Understanding social issues; understanding how we should respond to climate change

Most everything in life is resolved and dealt with through a social response and so the better we understand our social implications and complications, the move prepared we are for whatever dilemma confronts us.

And the king of all dilemmas, the most wicked problem facing humanity, and so communities at all levels is climate change; something that is both vastly misunderstood and underestimated, and for many people a dilemma not even on their personal radar.

Shepparton will soon have the chance to hear a fellow who is Australia’s pre-eminent social researcher, Hugh Mackay.

Beyond being a social researcher, Hugh has written extensively about his  findings in many books, including his latest, “Beyond Belief”, and he will discuss that, along with his earlier works on Friday, August 12.

He is being brought to Shepparton by Slap Tomorrow and the Shepparton event will support the Goulburn Valley Community Fund.

Tickets for the 7:00pm event, at the Go TAFE Harder Auditorium, are $10 each and will include a light supper and can be secured from The Community Fund at  (03) 5832 8221 or from Collins Booksellers in Maude St, Shepparton, at 5822 2679.

Climate change advocates need to listen to Hugh Mackay

Hugh Mackay’s knowledge and understanding about what communities do and how they operate is legendary.

And so it is important for those who care about and understand the implications of climate change to listen closely to what this Australian social researcher has to say.

Hugh’s latest book is about religion (“Beyond Belief”), while his previous book, “The Art of Belonging” explored more about how communities work.

The Shepparton-based Slap Tomorrow, working with the GV Community Fund will host a visit by Hugh to Shepparton on Friday, August 12, when he will speak at the Harder Auditorium at 7:00pm.

Admission of $10, including a light supper, will raise funds for The Community Fund.

Tickets can be secured from Cheryl Hammer atThe Community Fund on 58328 221; Helen and Joe Sofra at Collins Booksellers in Maude St, Shepparton, 5822 2679; and Slap Tomorrow members Rober McLean at 0400 502 199 or John Pettigrew at 5826 9567.

A retrospective view we should all take a look at

Hugh Mackay is known to many Australians and his piece in today’s Melbourne Age (January 26) should be read, considered and acted upon by all Australians.

Hugh Mackay.

Writing today in the Forum under the heading: “They were a weird mob, the Australian’s of 2013”, Mackay gave us an Australia Day retrospective view arguing that looking back, often provides and astonishing view.

Mackay talks about what was and what we considered normal and how that process has unfolded to lead Australians, again, into another blind canyon.

Discussing the many things presently happening in Australia that injures both our society, and that of the world, and our environment, and of course that of the world, Mackay asked: “Did they really not get it?”