Fearless Conversations

Join us for our final Fearless Conversation of 2022 as we explore the cultural and social shifts on the Australian mainstage and the increased demand for authenticity in performance over the past decade.

Our esteemed panel examined the identity positions of the artists, directors and producers themselves, and how the stories they tell and the work they deliver have evolved to meet the needs of an industry seeking to centre diverse stories.

Flinders University is represented by Professor of Drama Dr Chris Hay, an Australian theatre and cultural historian along with Gaelle Mellis, Creative Director of Tutti Arts, Nescha Jelk, Director of Single Asian Female, and Carissa Lee, a Noongar actor, writer and editor born on Wemba-Wemba country.

Join us to explore the connection between genetics and environmental factors, such as stress, in mental health outcomes and how we, as a society, could be doing more to reduce the burden on families and communities.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we uncover the current state of knowledge around mental health prevention and the response and treatment of people experiencing mental health issues.

The panel is facilitated by 7NEWS Presenter Mark Soderstrom and includes Associate Professor of Psychology Sarah Cohen-Woods of Flinders University, South Australian Mental Health Commissioners John Mannion and David Kelly, headspace Program Manager Jessica Morgan, and Executive Manager for Youth Services at Sonder Steven Wright.

The inaugural Fearless Conversations from our Next Generation in partnership with The Advertiser. Hear from three students from years 9-10, who appeared on stage discussing their fearless ideas to create a better future for all South Australians. Each student submitted a 30-sec video telling us about an important topic that matters to them, and these students were selected to lead this panel discussion live on stage at the Adelaide Town Hall.

We are an interconnected and interdependent world. A crisis in one country can quickly impact the health, cultures and economies of societies around the globe.

The war in Ukraine. The conflict in Syria. The COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these crises has resulted in significant localised and immediate emergency situations, which have later spread to cause vast and wide-reaching global impacts upon business, trade, political landscapes, and societal health and wellbeing, just to name a few.

So, what is the fallout of these global emergencies and how well equipped are we to respond to and combat future crises?

Facilitated by Jess Adamson, the 2022 Investigator Lecture featured Reverend Tim Costello - one of Australia’s most respected community leaders and a sought-after voice on social justice issues, leadership and ethics along with a panel of experts including Professor Paul Arbon AM, PhD FACN, FAAN, Professor Leonard Notaras AO and Erick Tlozek.

We are an interconnected and interdependent world. A crisis in one country can quickly impact the health, cultures and economies of societies around the globe.

The war in Ukraine. The conflict in Syria. The COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these crises has resulted in significant localised and immediate emergency situations, which have later spread to cause vast and wide-reaching global impacts upon business, trade, political landscapes, and societal health and wellbeing, just to name a few.

So, what is the fallout of these global emergencies and how well equipped are we to respond to and combat future crises?

Facilitated by Jess Adamson, the 2022 Investigator Lecture featured Reverend Tim Costello - one of Australia’s most respected community leaders and a sought-after voice on social justice issues, leadership and ethics along with a panel of experts including Professor Paul Arbon AM, PhD FACN, FAAN, Professor Leonard Notaras AO and Erick Tlozek.

Our latest Fearless Conversations explores what the Federal Government’s new climate change bill, which is committed to a 43% emissions reduction by 2030, will mean outside of Parliament and how extreme weather events and changes to seasonal conditions affect our community and economy, as well as specific industries such as agriculture.

In recognition of National Science Week (13 – 21 August) you will hear from experts who have turned their passion into practice by dedicating their careers to either studying the earth’s weather and ocean patterns or creating a more sustainable world for all.

Our expert panel includes Associate Professor Cassandra Star, Senior Lecturer Dr Graziela Miot da Silva, Malcolm Leask, Owner and Director of McLaren Vale winery Hither & Yon, SA’s first carbon neutral certified wine brand and Peter Nattrass, Manager, Future Industries at Department for Energy and Mining.

The discussion is facilitated by 7NEWS Journalist and Presenter, Jane Doyle OAM.

Join us for an important conversation about the state of education in South Australia and whether our children and young people are on the right track for a bright, resilient, and successful future.

Are we designing quality pedagogy - the method of teaching - and supporting our next generation of teachers and educational professionals?

How are digital technologies and new innovations influencing learning and how do we ensure the outdoors are still a crucial part of a child's learning environment?

In this engaging discussion, we'll also explore the impact of the massive disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has on education and how it has shifted the physical, social and emotional domains of learning.

The expert panel includes Martin Westwell, Chief Executive, Department for Education and Flinders University represented by Joss Rankin, a Senior Lecturer in Physical and Outdoor Education, and an advocate for health and wellbeing in young people, and Dr Andrew Bills, Lecturer in Educational Leadership and Management.

View this important conversation about the factors behind financial security and what might impact the stability of your future. This Fearless discussion explores the hot topics around superannuation, including what retirement looks like for most Australians today and why the medium super balance is more for men than women.

Our expert panel explores price rises in the cost of essential goods such as electricity, gas, housing and petrol and how this is impacting Australian households today. Finally, we'll delve into cryptocurrencies and NFTs - what exactly is behind the hype, and more importantly, should we still be paying attention?

This Fearless Conversation is facilitated by 7NEWS Journalist and Presenter, Mark Soderstrom, and Flinders University will be represented by Dr Michelle Yeong, Senior Lecturer in Accounting in the College of Business, Government and Law. Also joining our panel are business leaders David Robertson, Chief Economist, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Nick Peacock, Director of Milestone Project Management and Tristan Barnes, South Australian State Manager, UniSuper Advice.

Ahead of National Reconciliation Week 2022, this episode will explore how to continue advancing Indigenous participation in higher education and beyond; and will discuss issues of justice, rights and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community priorities and aspirations.

Facilitated by 7NEWS Journalist and Presenter, Jane Doyle OAM, the panel includes Hon Kyam Maher - Attorney-General of SA and Shona Reid - CEO of Reconciliation SA, along with Flinders University's Associate Professor Simone Ulalka Tur - Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Uncle Richard Fejo - Senior Elder on campus in Darwin.

As our world continues to contend with COVID-19 and recover from recent disasters such as floods and bushfires, the responsibility placed on those in power has no doubt increased. How has the pandemic and other events affected democratic responsiveness? Have the events of the past two years made us question the ability of our political leaders? What do we need from our politicians and changemakers in times of uncertainty – and are we receiving it now?

Hear from our expert panel including Deputy Premier and Flinders University alumni Hon Susan Close MP, Associate Professor Dr Rob Manwaring, Lucy Hood MP, Rebekha Sharkie MP and facilitated by Channel 7's political reporter Mike Smithson.

Join our Fearless Network to be the first to view an important discussion on women who are challenging industry norms with purpose and passion to help break the bias.

Learn about the challenges these fearless women have overcome to help pave the way for other women to follow suit. 

Hear from Professor Maria Parappilly OAM, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics, Litsa Adamou, South Australia’s first female building inspector and Melinda Parent, Creative Director and Founder of an all-female led advertising agency, Oranje Creative, in this engaging conversation.

Exploring the state of the arts in South Australia. Are we really the Festival State?

Our creative industries not only entertain and enlighten us, but they are also a major force in our state’s economy. So, how are they faring? We find out in Fearless Conversations Episode 12: Creative Industries.

How will the arts industry rebuild after Covid?
How do we bring our film industry back to the levels of its heydays?
Is it important that we create films and productions that tell our own Australian stories?
How critical is diversity in the arts and how do we evolve the arts for the future?
How do we make the arts an attractive career?

Facilitated by The Advertiser’s Patrick McDonald and Anna Vlach, join Garry Stewart, Professor in Creative Arts Flinders University and Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, Douglas Gautier, CEO & Artistic Director Adelaide Festival Centre, Kate Croser, CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation and Heather Croall, CEO & Artistic Director Adelaide Fringe for a fearless look at the industry that inspires us and reflects who we are.

How do we protect and support our health and care workforce?

In Fearless Conversations Episode 11: Health & Care we discuss a sector that is struggling with more than just the global pandemic.

Two-thirds of the aged care workforce is likely to leave in the next five years - how do we keep them?
How many mental health beds do we need?
How do we stop ambulance ramping?
Is enough being done in prevention and early intervention?
Should all our aged care facilities be not-for-profit?

Join The Advertiser’s Brad Crouch, with Flinders University’s Professor Alison Kitson, Vice President and Executive Dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Professor Julie Ratcliffe, Health Economics and Matthew Flinders Fellow, with Jane Mussared, Chief Executive of COTA SA, and Lyn Dean, Chief Executive – Wellbeing SA as they explore questions that could change the way we look at health and care in South Australia.

“Can South Australia achieve net-zero by 2050?”

The Prime Minister’s 2050 net-zero plan has started many conversations across the country, but in Fearless Conversations Episode 10: Energy & Mining we take a deeper dive into a topic that affects us all.

How will changes to infrastructure, water needs and the workforce influence our decision making? Can we balance mining with agriculture? How will renewables and hydrogen power impact the future? Will space technology be a big disruptor? And can we rely on technology to keep pulling rabbits out of the hat?

Fearless Conversations Episode 10: Energy & Mining is facilitated by The Advertiser’s Chris Russell, with Mark Gregory, Vice President, Corporate and Chief Operating Officer, Flinders University, Rebecca Knol, Chief Executive Officer South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME), Kristin Raman, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), Adam Hammersley, Construction and Project Manager, SIMEC Energy Australia. Don’t miss a discussion that examines how we will embrace and impact our future.

What are the opportunities for SA's innovation and enterprise sectors post-Covid?

In Fearless Conversations Episode 9: Innovation and Enterprise, we unpack the rapidly shifting landscape of business in 2021, bringing together some of our brightest minds to answer questions such as:

How do we create the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators?
How critical is social media success in today’s world, and how do you leverage it effectively?
How can research and industry work side by side to innovate?
What happens when things don’t go to plan, and how do you survive and thrive?

Hosted by The Advertiser’s Joe Tauriello, join Flinders University Professor Melissa de Zwart, Flinders student Eloise Hall, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Taboo Period Products, Tammy Barton, Founding Director of MyBudget, and Andrew Nunn, Co-Founder, Chairman & Executive Director of JBS&G Australia as they discuss the changing faces of innovation and enterprise in the modern world.

What is the future of education in South Australia?

In Fearless Conversations Episode 8: Education, we shine a light on the future of our education sector. Ranging from local to international issues, our panel explores questions that affect our country, our state and our children, such as:

• When will we welcome back International students and why should we?
• Are Australian students falling behind the rest of the world?
• Are there jobs after uni?
• What is the future of the ATAR?
• Is the funding for public and private schools balanced?
• University mergers? Are they on the cards?

Professor Colin Stirling, President & Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University, Wendy Johnson, Principal of Glenunga International High School, and Karyn Kent, Chief Executive of StudyAdelaide, join The Advertiser’s Chris Russell for a truly fearless conversation.

What role will South Australia play in our hi-tech future?

South Australia is rapidly becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing, but what opportunities does Industry 4.0 present for local manufacturing businesses?

In Fearless Conversations Episode 7: Advanced Manufacturing, we examine topics such as the intricacies of global supply chains, the roles of high-tech hubs like Lot 14 and the Tonsley Innovation District, the impact of the AUKUS announcement, and the reversal of the brain drain as we come to terms with South Australia’s role in the future of manufacturing.

Join The Advertiser’s Cameron England, with industry experts Professor John Spoehr, Flinders University, Sharon Wilson, Continuous Naval Shipbuilding Strategy Director, BAE Systems Australia, George Freney, Entrepreneur, Director, Advisor & Investor, Anthony Kittel, CEO REDARC Electronics and Audra McCarthy, CEO Defence Teaming Centre for a conversation vital to South Australia’s economic future.

Can we stay on the road to net-zero emissions by 2050?

In Fearless Conversations Episode 6: Environment and Sustainability, we delve deep into topics that quite literally affect life on earth.

Can we stay on the road to net zero, and do people really understand the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss? Do we have the political will to consider options like nuclear power? As we move towards zero emissions, does South Australia have effective sustainability strategies and environmental planning processes in place?

Join The Advertiser’s Clare Peddie, with Flinders University Professor Corey Bradshaw, Dr Ben Heard, Senior Consultant, Frazer-Nash, Kyra Reznikov, Head of the Environment and Planning practice, Finlaysons Lawyers and Laura Trotta, Senior Environmental Engineer, GHD in an eye-opening and fearless conversation.

How can transport and infrastructure help us maintain Adelaide’s reputation as Australia’s most liveable city?

The economic future of our state and our reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking city depend on us having fearless conversations.

How do we link the South Eastern Freeway to the North/South corridor? Do we need to bring back transit-orientated developments? What are our regional infrastructure and road priorities? The $670 million riverbank arena? Should that money be spent elsewhere?

Join The Advertiser’s Matthew Abraham, with Flinders University Professor Rocco Zito, Daniel Gannon, SA Executive Director, Property Council of Australia, Karen Redman, Mayor of Gawler, Tony Braxton-Smith, CEO Department for Transport & Infrastructure, and Ann Ferguson OAM, Mayor of Mount Barker District Council for Fearless Conversations Episode 5: Transport and Infrastructure.

How do we kickstart South Australia's wine and tourism sector?

The changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic have impacted multiple industries, and South Australia’s wine and tourism sector has felt the effects from day one.

Episode 4 of Fearless Conversations: Wine and Tourism takes an in-depth look at the big issues facing the industry, from changing attitudes to local holidays and the cruise industry, through to the future of travel bubbles and the promising emerging markets for our wine industry in the wake of China-imposed tariffs.

Facilitated by The Advertiser senior journalist Brad Crouch, join Flinders University Professor Roberta Crouch, Andrew Kay, CEO Wirra Wirra Wines, Corrina Wright, Head Winemaker/CEO Oliver's Taranga Vineyards and Peter Williams, CEO Phil Hoffmann Travel, Fearless Conversations: Wine and Tourism examines an industry vital to our state.

Can digital technologies cure our sick and ailing health system?

Episode 3 of Fearless Conversations, Digital Health and Technology, brings together a panel of experts to tackle the big issues in health including innovation, ethics and patient safety.

The Advertiser senior journalist Brad Crouch is joined by Flinders University Professor of Digital Health Systems Trish Williams, orthopaedic surgeon and Flinders alumnus Dr Matthew Liptak, former global managing director for IBM Health Dr Terry Sweeney, and CareApp founder and CEO Allison Nikula.

The panel explores the roles that different digital technologies can play in solving health problems whilst creating an industry out of digital health. Is it possible to use technology to not only improve patient care but to make it easier for individuals to interact with the healthcare system?

Fearless Conversations Episode 3: Digital Health and Technology discusses how digital technology could help create solutions for our stressed health system.

Hosted by The Advertiser's Paul Starick, Fearless Conversations Episode 2: Defence features Flinders University Professor Giselle Rampersad, Nova Systems Group CEO Jim McDowell, BAE Systems Maritime Australia Managing Director Craig Lockhart and CE Defence SA Richard Price. 

These renowned experts put South Australia's defence sector in the spotlight and discuss the future of the state's defence.

Sport in the spotlight
Hosted by The Advertiser’s Andrew Capel, Fearless Conversations Episode 1: Sport features Flinders University senior lecturer in Sport, Health and Physical Activity Dr Sam Elliott, Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei, Port Adelaide Football Club CEO Matthew Richardson and Adelaide Oval CEO, Andrew Daniels.

These renowned experts put sport in the spotlight, discussing the issues that are impacting sport today, and will play a part in our society in the future.

What role can sport play in rebuilding communities after Covid?
How do we stamp out racism in sport?
How do we elevate women’s competition?

Frank, honest and often confronting, Fearless Conversations Episode 1: Sport takes a fearless look at a cornerstone of Australian life.