Language Matters

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 to signify solidarity with people facing racism and racial discrimination. March 21st was selected as the day, commemorating the day in 1960 when police in Sharpesville, South Africa killed 69 people and injured 180 at a peaceful demonstration protesting the 1952 Pass Laws Act.  In 1999, Australia rebranded IDERD as ‘Harmony Day’ to shift the focus from racial discrimination to highlighting the harmonious nature of Australian society, reframing a day of advocacy, solidarity and commemoration into a celebration of cultural diversity.  IDERD is an opportunity to consider the power of language when discussing racism, multicultural inclusion and belonging. How can seemingly positive messaging around inclusion provide a misleading backdrop for the historical injustice and discrimination that many people continue to face today? And how to we also acknowledge and continue supporting ‘harmony’ events that are genuinely bringing communities together? In this episode, MYAN Ambassador Nayonika Bhattacharya talks with Dr Teresa De Fazio OAM about her connection to this day and how we might hold the complexity of both belonging and racism. About our guests:Dr Teresa De Fazio OAM (GAICD) has extensive experience in inclusive leadership development, strategy and governance, as well as an academic in the field of education and educational leadership. She is the Director of Intersect Global Partners working with government, industry and community. Apart from being a Board member of Zoos Victoria, she is the Chair of the Adult Community and Further Education Board. She served two terms as a Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. In the Australia Day Honours 2021, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to tertiary education. Nayonika (she/they) is a solicitor, storyteller, and community organiser practising in Warraang (Sydney). As a third-culture kid with Indian roots, an Omani upbringing, and now calling Australia home, they see the world through a kaleidoscope of cultures, compassion, and curiosity. They currently co-chair the National Policy Alliance with MYAN Australia and support several other organisations as a board member or lived experience advisor. 

Join Kate as she sits down with Dr. Sonia Srinivasan to discuss the importance of bowel cancer screening.Dr Sonia Srinivasan (she/her) is a GP and Adjunct Research Fellow with the SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence in Women's Health at Monash University, where she works on improving access to reproductive healthcare in General Practice. Dr Sonia is half Indian, half American, fully Kiwi and holding as tightly as she can to her New Zealand accent despite moving to Melbourne almost 10 years ago. In her spare time, Dr Sonia is a radio host on Triple RRR’s Sunday morning show Radiotherapy.In this engaging conversation, they break down misconceptions, highlight how simple and non-intrusive the screening process can be, and share practical ways to support each other in improving health outcomes within multicultural communities. Don't miss this empowering discussion aimed at fostering awareness and proactive health practices.

This episode is hosted by Kate from the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network and engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sonia Srinivasan about the importance of breast and cervical cancer screening. Dr. Sonia is a GP and Adjunct Research Fellow with the SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence in Women's Health at Monash University, where she works on improving access to reproductive healthcare in General Practice. Dr Sonia is half Indian, half American, fully Kiwi and holding as tightly as she can to her New Zealand accent despite moving to Melbourne almost 10 years ago. In her spare time, Dr Sonia is a radio host on Triple RRR’s Sunday morning show Radiotherapy.They explore the barriers faced by multicultural communities, strategies for supporting one another, and ways to improve health outcomes through awareness and community-focused initiatives. Tune in for valuable information and tips on fostering a culture of proactive health care.

We're diving into @thedailyaus, a news outlet founded by two young entrepreneurs, Zara and Sam. They're on a mission to offer quality journalism to younger audiences and foster healthy media habits. With over 365,000 subscribers and 85% under 35, well look at how The Daily Aus is gaining the attention of a new generation of news consumers. Join us as we investigate the shifting face of journalism in Australia and how The Daily Aus is leading the way.

Episode 1 of the MY Voice Podcast is here (see the next slide for a little sneak peek)! Join Hashwina, MYAN's VIC Youth Ambassador (YAN) who speaks to Alicia Johnson (AJ), a First Nations woman, PhD scholar, activist and podcaster! In this episode, they discuss Close the Gap day, First Nations Justice, health disparity and allyship between multicultural and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.