QPAC

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

Talks & Conversations

Changing the Conversation Changing the Game Sport, Women, and Culture

12 Mar 2024, 7pm

Concert Hall

Buy Tickets

$25 *

* A transaction fee of $7.20 applies.

1 hour 30 minutes

no interval, subject to change without notice

Join us for the first Changing the Conversation event of the year with Changing the Game: Sport, Women, and Culture, facilitated by Benjamin Law and featuring Mariel Hecher, Azmeena Hussain OAM, and Dr Sarah Kelly OAM.

The world of sport has the power to shape culture by teaching us about the rules of fair play, respect for opponents and resilience in the face of challenges. Sport is also influenced by cultural norms, and we often see issues of structural inequality for women and girls, and incidents of racism, discrimination, and systemic bias both on and off the sporting field.

Don’t miss this challenging conversation with our panel about what happens when the world of sport, the world of women and the world of multiculturalism collide, opening up a space to explore the power of sport as a catalyst for inclusion, empowerment and breaking barriers.

The event will include a curated performance by Women of the World (WOW) Australia, a proud supporter of the event.

About Changing the Conversation

Bringing together thought leaders from academia, government, business, and the community to engage in robust discussions about multiculturalism in the Australian context, the Changing the Conversation series – presented by Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC – explores issues of who and where we are as a nation and what we need to do to create a society that better reflects and cares for all its people. Changing the Game: Sport, Women, and Culture is the first of four events in this series to be held in 2024.

See the full series of events here.

An amazing night where I heard inspiring speakers and listened to a future that filled me with hope for a new direction.

Previous Attendee
… Extremely worthwhile. Some extremely interesting speakers from across the age range. I am looking forward to the next event.

Previous Attendee
… The Multicultural Australia panelists were brilliant.

Previous Attendee

This event is presented in Concert Hall Reverse Mode with the audience seated in close proximity to the speakers on the Concert Hall stage.

Purchase a ticket at QPAC in 2025 and go in the draw to win a Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid, thanks to Hyundai – proud Principal Partner of QPAC.

To enter the competition, submit an entry form via the QPAC 40 Giveaway competition page. Terms and conditions apply.

The Concert Hall Visual and Sensory Guide [PDF, 5MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Panel

Benjamin Law (Facilitator)

Benjamin Law writes books, TV screenplays, columns, essays and feature journalism. Every week, Benjamin co-hosts ABC RN’s weekly national pop culture show Stop Everything. He also co-hosts online startup and tech TV show That Startup Show, and you can catch him on TV shows like Q&A (ABC), The Drum (ABC), The Project (Ten) and Filthy Rich and Homeless (SBS). 

Mariel Hecher

Brazilian-born football player Mariel Hecher is Vice Captain of the Brisbane Roar A-League Women’s team. A passionate sportswoman and team player, Mariel holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Brazil’s Universidade do Valo do Paraiba, and a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and Master of Osteopathic Medicine from Southern Cross University.

Azmeena Hussain OAM

Melbourne-born lawyer Azmeena Hussain OAM is a Principal at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Non-Executive Director at the Victorian Institute of Sport, Chairperson of the Islamic Museum of Australia and member of the SBS Statutory Community Advisory Committee. She was appointed an Ambassador for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Dr Sarah Kelly OAM

Professor and Head of the QUT Graduate School of Business Dr Sarah Kelly is an experienced commercial lawyer and non-executive director across the sport, technology and professional services sector.

She is a member of the Brisbane 2032 Games Organising Committee board, and Deputy Chair of the Brisbane Lions AFL Football Club.

QPAC

Changing the Conversation Changing the Game Sport, Women, and Culture