule applies. The Principle of Charity is another good one to bear in mind. In some cases, the Chatham House Rule may be invoked. Discussions are not recorded, though notes may be taken and meeting notes might be published, anonymised if appropriate.

Pay forward or what you can afford to keep FTC self-sustaining and contributing a little to The Brisbane Dialogues, with student and young grad volunteers and interns (and former speakers and valued sponsors) very welcome to enjoy a freebie.

Note that FTC is a private series for active volunteers, interns, supporters and partners of The Brisbane Dialogues. Email us if you would like to be actively involved, or would like to bring a guest who is interested. To save embarrassment and respect the volunteers who make a significant effort to manage attendance numbers and these events in general, please don't try to turn up without reserving a place.

If you book a place but cannot make it, please email us so we can re-offer your place, as there is often a waiting list. Conversely, it is a good idea to your name on the waiting list in the Humanitix system if the event is showing "sold out"