Expanding our friendship circle ---- the Australian dilemma

What are the secrets to Australia making and keeping robust friendships within our region? Why do we seem to cycle between infatuation and hostility, with far too little in between? Love affairs are not the goal; rather long-term, durable interactions that provoke confidence among citizens of Australia and other countries, that a genuine community of shared interests can thrive. Is it an achievable goal?

Geraldine Doogue AO

Presenter, ABC RN Saturday Extra which specialises in foreign policy, regional issues, agenda-changing commentators, good books.

Previously a reporter for the West Australian, The Australian, 2UE, Channel 10 and the Presenter/Creator of ABC RN’s Life Matters; host of ABC TV's Nationwide in the 1980s.

Played a central role in ABC-TV's coverage of the first Gulf War in 1991, receiving a United Nations Media Peace Prize and two Penguin Awards.

Awarded a Churchill Fellowship for social and cultural reporting (2000).

Co-author Tomorrow's Islam: Uniting Age-Old Beliefs and a Modern World (2005); in August 2014 released a book published by Text Publishing called The Climb: Conversations with Australian Women in Power.

Honorary Doctor of Letters awarded from the University of Western Australia (her alma mater), Macquarie University, Sydney University, and ANU.

Officer in the Order of Australia for distinguished service on issues involving ethics, values, religion and social change.

Admitted to the Australian Media Hall of Fame in 2018.

Watch the lecture here.