EVERY day Australians hear fresh news out of the United States about President Donald Trump.
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But what influence do international events like Donald Trump’s rise to the top job in the US and Britain’s departure from the European Union have on Bendigo?
That is one issue a free event to be held in the city next month will explore.
A lecture hosted by La Trobe University will see city planning expert Dr Julie Rudner, consultant, author and activist Tasneem Chopra, Jimmy Possum founder Margot Spalding, and former Bendigo Bank chief executive officer Rob Hunt discuss the societal climate and the future for the community, both locally and in a broader international context.
Dr Rudner said the panel would consider where things were heading in Bendigo and the world at large, and how the community could move forward from division.
Topics such as multiculturalism are expected to come to the fore of the discussion.
“We all have to figure out how to live together, and live together well,” Dr Rudner said.
Dr Rudner said it was a “conversation we need to have”, particularly following issues that had proved to be contentious within the community, such as that of the city’s proposed mosque.
The process of globalisation meant Bendigo was not disconnected from events happening on the international stage, she said.
World events like Donald Trump’s election had had a universal effect, Dr Rudner said, opening up various conversations within the community.
She said she was concerned about some international politics, especially those seen in the US, but had faith Australia would move away from those approaches.
“I think Australia has a choice or opportunity now to make a set of decisions that leads us away from the worst in divisionary politics,” she said.
The event is the first in La Trobe’s Bold Thinking lecture series, a series of events that will bring together experts and academics to discuss current topics of interest and challenge the audience to “think boldly”.
The “Bendigo - What is the vision for a free and cosmopolitan city of the future?” lecture will be held at The Capital on March 16 from 6.30pm to 8pm.
To register attendance, visit the event website.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
