What happened at INSPIRE 16?

Saturday 18 June, 2016

Brisbane Powerhouse

Inspire TALK, moderated by 612 ABC presenter Kelly Higgins-Devine.

Stan Grant delivered an articulate and heartfelt plea for a national conversation about indigenous rights in Australia. Trent Dalton revealed how he, as a long-form journalist, encouraged people to talk about about their private and personal life. Robin Bailey opened up about her husband’s suicide and how sharing her difficult journey with radio listeners helped her through her grief. 

Inspire DEMOCRACY, moderated by Erik Jensen, editor of The Saturday Paper. 

Dr Lorann Downer exposed the branding strategies employed during political campaigns and how voters could take back their power. Mark Bahnisch examined the modern history of Queensland’s pineapple politics from Joh to Campbell Newman with some surprising insights for federal counterparts. Jan Owen AC and Eyal Halamish challenged the notion of traditional democracy, urging young Australians to demand more and drive the political landscape. 

Inspire DRIVE, moderated by author Robert Hoge. 

The 2016 Queensland recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards revealed what drives them in their personal and political pursuits. Michael Ross shared his personal hopes and fears for the next generation of Olkola people. The Orange Sky Laundry team and Tim Fairfax AC talked about their latest passion projects, and Catherine McGregor AM returned to the INSPIRE stage with renewed inspiration, acknowledging the arts as a driver of positive change in the community.